Direct Support Caregiver

About the role

REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You’ll join a mission-driven team and create relationships that motivate us all every day. This role is non-exempt, full-time or part-time, hourly. Responsible for providing direct support within a single program or unit, typically supporting 4–6 individuals in residential settings, or up to 10 individuals in periodic programs.

Schedule & Pay

• Schedule: Thursday, Friday 7am–3pm; Every Other Weekend 8am–8pm
• Pay: $21

Responsibilities

• Deliver support per individual service/program plans, including socialization, health maintenance, medication administration, skill/behavioral development
• Assist with daily activities: personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community integration, shopping, citizenship, and other activities of daily living
• Accurately document progress and activity; review records and logs to stay abreast of changes in service plans; maintain confidentiality
• Make cost-effective and appropriate purchases within the budget of the individual served and according to their choice/preference
• Maintain healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians, and case managers; greet family members and other visitors; implement Sevita Customer Service Standards
• Report any instance of alleged abuse or neglect according to internal and external standards; report medical, behavioral, and other incidents in accordance with Sevita policy and external requirements
• Maintain confidentiality, respect the rights of persons being served according to applicable bill of rights; practice universal precautions; assist individuals in exercising their rights
• As needed, accompany individuals to medical appointments; relay orders and information to and from medical providers as required
• If assigned, accurately administer or support self-administration of medication and document delivery of medications and treatments; promptly report administration errors; maintain appropriate security of controlled medications and other medications and supplies
• Monitor individual’s health; document health concerns; communicate with nurse or supervisor as appropriate; call 911 in the event of emergency; follow individual health care directives
• Correctly follow procedures in utilizing medical equipment; report malfunction or disrepair
• Prepare or support individuals to prepare food in accordance with planned menus and individual choice; know special diets and prepare individual meals accordingly; monitor mealtime and correctly implement any dining plans
• Attend orientation and on-going training as directed; participate in monthly staff meetings
• Work scheduled hours; arrive for work on time; stay on shift until replacement arrives; notify supervisor in advance when unable to work as scheduled or as soon as possible after the designated start time; may fill in for other shifts where required without causing unapproved overtime, or in the event of emergency
• Work together with others, value others’ contributions; be courteous; communicate openly; listen; and show respect to others
• Comply with all established safety policies, procedures, and rules; report unsafe hazards to supervisor and participate in safety related training or activities
• May transport individuals into the community; drive safely and according to local laws; ensure proper use of safety equipment including seat belts, lifts, and wheelchair ties; report accidents to appropriate authorities immediately; report accidents and safety concerns immediately to supervisor or maintenance personnel
• Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping as directed; maintain neat, clean, and safe environment; report hazards or safety concerns
• Monitor environmental safety and may make minor repairs, change light bulbs, etc.; may perform yard maintenance including keeping walkways safe and snow removal; report equipment or facilities requiring repairs to supervisor or maintenance personnel as required
• Check water temperature as required when assisting with bathing; participate in safety drills and protect persons being served in the event of emergency
• Perform other duties and activities as required

Requirements

• Prior experience working in a high behavioral group home setting is required
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; at minimum, a High School Diploma/Equivalent is required for employees hired after 6/15/2018
• Six months of experience in human services preferred
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Working knowledge of computers
• Valid driver’s license in good standing (New Jersey if resident; otherwise, state of residence if commuting)
• Car registration and vehicle insurance if providing transportation for individuals receiving services
• All state-required training(s) and certification(s) completed in mandated timeframes
• Maintain valid driver’s license, meet all insurance requirements, and be approved by management to be a driver for the company. If determined to have lost driving privileges by failing company MVR requirements, employee must sign a Non-Driver form and be restricted from driving on behalf of the company until MVR report satisfies company requirements
• Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation
• All employees hired after 6/15/2018 shall submit to drug testing prior to employment; all employees shall submit to drug testing randomly and for cause/suspicion
• Employees must submit to criminal background checks and be determined not to be disqualified by the Department of Human Services prior to working with individuals served
• All employees must agree to have their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, as well as completing an application to have their name checked against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI)
• Employees must successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in all areas of required trainings

Work environment & physical requirements

• Works at the program location and may accompany individuals into the community
• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.