Direct Support Professional (Weekends Only)

Direct Support Professional (Weekends Only)

Job Type: Full-Time, Part Time and Relief

Pay: $22-$23/hour (Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience)

Location: Newton, MA

Supervisor: Program Manager

Schedule: Per diem basis doing residential and overnight shifts to cover temporary vacancies/absences

Purpose:

Pathway to Possible is a congregate care facility and allows independent living and assisted living for adults with developmental disabilities in the Newton and Wellesley areas. The program allows for housing for adults referred to us by the Department of Developmental Services and to increase their self-sufficiency and independent living skill development. The program supports adults to:

• Develop skills and abilities needed to be productive members of their residential program.
• Develop skills and abilities needed to live independently if able.
• Establish and promote lifelong connections.

Pathway to Possible is responsible for providing a safe and healthy environment, and welcoming atmosphere, while ensuring the safety of the residents. This position is responsible for reminding residents of their daily schedules & providing supportive companionship. Our staff are expected to be strong role models for the clients we serve and have the ability to develop positive relationships with our clients.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Providing supervision, documenting all activities within the P2P policies and on program sponsored outside activities, following all protocols.
• Provide supportive counseling and intervention services to residents as needed.
• Maintain shift coverage and primary supervision and support of residential clients.
• Assist the Case Manager/House Manager/Program Supervisor with monitoring the residents' compliance with daily expectations as outlined in the Program Expectation.
• Set and contribute to a safe, dignified, orderly atmosphere by enforcing program rules, policies, and procedures as well as through observing stated agency policy.
• Assist the Case Manager in monitoring resident's compliance with service plan tasks and goals.
• Act as a role model - guiding clients and facilitating appropriate behavior about daily living skills, self-care, personal interaction, social relationships and constructive time management.
• Coordinate social activities for residents.
• Accompany residents to appointments when necessary
• Maintain the programs daily logbook. Ensure residents daily activities, issues or problems are recorded.
• Maintain residents' case records in accordance with program guidelines.
• If MAP certified, ensure all medications are administered and recorded in medical log.
• Facilitate informal group discussions with residents & staff on a regular basis to establish a basis for communication about house issues, maintenance, schedules, and other program matters.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and staff.
• Respond to client requests in a professional and courteous manner; Observe and adhere to client confidentiality standards.
• Ensure the safety of participants by limiting access to facility to participants, staff, and authorized visitors and service providers; help to ensure adequate health and safety standards are maintained throughout the facility.
• Perform daily maintenance, cleaning and kitchen duties (assist in preparing & cleaning rooms, cleaning and maintaining the kitchen and dining areas, daily upkeep and cleaning of common areas and office areas); Assist with serving resident meals as needed.
• Assist in maintaining positive community relations.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies including contacting appropriate staff, interacting with police, fire, and medical personnel as needed. Contact on call agency worker in all emergency situations in accordance with program guidelines.
• Maintain and promote the cooperative, harmonious, teamwork environment P2P strives to promote within the workplace; Maintain and promote an atmosphere of dignity and respect in line with the philosophy and policies of P2P.
• Interact with other team members to ensure communication, consistency and teamwork among staff.
• Provide reception duties in a professional and courteous manner, relay timely and accurate messages. Provide information upon request about available services offered. Complete assigned designated shift-specific tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or bachelor's degree desirable.
• 2-3 years of experience working in a residential setting.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with clients who are struggling with some challenging behaviors.
• Ability to read and write English and to document and to update case records and logs proficiently.
• First Aid/CPR certified or the ability to obtain it within 1 month of hire.
• Ability to work with developmentally challenged individuals and diverse staff, clients, and volunteers.
• Flexibility and working as a "team player" mentality; ability to work with minimal to moderate supervision; an extreme focus on good judgment with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor with great interpersonal and communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds
• Must be able to provide physical assistance to adults using wheelchairs
• Must be able to evacuate individuals supported within 2 minutes
• Must be able to assist individuals in transferring from sitting to standing

Other requirements:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license.
• Clearance of CORI and SORI background checks as required by state and federal law.
• Clearance of DPPC registry as required by state law
• A cleared search of finger printing through the DDS criminal background check
• Current MAP certification and maintain MAP certification for the duration of employment.
• Comfortable working in an environment with a therapeutic cat.