Direct Support Staff

Direct Support Staff

The Direct Support Staff works under the general supervision of the Home Supervisor. The DSS shares responsibilities with other staff for the daily operations of the group home and supervision, training, assessment, and assistance of the residents served by Advo Companies, Inc. Hours consist of evenings, weekends, and overnights.

Position requirements include:

• GED, High School Diploma or ABLE test (provided on site) along with 3 letters of recommendation.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have valid Texas Drivers License.
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.
• Must have a good driving record.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening.
• Must have the ability to read and understand written and verbal instructions.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and maintain a regular work schedule.
• Must be able to work hours other than those regularly scheduled and in other Advo Companies Inc., group homes and be open to overtime.
• One-year experience in human delivery services preferred.
• Must be able to complete training, both academic and physical, i.e.: CPR, First Aid, and Prevention Management of Aggressive Behavior.
• Must have a wristwatch with a second hand.

Primary duties include:

• Ensuring the health and safety of all individuals by:
• Notifying Medical Personnel IQMRP of any individual's symptoms of distress/illness.
• Maintaining a safe, hazard-free environment.
• Conducting evacuation drills as requested by your supervisor.
• Accompanying individuals to medical appointments, as requested.
• Monitoring and documenting accurate times of seizures, PMAB restraints and any other time frames as directed.
• Ensuring all daily hygiene and grooming needs performed and individuals present a clean and neat appearance, including:
• Toileting
• Bathing and shampooing
• Hair and Nail Care
• Shaving (males and females)
• Oral Hygiene
• Dressing (neat, of proper fit, clean, appropriate weather, etc.)
• General Hygiene and Grooming
• FEMALE STAFF ONLY - Menstrual Care
• Ensuring appropriate grooming supplies and appliances are available and in good repair.
• Notifying Home Supervisor of needed clothing/supplies, etc.
• Completing meal preparation, including:
• Preparing all meals according to menu/diet
• Serving all meals and snacks in a normalized atmosphere with all individuals included in the meal.
• Serving all meals and snacks within the portion-sized guidelines indicated in the individuals' doctor's orders following the rules and practices of good nutrition.
• Practicing recommended sanitation techniques.
• Providing all recommended adaptive feeding equipment.
• Implementing all recommended feeding goals and guidelines.
• Ensuring the cleanliness of utensils, plates, tables, chairs, etc., before and after the meal.
• Implementing continuous active treatment with all individuals through:
• Conducting and documenting all goal-related training objectives as recommended by the IT.
• Conducting and documenting appropriate and normalized daily living skills (i.e., meal preparation, cleaning house, etc.)
• Conducting and documenting appropriate and normalized daily living skills (i.e., community outings, neighborhood walks, etc.)
• Integrating skill development emphasized outside of the home (i.e., school, work, etc.)
• Prompting and encouraging independence in self-help not related to a training goal, as needed.
• Ensuring the individual rights through:
• Maintaining confidentiality of individuals.
• Assisting individuals in maintaining contact with family and friends through written correspondence, telephone calls, or visits maintaining the privacy of all individuals in the home.
• Treating all individuals and authorized visitors (family, friends, advocates, consultants, etc.) in a respective manner.
• Ensuring that all individuals in the home have access and use of personal property, and that property is maintained appropriately.
• Supervising, as needed, trust fund expenditures and use of personal funds with the individuals.
• Reporting all known or suspected violations of rights immediately.
• Providing safe transportation through:
• Transporting individuals to regular activities and scheduled outings.
• Maintaining a valid Texas Drivers License and Insurability.
• Maintaining clean appearance and condition of the vehicles.
• Ensuring the smooth operation of the home through:
• Maintaining cleanliness and appearance of the home.
• Performing all duties necessary to the operation of the home when other staff normally assigned to those duties are not available.
• Notifying Home Supervisor of needed supplies/materials.
• Notifying Home Supervisor of needed home maintenance/repair.
• Completing laundry duties as directed.
• Using and maintaining property in the home appropriately.
• Maintaining cleanliness and condition of adaptive equipment.

Advo Companies, Inc.