TITLE : Direct Support Specialist VA

SUMMARY :

All Direct Support Specialists have the primary responsibility to support people in their achievement of the highest level of independence.

The Direct Support Specialist will provide this support via education, instruction and support of persons served.

• Support the person to participate in the community according to their individual choice and preference.
• Teach the person decision-making skills and selection of realistic options.
• Encourage the person to make informed choices, including decisions regarding his / her services.
• Encourage the person to become a responsible citizen in his / her community of choice.
• Provide supervision and guidance to the person for skills needed to take ownership with daily living skills and personal support needs.
• Ensure the health and safety of person and person’s belongings at all times.
• Follow procedures to report any suspicion of abuse, neglect, and / or exploitation.
• Be very knowledgeable of all aspects of the ISP including special programs / plans (behavior, nutrition, safety, etc.) and immediately notify the supervisor of any needed changes to the ISP.
• Recommend any needed changes in goals / outcomes and risks (health or otherwise).
• At all times, treat the person as an adult, exhibiting the highest level of dignity and respect.

Primary responsibilities will be in one of the following areas (check one) :

In addition to primary responsibilities, Direct Support Specialists will be expected to perform duties in other areas as described on the job description as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Education : High School Diploma / GED preferred with applicable experience.

Licensure : Valid driver’s license. Eligible for FH drivers’ insurance.

Certification : N / A

Experience : Experience in intellectual, developmental and / or mental health disabilities preferred, according to the populations served.

Knowledge / Skills :

Verbal / written communication skills.

Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations.

Ability to safely operate 15-passenger van.

Knowledge of adaptive / medical equipment.

Required Training : Successful completion of all training with required time frames.

EQUIPMENT :

Equipment and tools encountered in healthcare setting. Computer, fax, copier, motor vehicle, household appliances, and any other equipment required to perform the functions of the position.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

1.Must be flexible with schedule and assignments.

2.Implement and document outcomes as defined in ISP.

3.Complete required documentation thoroughly, accurately and daily or as assigned.

4.Encourage people to follow doctor prescribed diets and document accordingly.

5.Know location of personsat all times and provide supervision to keep them safe and healthy as outlined in ISPs.

6.Provide transportation in compliance with FH transportation policies. Maintain a safe driving record, appropriate license and eligibility to provide transportation.

May include but is not limited to doctor appointments, social and recreational activities.

7.Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and individual program planning as needed.

8.Attend and participate in HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) training and adhere to requirements.

9.All other duties as assigned.

Specific to Residential

• Responsible for providing oversight and instructions to individuals on a continuous basis during his / her scheduled shift.
• Assist with daily living activities including personal hygiene as identified on the Individual Support Plan (ISP). Personal hygiene activities include but are not limited to : assistance with brushing and flossing teeth, care of nail, shaving, bathing, use of deodorant, dressing / undressing, routine skin care, and toileting.
• Meal preparation duties as identified in the ISP and under possible direction of a dietician, including meal planning, purchase of nutritional foods, cooking, serving and clean up.
• Laundry duties as identified in the ISP : Washing and folding laundry.
• Ensure home is clean and free of odors. Duties include assistance with mopping, vacuuming, dusting, stripping beds, cleaning bathrooms and kitchen, organizing drawers, closets and cabinets.
• Medication administration duties as identified in the ISP, guidelines and MAR. Counting medications as assigned to residential staff on a monthly basis.
• Teach the person skills needed to take responsibility for tasks including personal safety, grooming and cleanliness, household chores, meal preparation / healthy eating habits, money management, medication and health issues, work / employment skills, community awareness, and other skills necessary for the individual to become fully integrated into his / her community of choice.
• Must assist person with duties as identified in ISP.

Specific to Community and Day Services

Provide day services to promote community inclusion and membership which includes :

• Assisting persons with planning meaningful and educational activities based on their goals / outcomes, interests and talents, and preferences.
• Explore volunteer opportunities with persons supported and assist them with volunteer activities as they choose.
• Assist with daily living skills / needs as outlined in the person’s ISP or as indicated as a need throughout service delivery.

This includes but is not limited to assisting the person with hygiene, community safety, mealtime safety, medication administration, health maintenance, community awareness and other skills necessary for the person to become fully and successfully integrated into his / her community of choice.

Assist persons with making purchases while in the community as identified the ISP.

Specific to Employment Services

• Assist persons in making informed decisions regarding their desire and interest in community employment through the provision of meaningful exploration opportunities.
• Ensure that people have education, experience and exposure to the same array of jobs as other people in the community.
• Facilitate meaningful discussions about employment and assist persons in exploring their understanding of work, motivation to work, likes and dislikes regarding work.
• Assist in the acquisition, retention or improvement of skills that will support the person in pursing and achieving community employment.
• Provide on the job training and / or support to persons in the community to maximize the potential for his / her success in community employment.
• Monitor the person’s work to make sure the task / assignment is done correctly. Provide prompts / reminders as needed to the person to help him / her be successful.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES :

Although each position has its own unique duties and responsibilities, the following listing applies to every employee. All employees of the organization are expected to :

1. Support the organization’s mission, vision, and values of excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership.

2. Exercise necessary cost control measures.

3. Maintain positive internal and external customer service relationships.

4. Demonstrate effective communication skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively and asking questions when clarification is needed.

5. Plan and organize work effectively and ensure its completion.

6. Demonstrate reliability by arriving to work on time and utilizing effective time management.

7. Meet all productivity requirements.

8. Demonstrate team behavior and must be willing to promote a team-oriented environment.

9. Represent the organization professionally at all times.

10. Demonstrate initiative and strive to continually improve processes and relationships.

11. Follows all Frontier Health rules, policies and procedures as well as any applicable laws and standards.

Last updated : 2024-05-20