Brain Injury Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Brain Injury Support Specialist 1 (BISS 1) is responsible for providing residential habilitation services to help residents to improve independent living and community integration skills. Services are provided to the residents in the form of one-to-one and group support. This position requires that the care of the residents is maintained in a safe and secure environment within the facility and the community. Residential habilitation includes meeting the needs of individuals and providing behavioral health interventions as outlined in their plan, to assist individuals in acquiring, improving and retaining the adaptive skills necessary to successfully reside in the community.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Promote and maintain safety, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance of the milieu using safe crisis intervention, and trauma informed care while treating residents with dignity and respect

• Provide residential habilitation which includes completing, and assisting residents in completing, tasks related to personal hygiene, medication management, ADLs/IADLs, completing room organization, budgeting, problem solving, social participation, supervise community outings, transport and attend medical and wellness appointments, pre-education and vocational support, problem solving, etc.

• Provide intervention for behavioral support of residents, as needed

• Provide individualized support in completing Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) in accordance with each resident’s plan, which may include assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, and other personal care activities

• Provides one-to-one support to assigned residents in completing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL’s) in accordance with each resident’s support plan; these may include cleaning, laundry, shopping, providing transportation, support with recreational, educational or vocational pursuits, using the telephone, etc.

• Review, and assist with the implementation of, and contribution to, individual plans and assessments

• Document and communicate information within designated time frames regarding residents, work area needs or other communication using agency-provided communication platforms
• Effectively manage change of shift communication at the beginning and end of each shift (including but not limited to behavioral concerns, incident reports, services provided, medical/psychiatric needs, general communication, etc.)

• Facilitate and provide one-to-one and group therapeutic support for activities, outings and Neurocognitive Structure Day activities.

• Assist the team by providing to other members of the multidisciplinary treatment team, relevant data regarding resident needs, concerns, and other information, as requested

• Maintain competent supervision, with observation and assessment of the residents for mood and behavior changes, concerns, and be able to recognize the need for intervention

• Completes routine checks to ensure individuals assigned are present, well, and free from possessing contraband, and that the facility is safe and secure.

• Recognize and report any types of potential crisis/emergency situations and intervene appropriately

• Assist the individuals and team with reviewing and identifying goals, measurable objectives, and interventions to assist with goal attainment

• Review and complete daily assignments and task sheets. Communicate status of assigned tasks and duties as outlined by program expectation and supervisor.

• Exhibit creativity and encouragement to help residents to participate in program activities and their daily personal schedules

• Monitor and maintain the environment for safety of the residents, staff and visitors

• If trained as a medication technician and having passed the medication administration certification, administer medications as assigned following medication guidelines

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES 

• Support and adhere to the NVWR platform statements (Mission, Vision, Core Values, Ethical Standards, Service Model)
• Follow policies outlined in the Employee Handbook, and Policy and Procedure Manual
• Follow regulations and standards, not limited to: Action Recovery, Personal Care Home, Office of Long-Term Living, and Department of Human Services
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and training sessions during orientation and as required
• Provide verbal and written communication that is clear and meets company standards
• Be proficient in the use of required technology, software applications, and electronic health records to complete required documentation
• Maintain respectful and professional relationships with employees and co-workers, residents within the program and within the community

• Collaborate proactively in identifying additional needs, tasks, and priorities
• Maintaining the confidentiality and security of all New Vitae staff and consumer data and information
• Be able to adapt to changes within the workplace and perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services regulations related to Adult Residential Care, as well as the department’s Regulatory Compliance Guide (RCG), as related to this position.
• Knowledge of Behavioral Health Practice Guidelines, as related to this position.
• Knowledge of how to manage a diverse group of people and skill in doing so.
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in behavioral health care field.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR
• Fluent in English and literate.

SKILLS

• Ability to make fiscally sound decisions without compromising quality of staff and services.
• Time management skills.
• Keen observation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

ABILITIES

• Is reliable, responsible, and flexible.

• Able to form effective working relationships with residents, families and allies of residents, coworkers, and staff representing external organizations.
• Uses a teamwork style and cooperative posture in working with others.
• Is self assured, with the emotional maturity to withstand the stresses of the position.

Demonstrates healthy interpersonal boundaries.
 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Required:           High School Diploma or GED.

Experience:

Required:           A minimum of six months experience working with people with disabilities

                    Understanding of mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance use,                                            brain injury, and chronic medical conditions

General:

Required:           18 years of age or older

Be free from a medical condition, including drug or alcohol addiction, which would limit direct care staff persons from providing necessary personal care services with reasonable skill and safety.    

WORKING CONDITIONS

     Physical Conditions  

• Able to sit, stand, move and drive vehicle for periods of time
• Ability to lift, up to fifty (50) lbs. without assistance
• Exposure to intense sensory stimulation

     Equipment Operation

• Able to operate common office equipment, including a computer
• Valid driver’s license required

     Hazard of Position

• Risk of contact with blood-borne pathogens and other contagions
• Potential injuries due to unpredictable behaviors of residents/program members
• Exposure to household cleaning products

Salary : $18