Direct Care Worker

INNOVATIVE LIFESTYLES, INC.

Direct Care Worker Job Description

1. Minimum qualifications for Direct Care Workers:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent (GED), unless waived by the Executive Director in writing.
2. Good physical health and a recent T.B. skin test result, before beginning employment.
3. Three Character references.
4. Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illness and/or prior experience in the human services field is preferred, but not required.
5. Must be 18 years of age.
6. Must have valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
7. Must be able to complete required reports.
8. Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
9. Must be suitable to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the residents.
10. Must be capable of handling emergency situations.
11. Direct Care Staff must be competent in the following training classes which will be provided:

• Reporting requirements
• First aid
• CPR
• Personal care, supervision and protection
• Resident Rights
• Safety and Fire Prevention
• Prevention and containment of communicable diseases
• Gentle Teaching Techniques
• Prevention of Fraud and Abuse of Medicaid Funding
• Understanding and ability to follow each Resident’s Individual Plan of Service

1. Direct Care Worker Essential job functions consist of, but are not limited to the following:

A.  The Direct Care Worker shall be directly accountable to the House Supervisor for carrying out the duties of the home’s operation, policies and procedures. 

1. Regarding Clients:

1.   Read logs at the start of shift.

2.   Provide or assist clients with complete personal hygiene, including bathing, dressing, shaving, hair styling, oral care, ear and nail care, etc. This may include toileting residents according to their plan of service, and/or checking residents for wetness or soiling every hour.

3.   Following menu plans, recipes, preparing dinner, assisting Residents as necessary with eating and preparation and clean-up of all meals and snacks.

4.   Meeting program needs daily and proper documentation of progress and/or concerns.

5.   Acting as a strong advocate for the rights of the Residents. Following all treatment plans as outlined in the Resident’s plan of service.

6.   Report any abuse or neglect of Residents IMMEDIATELY to the Executive Director, Home Manager, and Area Supervisor.

7.   Assisting with medical appointments as they arise, and proper documentation of such.

8.   Responsible for shopping, and assisting the Residents as needed.  Also responsible for assisting in community outings and planning recreational activities with the Residents and maintaining accurate use of petty cash funds.

9.   Responsible for assisting to transport all Residents to all appointments or functions.

10. Responsible for signing all logs and service charts on a daily basis.

11.  Distribute medication during a shift when needed.

12. Complete fire drills and severe weather/tornado drills, with documentation of such.

13. Communicate with support service personnel and parent/guardians.

14. Help maintain the quality of the home environment by assisting in laundry, cleaning the kitchen, living room, family room, bedrooms, other living areas, bathrooms, garage and grounds. Shovel snow on walks, weed flower beds, sweep walks and porches. This is to be done routinely.  Also encourage resident involvement as much as possible.

15. Communicate by staff log, by phone or by report, any and all important information or problems to Home Manager.

16. Report any abuse of recourses, misuse of Client funds, petty cash, home’s vehicle or home’s supplies immediately to the Executive Director, Home Manager, and Area      Supervisor.

1. Regarding Staff:

1.   Responsible for participating in active treatment plans and programming for all residents.

2.   Participating in all staff meetings, program meetings and other special meetings as they arise.

3.   Reporting on delegated duties at staff meetings.

4.   Carrying out all house and Innovative Lifestyles, Inc. Policies.

5.   Direct Care Workers are also responsible for any and all responsibilities delegated to them by the Supervisor.

D.  The terms of employment, including wages, work week, overtime, etc. shall be discussed and agreed upon with the supervisor prior to employment.

E.   Orientation Period for Direct Care Workers is three months, at which time their job performance will be evaluated by the Supervisor.

F.   I understand that if I do not give the required 2 week notice prior to my leaving Innovative Lifestyles, Inc.’s employment, or do not work it no matter what the reason, I forfeit any vacation time that I may have accumulated.

G.  I understand that I may be required to work with Individuals that have communicable diseases (i.e. Hepatitis, Herpes, etc.).

H.  I also understand that I may be required to be video taped as a training mechanism.  This would include, but not be limited to Adult Daily Living (ADL) programming as well as Gentle Teaching techniques to diffuse incidents of violence.

I.    I fully understand the terms and responsibilities of this position and also understand that any failure to comply with these duties may be cause for discharge.

Salary : $17