Direct Support Professional

We are seeking committed, caring individuals to provide direct support care to individuals both youth and adult with complex needs in Hamilton County, Butler County, Clermont County, and Warren County. This position requires one-to-one care assistance in the home and in the community, hours vary

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Meet the residents' individualized goals and needs and provide quality services by implementing individualized goals and objectives.
• Support individuals to develop and maintain skills necessary for development and success.
• Promote maximum independence by reinforcing action plans according to individual’s physical capacity, intelligence level, and interest.
• Promote learning of task related and social skills by systematically training individuals and applying positive behavioral supports.
• Foster resident’s action or adjustment by interpreting attitudes, and patterns on behavior, explaining and pointing out new options.
• Document progress by charting and completing required monthly/quarterly progress reports.
• Evaluate, recommend and implement adjustments and modifications.
• Provide for community integration by transporting and accompanying individuals to work or community sites and/or social activities.
• Obtain assistance by referring him/her to community resources; arranging for appointments; establishing rapport; problem solving.
• Maintain professional image in the home and in the community.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect program operation by keeping information confidential.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with rules and regulations as well as policies and procedures; participating in quality reviews; reporting needed changes.
• Protect clients and employees by adhering to infection control, universal precautions, safety protocols, administering/monitoring medication safely and correctly; reports critical incidents, and by training clients in safety procedures.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending staff and in-service training(s).
• Comply with Federal, State and Local Legal and Certification Requirements by adhering to personnel credentialing requirements.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Skills and abilities: Ability to assist youth and adults focus on normalization/integration in the community, ability to foster positive behavior through behavior techniques, ability to follow safety procedures, be persistent in overcoming problems, have a positive attitude, have good verbal skills and tact, understand the mission of M.E.R.G.E Cincinnati.
• Decision Making skills: Make daily decisions on training clients using defined sources of information, positive supports.
• Confidentiality and Sensitive Information: Client files are confidential, and information cannot be released without the permission of the client or parent/legal guardian.
• Environment/Physical Demands: Physically able to bend, stoop, carry, mobility, talk, read and write, be able to lift and carry light to moderate items, employees designated to work with clients with physical impairments must be physically able to assist clients in daily living/work activities.
• Job duties: Direct care will be expected to be competent in the principles of active treatment through in-service training in respect to: respect, dignity and positive regards for the residents, use of behavior principles in training interactions between staff and clients, use of developmental programming in functional training techniques, task analysis, and effective data keeping procedures, use of accurate procedures regarding abuse detection, prevention, restraints, individual safety and emergencies, use of positive behavior intervention programming.
• Reporting Requirements: Reports must be made on deaths of clients, injuries, fights or physical confrontations, situations requiring the use of passive physical restraints, suspected incidents of abuse or neglect, unusual incidents and other situations or circumstances affecting the health, safety, or well-being of a client. To report procedures in a timely manner, verbal or written reports to your immediate supervisor. All entries on reports will be legible, signed and dated.
• Must adhere to all rules and regulations set forth in the M.E.R.G.E Cincinnati Employee Policy manual.
• To participate in teamwork with all employees.
• To promote the safety and welfare of each client.
• To perform any duties deemed necessary by the agency director.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies:

· Experience with Trauma-Responsive/ Trauma-informed care.

· Willingness to identify strengths and work to support development from a skill-based perspective rather than deficit model; a focus on empowerment rather than control.

· Ability to remain emotionally regulated in high-stress scenarios, follow a safety plan to support an individual experiencing behavioral challenges, and willingness to accept feedback about potential strategies.

· Ability to get to know the person and the need for connection behind unsafe behaviors.

· Open communication: we will be providing training and ongoing support for our staff. We need team members who are willing to work with us by communicating their needs, frustrations, and challenges—and who are willing to work together to find solutions to those challenges.

· A commitment to stay and grow. You will be provided with ongoing support and training that will aid in career development. The individuals we serve need safety and connection; turnover or instability can negatively impact our ability to create a safe environment. This is a growing field, and this experience is likely to be valuable professionally and personally.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education:

Diploma or equivalent

Experience:

2 years in direct care and support in one or more of the following categories:

1. Experience caring for someone (family member, friend, community member) with complex needs, such as but not limited to: cognitive impairment, developmental disability, or severe and persistent mental illness.

2. Professional experience as a Direct Service Provider, an in-home support, or in-community provider of services for individuals in need of assistance.

3. Professional experience in the field(s) of behavioral intervention, family support services, or intentional skill building.

4. Work as a camp counselor or youth leader for a group of young people in social environments.

Computer Skills: Will require basic computer and technology literacy to document daily events, any crisis intervention, and more.

Certificates & Licenses: CPR/First Aid Certification and Driver License REQUIRED

Other Requirements: Must have a working vehicle with valid auto insurance. 8-Hour DODD online training, 3-Hour UKERU training

Shift: 1st, 2nd, 3rd shift (shift and hours may vary) Monday-Sunday

Position: PT/PRN

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Referral program

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $20