Direct Support Worker - Adult Services

Job Location: Maple House (1804 Lakeside) - Iowa City, IA 52240, Position Type: Part Time, Job Shift: Any

The Direct Support Worker provides support to individuals with disabilities, helping them live independently, safely, and actively in the community. This position will assist individuals in a home living environment with daily tasks, personal care, medication management, and community engagement activities designed to achieve their personal goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interacts with individuals regularly, listening and appropriately responding to their concerns.
• Connect individuals to activities within the community to support physical and mental health needs.
• Provide encouragement and coaching in support of learning and daily living skills.
• Assist individuals with shopping for personal needs and desires.
• Coach individuals on sound financial management decisions.
• Assist with meal planning, shopping, and food preparation to achieve healthy eating goals.
• Perform routine procedures to maintain flexibility such as range of motion exercises and assistance in ambulation.
• Performs personal care activities, including but not limited to:
  • Bathing and shampooing
  • Skin care/nail care
  • Oral hygiene
  • Shaving
  • Dressing
• Performs a variety of household services essential to health care including:
  • Meal preparation/feeding
  • Basic laundry
  • Intermediate housekeeping, trash removal, and general cleaning
• Assists in the administration of medications that are ordinarily self-administered according to company policy.
• Reports any observed or reported changes in the client's condition and/or needs to the supervisor.
• Document all care provided and completes the forms required for the client's records.
• Enter and submit the appropriate records to document care given and pertinent observations.
• Promotes personal safety and a safe environment for clients by observing infection control practices.
• Demonstrates safe practice in the use of equipment and notifies supervisor of educational needs.
• Effectively communicates with all members of the interdisciplinary team through verbal reports, participation in staff meetings, and team conferences, as requested.

Qualifications

Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency. Previous experience direct support services or caregiver role is preferable. Additional requirements include:

• A passion to support others while respecting individual differences
• Ability to read, write and follow a written Individual Plan of Care
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality with clients, staff members, agency leadership, and outside stakeholders
• Basic to intermediate computer skills
• Maintain a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable vehicle