Direct Care Specialist

Responsibilities

The Direct Care Specialist reports to the Licensed Child Care Administrator and is responsible for supervising children and maintaining a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment that meets the individualized care plan and personal development needs of the children in accordance with Agency standards, state licensing standards and other federal, state and local regulatory requirements. The Direct Care Specialist will follow a designated routine as assigned

Essential duties

v Provide direct supervision and observation of children while in their living space or common areas; know the whereabouts of all children at all times during the shift

v Interact, observe and supervise children in accordance to their individualized treatment and behavior support plans

v Set appropriate behavioral limits with children in accordance to Agency policy and individualized treatment and behavior support plans

v Work in a manner that seeks to prevent crisis situations; proactively intervene to manage or de-escalate crisis situations; apply verbal redirection when deemed appropriate

v Complete assigned duties and paperwork, such as behavior sheets, observation notes, communication logs, shift reports personal restraint records, incident reports, etc. before the end of shift

v Maintain awareness of children’s behavior and utilize the proper intervention and appropriate consequence in accordance with Agency policy and the child’s individual treatment and behavior support plans; accurately document the behavior and intervention using the designated forms

v Provide children  with a full range of basic living skills, including, but not limited to bathing, feeding, cleaning, shopping and laundry

v Clean, organize and maintain the children’s living space to provide a safe and therapeutic environment

v Ensure safety, security and sanitation standards are maintained in all work areas at all times

v Accompany children and participate in and manage therapy sessions as needed

v Teach, supervise and assist children in achieving their daily goals

v Converse with children to reinforce positive behavior and promote social interaction and community inclusion

v Accompany and/or transport children to appointments, outings and activities using established safety protocol

v Assist with the new resident orientation

v Report and properly document all incidents in a timely manner (prior to the end of the shift)

v Prepare and attend supervision, unit, team and facility meetings as required

v Provide back-up services and assistance to other units/programs when needed

v Complete required training hours per licensing standards

v Other duties and special projects as assigned

Working Relationships

v Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with the program management team and staff, children and volunteers to meet the needs of the children and ensure the program goals and objectives are being met

v Work closely with management, and the program staff to ensure program operations, goals and objectives are being met and the children are receiving the highest quality of services and support

v Work as team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices.

v Work within the Agency’s Code of Ethics and establish working relationships within the ethical boundaries established

v Provide a safe and loving environment to children

Qualifications 

Minimum qualifications

v High School Diploma or GED equivalent

v Valid TX Driver’s license

v Must be 21 years of age or older per licensing requirements

v Prior full-time working experience, preferably in a similar environment and/or with children

v Knowledge of behavior modification and therapeutic settings

v Strong communication skills, with demonstrated ability to write legibly in a concise and understandable manner

v Strong time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and complete tasks in a timely manner

v Ability to work both in a team environment and independently

Preferred Qualifications

v Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Social Services, Human Services, or closely related field

v 6 months experience in residential care facility or similar setting

v Basic knowledge of behavior modification and therapeutic settings

v Ability to use good judgment, think and react rationally and calmly in difficult and stressful situations

v Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with a diverse staff and resident population

v Ability to provide conflict resolution and de-escalation methods and techniques to ensure the well-being and safety of residents

v Proficient with basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

v Requires working with a diverse population of youth with varying degrees of behaviors and trauma

v Requires standing for long period of time

v Lift, push, pull, move up to 125 lbs.