Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Catholic Charities Day Program provides a self-directed community integration program that promotes self-advocacy and a lifestyle of learning. Each individual in our program possesses a unique potential; a potential to create, grow, learn, and adapt. Our professional and personable Direct Support Worker use person-centered thinking to establish a lasting relationship with each individual as they successfully integrate into their community. Our staff takes pride in assisting each individual in achieving their maximum independence and safe community integration

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as a role model and encourage positive interactions with others.
• Be knowledgeable about assigned individuals medical condition and history.
• Be familiar with the program plan for each individual in the program.
• Assist individuals with job duties at job site; teaching all steps of the job tasks and how to complete them in a timely manner.
• Assist individuals with vocational training, socialization and job etiquette.
• Work closely with community members, other employees, work groups and/or other agencies to ensure an individual’s success within these organizations.
• Ensure open lines of communication with individuals, staff members, and administrator.
• Provide training to individuals in all skills agreed upon on the Individual Plan.
• Assist the team members to develop a personalized schedule for the individuals assigned.
• Instruct individual as necessary in acceptable social behavior and other areas of training.
• Understand behavior modification techniques and their implementation. Complete data collection and preparation of ID notes. 
• Ensure all client data is recorded accurately in client record in Therap and all program documentation is completed on time.
• Review Behavior Charts daily for progress and accuracy.
• Maintain current progress notes and data counts on the individuals assigned to you.
• Assist individuals in all areas of grooming and personal hygiene skills.
• Have the ability to exercise mature judgment and relate to individuals in a warm and caring manner.
• Report seizures, behavioral episodes, injury or illness, client concerns, and/or other medically or emotionally related problems to the house manager, supervisor, nurse and team members immediately. Reports suspected allegation of abuse/neglect to the Abuse Investigation Division immediately.
• Report any incidents or evidence of violation of residents’ rights to Administrator and/or appropriate parties immediately.
• Attend necessary staff meetings and in-service training.
• Participate in recreational activities in a variety of settings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PQI Functions:

• Ensure the consistent accurate collection of the data.
• Identify patterns and trends for program. 
• Use results of data to inform supervisor of trends that may impact services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree preferred or High school Diploma with 2 years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Must have Medication Administration Certification or must be able to obtain Medication Administration Certification upon the next available Med Cert Course immediately following hire. 
• Demonstrates organizational ability, communicates effectively with individuals served and members of the team.
• Applicants will be subject to criminal and driving history background checks. Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license with no more than 2 violations in a three year period, subject to review. Drivers History completed annually.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of individuals with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis.
• Knowledge of behavioral issues, including aggressive, non-verbal and self-injury behaviors.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment and relate to individuals in a warm, caring manner.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Individual Program Plans and Individual Service Plans.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people at all levels within the organization.
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task.
• Results oriented, sound judgment, service oriented, assertive/persuasive.
• High energy level, comfortable performing multifaceted projects, plus day-to-day activities.
• Have good organizational skills, ability to set priorities, and be flexible based on changing priorities.
• Superior interpersonal abilities, teamwork mentality and social perceptiveness.
• Active listening skills with the ability to interact effectively with management.
• Ability to establish credibility, be decisive, recognize priorities.
• The direct support worker, works in both indoor and outdoor settings. Frequent lifting and/or carrying objects/individuals up to 65 plus pounds is required. Standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, balancing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, and traveling may be required.
• Must be able to successfully complete Physical Management Training (PMT) restraint training course. Must have the ability to safely perform physical restraints as needed for safety.
• If required to drive, candidate must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid Connecticut Driver's License along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Hartford is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.