Direct Support Professional- 2Nd Shift

Position Purpose/Summary:

Delivers direct care assistance and training to people with developmental disabilities, or TBI/Dual Diagnosis  who live in residential or assisted living settings based on each individual's skills, preferences, needs, choices, and values. Provides opportunities for individuals to be as independent as possible, to develop relationships with others, and to be involved in their community.  The Habilitation Counselor will be an advocate for clients in the protection and exercise of their legal rights; provide emotional support and encouragement to clients; and ensure that all patients take proper medication. 

Essential Functions (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

1. Interacts with people served in a caring and respectful manner.
2. Becomes knowledgeable about each person and his/her plan of service.
3. Implements and documents goals as identified in each individual's plan of services.
4. Provides training and assistance as needed in all daily living skills including personal hygiene, grooming, housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, money management, and shopping.
5. Aides in vocational activities; and provides one-on-one assistance as needed.
6. Provides training and assistance as needed in other areas such as health management, medication administration, communication, socialization, self-advocacy, skill development, and community integration.
7. Assists individuals in planning and participating in recreational activities of interest to individuals both at home and in the community.
8. Purchases household items and groceries as needed and assigned.
9. Performs housekeeping tasks as needed to ensure a clean and safe home; prepare meals.
10. Provides transportation in agency vehicles; or occasionally in personal vehicle.. Maintains agency vehicles in clean manner.
11. Prepares nutritious and well-balanced meals according to each individual's dietary guidelines and the household menu.
12. Assists individuals in maintaining good health by monitoring medical needs and implementing medical care plans. Accompanies individuals to medical and dental appointments and communicates effectively with medical providers. Provides first aid as needed.
13. Administers and documents medications accurately following proper procedures.
14. Handles agency petty cash and individual's personal money in a responsible manner. Obtains receipts for purchases. Documents purchases on agency receipt as directed.
15. Assist individuals with transferring and mobility as needed.
16. Documents relevant information in daily log, medical log, ISP/behavior support plans and other documents as required.
17. Supports individuals in maintaining and developing relationships with family and friends. Assists individuals in appropriate reciprocal social skills.
18. Provides behavioral supports as needed by role modeling appropriate behavior, and intervening, responding, and re-directing inappropriate behavior in a respectful and productive manner according to generally accepted standards and each person's plan of service.
19. Interacts and communicates effectively with individuals' families and service providers.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

1. Time will be spent in the group home/community/apartment housing or in Client’s home supervising consumers/clients.
2. Shifts are 1st and 2nd shift.
3. In emergency/adverse weather conditions, additional coverage requirements are enforced and required.
4. Local travel may also be required.  Employee required to drive.
5. Environment can be stressful and emotional depending on mood and behavior of residents.
6. Ability to bend, stoop, reach overhead
7. Minimum ability to lift and carry minimum of 25 pounds. 

Qualifications (Minimum Job Requirements): Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: H.S. diploma or GED

Experience: 1 year experience in Human Services field.

Specific skills/abilities: Minimum age 21.

• Caring and compassionate
• Dependable, responsible, and ethical
• Able to calmly handle stressful situations
• Able to communicate effectively and legibly in writing
• Flexible and open-minded
• Good judgment and decision making skills

Specialized knowledge, licenses, etc: NC or SC Valid driver’s license