Direct Support Specialist - Addictions

Job Title

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) (e. g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal-setting, nutrition needs); monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback.

Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e. g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies).

Plans and facilitates community-based activities (e. g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation / socialization); facilitates access to community resources (e. g., AA/NA meetings, school, job placement).

Contributes to safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques.

Serves as "ambassador" of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS's services and programming.

Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e. g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer).

Provides transportation (e. g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e. g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats); teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.

Provides personal care, as needed (e. g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques).

Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed.

Supervises self-administered medication, depending on the specific clinical program's protocols.

Identifies assigned clients' food and/or medication allergies and exercises reasonable care to avoid exposure to allergens.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED.

EXPERIENCE

• Over two and up to three years full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition.
• Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Teaching skills.
• Patience and empathy.
• Maturity and judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS

• Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• May include frequent lifting of patients.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proof of automobile liability insurance.
• Positive driving record.

Time Type:

Full time