Direct Support Specialist - PASRR DSD

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Teaches, models, and coaches activities to maintain cognitive functioning in accordance with the goals of the Plan of Care.

May include planning and facilitating community-based activities (leisure/recreation/socialization).

Collaborates with the resident, family/guardian and Nursing Facility on behalf of individuals served.

Drives SCS/PASRR wheelchair accessible van on community outings ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (driver certification, seat belts).

Communicates information relevant to care, treatment, and services, with other SCS staff members and, as authorized, with non-SCS providers, to ensure appropriate level and quality of care.

Documents services provided by timely completing various forms (progress notes, incident reports, in accordance with SCS and regulatory standards.

Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, consistent with SCS procedures and state and federal law.

Provide leadership to other direct support staff.

Assist with training for other direct support staff as needed.

Attends and participates in required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

EXPERIENCE

• Zero to one year full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, 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 physical exertion. Putting a manual wheelchair into a van if on a community outing.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proof of automobile liability insurance.
• Positive driving record.

REQUIRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Provides activities intended to assure quality of life and cognitive maintenance.

• Uses a variety of techniques to facilitate activities for clients with improving daily living skills.
• Documents service to align with clients' individual Treatment Plan with intervention specifically addressing client's progress towards a chosen and relevant Treatment Plan objective.
• Understanding of normal growth and development, culture/ethnicity considerations, and mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities diagnoses relevant to age groups/populations served
• Manages client caseload, client services, and activities to maximize direct care client time and reach expected productivity targets