Description

This position (internally referred to as The Behavioral Health Direct Support Specialist) is responsible for a variety of direct care giving activities in the Easterseals Blake Foundation Supported Living Program. Under daily oversight and administrative supervision of the Program Manager/Program Coordinator, performs a variety of work to provide quality services & supports to individuals with complex behavioral health needs, physical and/or developmental disabilities. The nature of the services ranges from various personal care activities to activities outlined in the Service Plan and Treatment Plan. The Direct Support Specialist independently performs the following:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (with or without accommodation):

• Provide the appropriate environment to assure the health and safety of the members supported
• Adhere to all EBF SLP Policies and Procedures and all standardized EBF Policies and Procedures
• Support members in performing daily living activities, including but not limited to, self-care, ADLs, housekeeping, medication administration, scheduling, attending appointments, etc.
• Support members with household chores (involving many physical activities, including but not limited to kneeling, reaching stretching, bending, etc. and the use of household cleaners)
• Safely transport and/or escort members to appointments and activities which include, but are not limited to, medical, vocational, residential, community interests & events, and social event and also runs member related errands with members
• Administer medications and/or supports members in the self-administration of medication including non-prescription, over-the-counter medications and medications as prescribed by licensed medical specialists
• With or without a reasonable accommodation, safely and effectively monitor member activities.
• Accurately and completely report time in and time out of work
• Observe and document member’s behaviors to provide positive behavioral supports
• Read and implement Service Plans and Treatment plans, including proactive strategies to enhance and reinforce member positive behaviors
• Assess and provide approved behavior management techniques per EBF and AHCCCS policy in crisis situations, and attain assistance if needed
• Accurately and consistently record all required member documentation
• Read and implements all members related plans, medical/medication directions, and formalized records concerning member behaviors and activities per EBF and AHCCCS regulations
• Standard First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed
• Must be able to remain on shift until a replacement arrives
• When necessary, must be able to safely maneuver stairs alone and while assisting members
• Provide direct services in crisis or emergency situations
• Provide a safe environment by communicating policies/procedures with members, advocates, and visitors
• Communicate and interact with members on an individual and group basis in a respectful manner
• Encourage members to participate in social, recreational, vocational, counseling, and other activities identified in their service plans while promoting individual choice and decision-making opportunities
• Review and implement approved policies, standards, services and procedures
• Take part in developing and implementing service and treatment plans for assigned members
• Participates in staff and administrative meetings as well as in-service trainings
• Report unusual incidents on proper forms and informs appropriate staff regarding incidents involving vocational, day, social, recreational, behavioral, personal living, and community concerns within required time-frames
• Observe and report changes in member’s mental/physical health to enable intervention/prevention of problems
• Perform household assignments such as assisting in cleaning, cooking, laundering, making beds, yard work, and other chores or tasks required to support/serve the member
• Act as an advocate in resolving problems and securing needed services for members that ensure member’s personal choices, freedom, responsibilities, and supports
• Develop and maintain working relationships with all team members, including various operational administrative staff, family members, guardians, fiduciaries, advocates, etc.
• Maintain positive communications and relations with employees, members, guardians, contract entities, authorities, and EBF
• Able to remain calm, non-defensive, and with a supportive attitude during crisis or potential crisis situations
• Must be able to operate an agency transport vehicle
• Performs other duties and assignments as required

Requirements

Required Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices related to behavioral health
• Principles and practices of self-determination and individualized supports
• Administration of medications and awareness of possible side effects

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with the member
• Interact with members with developmental disabilities in a support capacity
• Be self-directed, yet work as a collaborative member of the team
• Be sensitive to cultural and linguistic diversity
• Use safety precautions when transportation and performing home health care
• Perform housekeeping, basic home health functions, nutrition, and personal hygiene techniques
• Perform behavior/physical management techniques per EBF and contract regulations
• Review treatment plans and assume the responsibility of an advocate
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Perform record keeping, writing reports, and take notes
• Work in a fast-paced environment with simultaneous performance of many different duties, responsibilities and tasks

Minimum Requirements: or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Level 1 –
• Education and Experience –
• High school diploma or GED and one year of behavioral health or related work/volunteer experience; OR
• Four years of full-time work experience in behavioral health or related services is required
• Level 2 –
• Education and Experience –
• High school diploma or GED and two-years of behavioral health or related work/volunteer experience; OR
• Four years of full-time work experience in behavioral health or related services; AND
• One-year of experience providing counseling, case management, and/or recovery services in a behavioral health setting
• Level 3 –
• Education and Experience –
• High school diploma or GED and three-years of behavioral health or related work/volunteer experience; OR
• Four years of full-time work experience in behavioral health or related services; AND
• Two years of experience providing counseling, case management, and/or recovery services in a behavioral health setting
• One-year of experience providing staff training and coaching
• Preferred previous completion of EBF SLP Professional Growth Plan or must become enrolled in at time of hire for this position, completion of this program is a requirement of the position
• Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to –
• Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for any amount of time necessary to provide a physical barrier to protect the employee and others.
• Remain in a stationary position.
• Operate a computer, phone, and other office equipment.
• Stoop, squat, reach, stretch, ascend, and descend stairs.
• Type and write for extended periods of time.

**Although classified as In-office, this position may have periodic meetings in the community setting and may even work from home from time to time, but this is not the norm.

Psychological Requirements:

• Must be able to:
• Remain calm, non-defensive with a supportive attitude during stressful, potential crisis, and crisis situations.
• Work in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands.
• Manage high volumes and unpredictability of work.
• Remain flexible and reprioritize according to the changing demands of the day.
• Manage stress in a
  fast-paced, unpredictable, intense setting.
• Adapt to diverse cultural environments and communicate in a culturally inclusive manner.
• Represent Easterseals Blake Foundation in a professional manner in all situations.
• Maintain high level of engagement to perform the daily activities.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, responsibilities and/or qualifications. Other duties, responsibilities and/or qualifications may be assigned to this position.

Easterseals Blake Foundation is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disabled Employer