Children's Direct Support Professional

• STRIDE Residential Program
• Kittanning, PA, USA
• 17.10 per hour
• Hourly
• Full Time
• Comprehensive Benefits Package

**$1000 COMMITMENT BONUS AVAILABLE!**

Our organization strongly believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. We are seeking responsible, caring, and compassionate direct support professionals to join our team. The ideal job candidate will be highly dependable and have a passion for helping those with intellectual disabilities, autism, mental health, and behavioral health needs to live a more fulfilled and happy life.

Working with the individuals in a Residential Treatment Facility, you will assess his/her needs and tend to them accordingly with the goal of fostering a positive, encouraging environment and supporting individuals with social, emotional, and behavioral needs. You will assist individuals in becoming more integrated in their communities by maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities.

Responsibilities also include daily living activities as needed, planning activities, supervision of individuals, documentation, passing medications, crisis management, planning therapeutic activities, etc.

Work Hours:

• Must be willing to work 2nd shift, weekends, and Holidays as well as occasional overnights.
• Possible shifts: 1st shift, 2nd shift, 3rd shift

This position requires:

• A High School diploma or equivalency
• Must be at least 21 years of age

This position prefers:

• An Associate's or higher in a human service related field
• A Bachelor's degree
• Two years prior experience in a human service related field
• Valid Driver's License with a clean DMV record preferred.

Benefits:

• Excellent Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Personal Days
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Long Term Disability
• Free Meals
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (if you are eligible)
• Free Parking
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• And More!

Travel Requirements:

This position gives preference to individuals with an active driver's license and a DMV check that is clear. Position may require travel in the local community or to assist with individuals attending required appointments or visits.

Beacon Light is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Joint Commission accredited, and a Trauma Informed Care agency providing the best support to our clients and staff. Our Services and employment are provided in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to Race, Sex, Color, National Origin, Ancestry, Religious Creed, Disability and Age.

www.beacon-light.org

See what our staff have to say about working with us!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0FlocrUWw4&t=7s

APPLY NOW!

SUMMARY

Responsible for providing supervision and guidance for the individuals who reside at the Agency by performing the following duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Vital Duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Preference given to individuals with two plus years of experience in a human service related field.
• Preference is given to college trained individual with background in child development, intellectual disabilities, psychology, education or a related field.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret client related medical record documentation, policy and procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write client progress notes, shift updates, and any other documentation regarding client care of communication amongst coworkers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic math.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Rarely = 0-15% of time, Occasionally = 16-45% of time, Frequently = 46-100% of time

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required:

• To talk, hear, stand, sit, walk, squat, twist, reach with hands/arms
• Participate in physical restraints of the clients and escorting of clients to locations
• Problem solve, make decisions, supervise clients, read, write
• Work indoors
• Use of computer and software systems
• To operate a telephone
• To operate a vehicle
• The ability to organize mental demands

The employee is occasionally required:

• Shovel and mop
• Occasionally lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds

The employee is rarely required:

• Use other technical equipment (copier, fax, etc)
• Interpret data

MARGINAL AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties the employee performs that although important do not have as major an impact on the delivery of services to our clientele:

• Acting as a positive role model for the clients and other employees.
• Following through on directives given by a supervisor or other designated team leaders within the agency.
• Interacting with clients and families in a courtesy and professional manner.
• Keeping communication open between all levels of employees.
• Knowing and supporting the agency mission statement.
• Participating in scheduled team meetings.
• Attending and participating on Agency committees as requested.
• The physical care of the facilities and agency equipment.
• Working as a member of a team including, being supportive and friendly to co-workers, keeping personal problems away from work, splitting duties equally amongst co-workers, assisting co-workers when requested.
• Welcoming and mentoring new employees to provide them guidance, motivation, support and role modeling
• Inspecting the unit/group home on a weekly basis to identify safety concerns and infection control issues; reporting this information as prescribed for the program.
• Ensuring that client files are organized and up-to-date.
• Aiding the clients in maximizing their skills and potential.
• Making copies of documents as needed.
• Maintain safety and security of the premises.
• Fulfilling purchase orders as needed.
• Assisting on all shifts as required by program/department needs.
• Cleaning, laundry, household chores (including mopping and/or shoveling), organizing client workstations as needed/assigned.
• Planning creative and varied activities in a timely manner, ensuring that the activities are designed to work on areas identified in the individuals treatment plans an adhering to Agency Policy and Procedure.
• End of shift/monthly inspections and checklists as assigned.
• Ensuring that the resident's files are organized and up-to-date.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties the employee is required to perform that have a major impact on the delivery of services to our clientele:

• Reporting to work in a timely manner when scheduled.
• Supervision of the individuals which includes:
  • Ensuring individuals follow agency and program procedures.
  • Knowing the individuals locations at all times.
  • Following schedules
  • Using behavior management techniques in a professional manner when required.
  • Using appropriate counseling techniques to assist in the individual's treatment
  • Interacting with the individuals in a respectful manner that is appropriate for the situation.
  • Knowing and functioning within the framework of the individual's Treatment Plan.
• Utilizing Positive Behavior Supports
• Scheduling, attending, and completing required annual training.
• Knowing medication that the clients are taking, any possible side effects and times meds are administered
• Certified Medication Administrator: Passing Medication to residents at specified times and weekly medication checks as assigned. Maintain med cart/cupboard and MARS as needed.
• Running fire drills as required by regulation and filing required paperwork in a timely manner when requested.
• Completing documentation of important information and data, behavioral observations sheets, shift notes, incident reports, et cetera in a timely manner and adhering to Agency Policy and Procedure.
• Assist with daily living activities, including preparing meals and assisting with personal hygiene.
• Communication with coworkers on shift to ensure the following happens: following agency and program procedures, knowing where people are at all times, being aware of possible problems, implementing and participating in activities, following schedules, being alert to safety issues and ensuring the individuals receive basic care - adequate food, clothing, rest, shelter and are well groomed.
• Inspecting the agency van on a weekly basis to check for cleanliness and safety; filling out a vehicle inspection form for safety conditions that could present a danger.
• Inventory of personal belongings of clients
• Assisting incoming clients with acclimation to the milieu, including, if applicable, facilitating the initial orientation packet.
• Working 3rd Shift
  • Punching a clock every 15 minutes, or more often as indicated by specific client need, after checking each bedroom with a flashlight to ensure that all the individuals are in bed and behaving.
  • Adhering to the Nightwatch Observation policy.
  • Maintaining record of sleep and nighttime behavior as requested.
  • Locking all building doors and checking garages upon arrival.
  • Doing radio checks as required by your program and if there is no response calling on the phone to see if there is a problem.

COMPETENCY EXPECTATIONS

Must demonstrate during training period, first 90 days in position, and annually thereafter, competencies in the following areas:

• Utilizing positive behavior supports and appropriate responsive interventions
• The Ability to work with clients, who at times, present symptoms of mental health diagnoses, developmental disabilities, sexually aggressive tendencies, etc.
• Proper Supervision of Individuals
• Maintaining structure in a trauma informed care environment
• Effective Documentation
• Understanding and Implementing Trauma Informed Care Practices
• Ability to effectively manage crisis and implement crisis management techniques appropriately

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Rarely = 0-15% of time, Occasionally = 16-45% of time, Frequently = 46-100% of time

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently:

• Exposed to clients that who are court ordered to attend treatment.
• Exposed to clients who have a mental health diagnosis or intellectual developmental disability, which might include: attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, borderline personality disorder, borderline intellectual functioning, depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder.
• Working indoors
• Work around loud noises

The employee is occasionally required to:

• Be exposed to individuals who have the potential to be hiv-positive, have hepatitis or other communicable diseases.
• Work outdoors

The employee is rarely required to:

• Work around hot/cold temperatures
• Work around fumes

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS

Employees are expected to:

• Preserve the positive public image of the agency and its employees.
• Be familiar with Agency's Policy and Procedure Manuals and function within the directives provided.
• Be aware of and follow state regulations.
• Report to administration any situation that interferes with proper operation of the agency.
• Report to administration any actions by another employee which may constitute possible emotional or physical abuse.
• Maintain a confidential attitude in regards information pertaining to the individuals we serve.
• Maintain high clinical quality and a safe environment within the Agency.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

This position requires participation in ongoing mandatory trainings while employed. Training requirements are detailed in the Training Matrix which is maintained by the Human Resources Department. Along with their supervisor, each employee is responsible for reviewing the Training Matrix to determine individual training requirements and completing those requirements in a timely manner.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not directly supervise any other positions.

PHYSICAL/HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

This position is required to have a pre-employment physical and a physical every other year thereafter.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position gives preference to individuals with an active driver's license and a DMV check that is clear. Position may require travel in the local community or to assist with individuals attending required appointments or visits.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.