Description

Would you like to make a lasting impact in your local community? Put your talents to use by joining Easterseals Blake Foundation! We are offering a one-time sign on bonus for full time ($300) and part time ($150) positions after providing 90 days of dependable and consistent services!

General Position Description:

This position is responsible for a variety of direct supports and activities in the Blake Employment and Community Living programs. This position will provide supports to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in the community, a person’s home or program-based setting assisting them to develop a sense of identity, self-worth and independence. The Direct Support Professional independently performs the following in all BECL programs:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides the appropriate environment to assure the health and safety of the members supported
• Adherence to all EBF BECL Policies and Procedures and all standardized EBF Policies and Procedures
• Develop and support a variety of community activities and experiences, encourage members to participate in social, recreational, vocational, counseling, and other activities identified in their support plans while promoting individual choice and decision-making opportunities
• Assist supervisor in writing planning document objectives/skill plans for each member. Follow skill plans and document progress on each objective
• Assist individuals with personal care and hygiene needs. This includes assistance in the restroom, assistance with eating, and demonstrating proper carrying and lifting techniques (using one-person, two-person, and mechanical lift transfers.)
• Administers medications and/or assists members in the self-administration of medication including non-prescription and prescription as prescribed by licensed medical specialists
• Accurately and completely report time in and time out of work
• Keep program running efficiently and follow daily schedule and actively participate in creating daily, weekly, and monthly schedules.
• Provide safe transportation to members
• Keep individual file on each person up-to-date. Records and maintains records, progress notes, records daily activities in communication logs, maintains records as needed and may be required to write reports
• Reads and implements members individual support plan (ISP), medical/medication directions, and formalized records concerning member behaviors and activities\Per State of Arizona Regulations
• Provides a safe environment by communicating policies/procedures with members, advocates, and visitors
• Communicates and interacts with members on an individual and group basis in a respectful manner
• Reviews and implements approved policies, standards, services and procedures
• Takes part in developing and implementing Individuated Support Plans or person-centered plans for assigned members
• Participates in staff and administrative meetings as well as in-service trainings
• Reports incidents on proper forms and informs appropriate staff regarding incidents involving vocational, day, social, recreational, behavioral, personal living, and community services problems within required time-frames
• Observes and reports changes in member’s mental/physical health to enable intervention/prevention of problems
• Encourage and maintain active teamwork. Maintain positive communications and relations with employees, members, guardians, contract entities, authorities, and EBF. Deal with problem solving in a professional, non-hostile manner. Offer options and solutions, and give feedback in a constructive manner. Report any concerns to Program Coordinator or Lead Staff.
• Utilize work hours efficiently, including time to clean up work area and complete daily chores, complete paperwork, attend in-services/trainings, and prepare for the next day's activities. Perform duties within the specified hours of the work day, unless prior permission has been given by supervisor.
• Read and implement Behavior Treatment Plans/proactive strategies to enhance and reinforce member positive behaviors
• Acts as an advocate in resolving problems and securing needed services for consumers as well as ensuring personal choice, freedom, responsibility, and support for consumers
• Assess and provides behavior/physical management techniques in crisis situation and attains assistance if needed
• Perform standard First Aid and Perform Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Perform Prevention and Supports (may require significant physical activity)
• Fulfill Article 9 requirements (member rights)
• If the consumer requires physical supports, must operate equipment to aid in the assistance/movement of the member
• If the member uses a wheelchair, safely transfers the member in/out of the wheelchair as well as safely transports the member
• Performs other duties and assignments as required

Employment Supports:

• Provide on-the-job training tailored to the needs of the member and support them to adjust to their chosen work environment.
• Discover member’s motivation and help develop their skills.
• Present and teach job searching skills and techniques.
• Counsel members on fine-tuning work habits/skills in preparation for competitive employment.
• Recognize opportunities to fade support when applicable.
• Provide input into job development and additional/alternative job duties.

In-Home Supports:

• Performs housekeeping tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundering, making beds, yard work, and other household chores or tasks required to support/serve the member including physical management procedures
• Assist individuals with the following areas including but not limited to: meal prep, grocery shopping, bill pay, transportation, social gatherings, eating, showering, bathing, toileting, dressing, shaving, combing hair, shampooing, brushing teeth, cutting nails, etc.
• Safe transport and/or escorts members to medical, vocational, residential, asocial activities and runs member related errands
• Clock in and out through EVV – Electronic Visit Verification
• Must be able to remain on shift until a replacement arrives

Requirements

Required Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Ability to communicate with the member
• Interacting in a support capacity with members with developmental disabilities
• Ability to be self-directed, yet work as a collaborative member of the team
• Ability to be sensitive to cultural and linguistic diversity
• Safety precautions used in transportation and home health care
• Housekeeping, basic home health functions, nutrition, and personal hygiene techniques
• Behavior/physical management techniques
• Behavior treatment plans and assume the responsibility of an advocate
• Principles and practices related to developmental disabilities
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Principles and practices of self-determination and individualized supports
• Recordkeeping, writing reports, and taking notes
• Administration of medications and awareness of possible side effects
• Work in a fast-paced environment with simultaneous performance of many different duties, responsibilities and tasks
• Daily priorities may change frequently and the position requires quick response time

Minimum Requirements:

• Clean criminal background check and the ability to obtain and maintain a level one clearance card
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Meet the minimum combination of education and experience required by the funding source.
• Operate desktop computer, agency cell phone and other technology as required
• Read, write and speak effectively in English
• Must complete all required trainings within 90 days of hire
• Current valid, unrestricted driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a driving record that meets the standards of the agency.
• Ability to work flexible schedules; In home - weekends, nights, days, evenings, partial shifts, 8/12/16 hour shifts
• Maintain current CPR, First, Aid, Article IX, and Prevention & Supports certification. (State of Arizona, DES, DDD requirement)
• Must successfully clear a criminal background check and a Child Protective Services/Department of Children, Youth and their Families central registry check.

Physical Requirements:

Overnight positions: MUST remain AWAKE throughout entire shift Must be able to:

• utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• remain in a stationary position.
• work in outdoor weather work conditions.
• lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• operate a computer, phone, and other office equipment.
• Walk, run, climb, kneel, sit, stand, stoop, squat, reach, stretch, ascend, and descend stairs.
• operate a wheelchair brake, vehicle lifts, etc.
• communicate with individuals with disabilities.
• distinguish smells such as gas and other noxious fumes.
• typing and writing 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.
• requires individual to be highly engaged to perform the daily activities.

Working Conditions:

May require working in various community employment sites.
Additional Information:

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