Direct Care Worker

Position Overview

Provides direct care services to adults with developmental disabilities living independently in the organization's Independent Residential Alternative houses.

Key Essential Functions

• Perform, supervise, and assist individuals in all areas of adult daily living skills
• Assist individuals in activities designed to foster independence, personal growth, and individualization
• Implement valued outcomes and all other programming methods/procedures based on the individuals habilitation and protective oversight plan and other QMRP documentations
• Ensure the overall health and safety of individuals by providing supervision based on individual needs and per OPWDD regulations
• Provide ongoing care for residents in a safe, kind, and considerate manner
• Accompany and transport individuals to medical and other clinical appointments; ensure necessary documentation is completed and returned for review by the program registered nurse
• Maintain a clean and sanitary residence and working environment
• Conduct fire drills as scheduled
• Maintain individuals' clothing, furniture, and all personal belongings in good condition
• Remain on shift until relief arrives and the shift is appropriately covered
• Report to work on time
• Remain sensitive and responsive to the needs, situation, and personal/cultural practices of individuals
• Make purchases as needed or requested by the program or management team
• Report any changes regarding individuals' physical and health condition to the supervisor immediately
• Assist in the orientation of new staff
• Safely operate agency vehicle for residential appointments or any other individual needs requiring vehicle use
• Read, initial, and enter required information on the communication log and other documentation as required
• Perform all other duties as requested by management

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required
• Minimum one year experience working with OPWDD individuals or in another human service field
• SCIP, AMAP, First Aid, and CPR certification must be obtained within three (3) months from date of hire
• Valid NYS driver's license preferred

Physical Demands

Heavy Work: Involves exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently.

Physical Requirements

• Bending: Almost Always
• Climbing: Almost Always
• Typing: Sometimes
• Lifting: Almost Always
• Reaching: Almost Always
• Pushing: Sometimes
• Crouching: Sometimes
• Crawling: Seldom
• Extended walking: Frequently
• Extended standing: Almost Always
• Extended sitting: Almost Always

Work Location

Work is completed equally in the office/program and in the community/other sites.

Work Hours

May require work outside of standard work hours (evenings and weekends).

Work Environment

Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Supervision Received

Close Supervision: Provided with daily oversight of work day-to-day tasks, methods, and functions. There are regular checks of tasks for quality and quantity of work. Employee performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referring to written guidelines. Any deviation is reviewed by the supervisor.