Day Hab Support Specialist - Level 1

Arc of Greater Brockton (AGB)

Day Habilitation Support Specialist – Level I

(non-exempt position)

REPORTS TO: Asst. Director & Case Manager- Easton and Director – CBDS & Day Habilitation, Easton

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None

The Day Habilitation Support Specialist – Level I is responsible for directly supporting individuals with developmental and other disabilities served through the Day Habilitation Services in our Easton, MA location. The Day Habilitation Support Specialist – Level I is responsible for implementing the objectives of the individual’s Day Habilitation Service Plan (DHSP) and documenting their progress. 

The Day Habilitation Support Specialist – Level I position is “hands on” which requires all work, with the exception of select visits to off- site locations to provide support and training, to be performed at AGB offices. This is not a “remote” position.

As with all positions at The Arc of Greater Brockton consistent punctual arrival at work, regular attendance, commitment to shift, positive attitude, and adherence to the Organization’s policies is expected and is an essential aspect of employment.

• Ensure and safeguard The Arc of Greater Brockton (AGB) participants’ human dignity, rights, and liberties.
• Work in concert with each assigned program participant, their Case Manager, the Program Director and other Day Hab Staff to develop and implement their Person Centered Plan (PCP) and Day Habilitation Service Plan (DHSP).
• Ensure the health and safety of participants by providing proper supervision and being familiar with medical protocols (ie. seizures, diabetes, allergies), emergency interventions, evacuation routes, fire extinguisher & first-aid kit locations.
• Assess participant's interests, preferences and abilities by providing access and opportunity to explore personal and community possibilities in a way that supports informed choice.
• Take part in the planning and arranging of Day Habilitation activities that respond to each participant's interests and preferences. Assist individuals to identify, develop and participate in a variety of meaningful activities to increase functional independence.
• Maintain knowledge of participants’ learning styles, skills and major DHSP goals and ensure that skills are taught accordingly.
• Document all assigned written materials (progress notes, behavior plan data, Access database entries, communication log notes, etc.) in a clear, objective and timely manner.
• Provide on-going instruction (informal & formal) to participants regarding: socialization, ADLs, hygiene assistance, expressive and receptive communication, work skills and social integration.
• Provide support and opportunities for participants to enrich their lives, develop personal skills and competencies and enjoy a full range of activities while developing a network of caring relationships.
• Plan weekly schedules with individuals and implement designated activities.
• Consistently incorporate individual’s therapeutic goals into daily activities and assist participants in becoming involved and contributing to the vibrancy of their social interactions, both within ABG and off-site.
• Support participants in accessing various off-site locations for specific and select programming including transportation as needed. Monitor participants safely when boarding, riding, and existing transportation. 
• Assist with the toileting needs of participants as needed. 
• Act as a role model for participants by displaying proper dress, language, work behavior, safe work practices and positive attitude towards tasks being performed.
• Monitor participants during lunch and breaks (as assigned) for any accidents/incidents, emergencies, behavioral problems, seizures, etc.
• Implement Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) by providing necessary interventions, as outlined in individuals’ plans and as directed by the Program Director and/or PBS Coordinator.
• Comply with all safety regulations and report any hazards, injuries, or violations immediately.
• Attend and participate in employee meetings, trainings, and development, as required.
• Enter data of DayHab activities and hours per internal data system.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Director
• Ensure individuals health, safety and general well-being, including, but not limited to: 

• Assist individuals to maintain good hygiene at all times.
• Maintain a safe, clean and stimulating environment.
• Ensure that all individuals follow diet orders including food consistency.
• Keep the Assistant Director and Director informed of any potential problems or needs of the individual that may arise and are not being addressed.
• Follow established chain of communication in regard to each person’s needs, concerns, etc. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Director, Program Director and/or Executive Director.

EDUCATION 

High school diploma or general education degree (GED). 

EXPERIENCE 

At least six months related experience and/or training in working with individuals with developmental disabilities and demonstrated working knowledge of principles of positively supporting this population.

Individual will be trained in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and management of aggressive behavior (i.e. NVMAB) and be capable of implementing these management techniques, which may involve physical contact in emergency situations. Individual will be trained in First Aid and CPR. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

A satisfactory background check, including CORI and Fingerprinting is required. Individual must have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. Individual must have current First Aid and CPR certification. 

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Individual must be a positive team player and have the ability to work harmoniously with those served, their families, staff and other professionals. Individual must be able to take instruction from Program Director as well as work semi- independently. Individual must display a professional manner and exhibit diplomacy and confidentiality when working with those served. Individual must possess patience, good judgment, tact, accuracy, and reliability. Individual must have the ability to implement ideas by planning, preparing and organizing. Individual must have the ability to set and manage changing priorities and exhibit good time management and multi-tasking skills. Individual must demonstrate a high regard for each person and display sensitivity for cultural values, expectations and goals of individuals, families, staff and others. Individual must possess good communication skills and have the ability to speak comfortably, intelligibly, pleasantly and efficiently with those served, their families, colleagues and management staff, even in difficult situations. Individual must demonstrate attention to detail and possess good observation skills. Individual must be an active listener and regularly seek feedback and input from persons served.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Individual must demonstrate the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policies, and procedure manuals. Must have the ability to compose routine reports and correspondence. Must have the ability to communicate effectively before groups of individuals or agency employees. Individual must be able to fluently and clearly speak and understand English for effective teamwork and coordination. Bi-lingual language skills may be helpful.

REASONING ABILITY

Individual must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Must have the ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Individual must have the ability to assess situations and resolve problems without supervision.

Individual must have knowledge of working with individuals who have disabilities and have the ability to help them develop their social, academic and functional skills.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Computer literate, preferable in Microsoft Office for documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot computer issues.
• Must have the ability to learn and comprehend new computer programs. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be legally permitted to work with and around children (check of the National Sex Offender public website will be conducted).

• Must be able to drive agency vehicles, including 10-passsenger van.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein 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 regularly required to speak clearly and have the ability to hear and understand directions and requests. Must be able to use arms/shoulders, hands and fingers to handle or feel objects and people. Must be able to have full use of wrists, hands and fingers for computer work and writing. Must have the ability to work attentively at a computer maintaining focus and concentration.

• The employee will regularly be required to sit, stand, walk and possibly stoop, kneel, or crouch for extended periods of time while performing the duties of this job.
• The employee must have full use of legs and feet for gas and brake operation.
• The employee must have the ability to work attentively and with intense concentration, particularly in poor driving conditions
• The employee is frequently required to push, pull, lift/ and or move objects of up to 30lbs (i.e. office supplies, equipment, etc.) unassisted.
• The employee will need to assist, lift and/or move individuals in and out of wheelchairs, including toileting which requires bending from a standing position, supporting person’s body with both arms and transferring person from wheelchair to toilet.
• The employee may need to intervene verbally and physically with individuals during behavior incidents.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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.

The Arc of Greater Brockton (AGB) operates smoke-free facilities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, occasionally loud. Due to the unpredictable, inappropriate, social and physical behavior of the individuals AGB serves, an employee may be exposed to offensive language and inappropriate body expressions. An employee needs to cope in a positive manner with a work environment that may be suddenly stressful at times.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.

Should a vacancy occur in this position, the Director or Executive Director may recommend other specific qualifications for this Job Description.

I have read and received a copy of my job description and I understand the requirements of the position as set forth above and I am able and willing to perform the required functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­____________________________ __________________________

Employee Date

I have reviewed this job description with the employee.

____________________________ __________________________

Executive Director Date