Direct Support Staff

Description:

¨ provide service to individuals in their own homes and communities who need assistance caring for themselves as a result of old age, sickness, disability and/or other inflictions. Home care may include light housecleaning, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, respite and advice on such things as nutrition, cleanliness and household activities.

¨ responsible for ensuring that service is delivered in a caring and respectful manner, in accordance with relevant Agency policies and industry standards.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to Supervisor

Responsibilities/Activities:

¨ Provide companionship, friendship and emotional support.

¨ Talk, listen, share experiences, play games/cards, read to client etc.

¨ Help keep clients in contact with family, friends and the outside world.

¨ Provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery store and errands.

¨ Accompany clients to recreational and/or social events.

¨ Assist with plans for visits and outings.

¨ Write or type letters/correspondence.

¨ Organize and read mail.

¨ Plan trips and outings and possibly travel with clients.

¨ Teach/perform meal planning and preparation.

¨ Perform light housekeeping.

¨ Participate on the Care Team by providing input and making suggestions.

¨ Ensure service is delivered in accordance with Agency policies, procedures and industry standards.

¨ Monitor supplies and resources.

¨ Evaluate the program and make recommendations, as indicated.

¨ Follow the written care plan.

¨ Assist in basic client transfers providing the client has been assessed as being capable of ambulating without assistance; and/or, providing another trained caregiver (including family) is involved in the transfer.

¨ Carry out duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

¨ Observe the client’s functioning and report to Supervisor.

¨ Complete and maintain records of daily activities, observations, and direct hours of service.

¨ Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.

¨ Make decisions and solve problems.

¨ Assist with pet care.

¨ Communicate with Supervisor and co-workers.

¨ Attend orientation, in-service training sessions and staff meetings.

Required Knowledge

¨ Knowledge of home management skills.

¨ Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client services, including needs determinants, meeting quality standards and evaluation of client satisfaction.

¨ Knowledge of the English language.

¨ Knowledge of information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries including emergency first aid and CPR.

¨ Knowledge of clerical procedures such as maintaining records and completing forms.

Required Skills/Abilities

¨ The ability to be aware of other people’s reactions and understand why they react as they do.

¨ The ability to establishing and maintain relationships.

¨ The ability to teach others.

¨ The ability to identify problems and determine effective solutions.

¨ The ability to apply reason and logic to identify strengths and weaknesses of possible solutions.

¨ The ability to understand written and oral instructions.

¨ The ability to communicate information orally and in writing.

¨ The ability to listen and understand the spoken word.

¨ The ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.

¨ The ability to determine or recognize when something is likely to go wrong.

¨ The ability to suggest a number of ideas on a subject.

¨ The ability to provide advice and consultation to others.

¨ The ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.

¨ The ability to establish and maintain harmonious relations with clients/families/co-workers.

Physical and Mental Demands:

¨ Good physical and mental health.

¨ Physical ability to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear and see.

¨ Mental fortitude and stability to handle stress.

¨ Physical and mental ability to drive a vehicle.

Qualifications/Education

¨ Current driver’s license.

¨ Proper Vehicle Insurance Coverage.

Training/Experience:

¨ May require related experience.

¨ May required similar social and cultural backgrounds with some clients.