Self Direction CommHab 1 - Self Determination

Self-Direction Community Habilitation Specialist

Enjoy making a difference? Join the team at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), enriching the lives of others, one individual at a time. FREE benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual / developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to support people of all abilities reach their full potential and thrive in their communities. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of both the self-directed participant and FI Coordinator designee in a comanagement manner, the Self-Direction Community Habilitation Specialist (SD-CHS) is responsible for the organization/implementation of activities for daily living and community integration coordinated through self-directed services. Provision of support for the person served is dependent on the individuals need(s) and may include; however is not limited to, physical lifting, pushing, transporting, moving and/or assisting the person served in the completion of job duties. The SD-CHS is responsible for fostering and maintaining an environment that promotes the health and safety of all persons served. The SD-CHS abides by all agency policies, procedures, mission, vision, etc., practices the code of ethics and meets the expectations of the core competencies set by OPWDD/NADSP.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides direct services that support the participant(s) in a least restrictive manner. The SD-CHS will assist the participant(s) in identifying activities that reflect the participant(s) wishes and assist them with developing more independence.
• Responsible for ensuring the supervision of participant(s) based on individuals abilities including areas of self-care, independent living, community integration, etc.
• Initiate, complete, read, and maintain respectful and professional communication with person(s) served, circle of support, broker, coworkers and supervisors n all forms to include; however is not limited to: the use of Internet based applications, messages, all progress notes as well a hard copy tracking sheets, incident reporting procedures and other appropriate means both verbally and in writing, etc. All communication shall safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals served.
• Organize, implement, teach, assist, and support participant(s) with the implementation of their Self-Directed Plan in a respectful and thoughtful manner, inclusive of daily living skills and activities for person(s) served by focusing on the participant(s) first and understand that self-directed support will require flexibility, creativity, commitment, sensitivity, etc. This includes; however, is not limited to:
• Teaching and motivating participant(s) in daily living and community integration skills based on the participant's objectives and valued outcomes identified in the Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Planning and facilitating one-on-one in community or at place of residence, etc., providing skill assessment, support and development; arranging and providing transportation or travel training using public transportation to meet individuals and/or programmatic need.
• Assisting/supporting the FI coordinator in preparing, maintaining, recording and filing appropriate records of participant(s) program in their program file in accordance with Agency standards, practices, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Completing documentation of services provided in accordance with regulations, policies, practices and procedures.
• Documenting and monitoring, as directed by Fiscal Intermediary/management, participant(s) spending money and money management as per Agency policies, practices and procedures.
• Respond appropriately to crisis/emergency situations in order to ensure and secure the safety and well-being of participant(s). Response includes acting appropriately to severity of the situation, adherence to regulatory/agency guidelines, communication and documentation of situation to appropriate staff, honor the participant's right to assume risk in an informed manner, etc. Prevent abuse and correctly follow procedures for responding and mandated reporting to Agency and Justice Center representatives/personnel as directed. Work with participant(s) and their support network to identify areas of risk and to create safeguards to these concerns.
• Proactively and respectfully address challenging behaviors. Demonstrate understanding and practice of SCIP-R techniques (as needed).
• Demonstrate professionalism, diversity and inclusion by providing quality service/care with respect and dignity for participant(s). This includes; however, is not limited to:
• Demonstrating professionalism while representing the Agency in any job-related activities both on site and in the community.
• Developing positive and productive relationships by recognizing the importance of them and proactively facilitate relationships between the participants and their family/friends.
• Demonstrating support for participant(s) choice-making in order to enhance confidence and assertiveness inclusive of recognizing and taking pride in participant's abilities and achievements.
• Providing opportunities and supports that help the participant(s) be viewed with respect and as integral members of their communities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, respect and ability to work in a team environment.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Report to work on time, maintains regular attendance, and attends meetings/trainings, etc. in accordance with agreement between FI Coordinator Designee and family.
• Completes all required trainings inclusive of SCIP-R (as needed) and CPR/First Aid (as needed).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Qualifications

18 years of age or older

High School Diploma or equivalent required plus one year experience working with Developmentally/Intellectually Disabled individuals preferred

Valid driver's license with no more than 8 points

Ability to be flexible and work in a team environment

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills a must

Computer skills and keyboarding familiarity required

Must be able to be reached by phone and have a vehicle to transport and complete agency business

Evidence of understanding and empathy for the ID/DD population

FREE's Core Values

All team members are expected to represent the core values of the organization, outlined below, at all times.

• Integrity...we expect the conduct of all team members in the FREE network to be rooted in transparency and honesty and to be consistent with our stated values.
• Diversity...we believe in the dignity and worth of all people. We strive to foster an appreciation of, and respect for, the differences among all of us that enrich the world.
• Responsiveness...we commit to striving to meet to the needs of the people we support, valued team members and the unmet needs of the community.
• Quality...we support people to plan, choose, and contribute to their personal outcomes and to live a rewarding life based on their individual choices and preferences.
• Stewardship...we recognize our responsibility in managing the resources of the FREE network responsibly, effectively, and efficiently.
• Innovation...together, we find creative solutions to take advantage of opportunities and meet challenges while celebrating our collective accomplishments.
• Interdependence... we pledge to promote a collaborative environment driven and enabled by a dedicated team of professionals. WE is more powerful than YOU or I.

I have read, understood and agreed to the Direct Support Professional job description, and have been given the opportunity to ask questions regarding its content.

FREE is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. In addition to federal law requirements, FREE complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in all of its locations. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises' affirmative action efforts related to protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are set out and described in our affirmative action plan for protected veterans and individuals with a disability. If you have any questions or would like to view the affirmative action plan, please visit our website