Direct Support Professional - Day Program

Responsibilities

• Act as a role model and encourage positive interactions with others.
• Be knowledgeable about assigned individuals' medical conditions and histories.
• Be familiar with the program plan for each individual in the program.
• Assist individuals with job duties at job sites; teaching all steps of the job tasks and how to complete them in a timely manner.
• Assist individuals with vocational training, socialization, and job etiquette.
• Work closely with community members, other employees, work groups, and/or other agencies to ensure an individual’s success within these organizations.
• Maintain open lines of communication with individuals, staff members, and administrators.
• Provide training to individuals in all skills agreed upon on the Individual Plan.
• Aid in developing a personalized schedule for individuals assigned.
• Instruct individuals as necessary in acceptable social behavior and other areas of training.
• Understand behavior modification techniques and their implementation.
• Complete data collection and prepare ID notes.
• Ensure all client data is recorded accurately in client records in Therap and all program documentation is completed on time.
• Review Behavior Charts daily for progress and accuracy.
• Maintain current progress notes and data counts on individuals assigned to you.
• Assist individuals in all areas of grooming and personal hygiene skills.
• Exercise mature judgment and relate to individuals in a warm and caring manner.
• Report seizures, behavioral episodes, injury or illness, client concerns, and/or other medically or emotionally related problems to relevant managers immediately.
• Report suspected allegations of abuse/neglect to the Abuse Investigation Division immediately.
• Attend necessary staff meetings and in-service training.
• Participate in recreational activities in a variety of settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or High school Diploma with 2 years' experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Must have Medication Administration Certification or be able to obtain it upon the next available Med Cert Course immediately following hire.
• Demonstrates organizational ability, communicates effectively with individuals served and members of the team.

PQI Functions

• Ensure the consistent accurate collection of data.
• Identify patterns and trends for the program.
• Use results of data to inform supervisor of trends that may impact services.

Key Competencies

• Knowledge of individuals with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis.
• Knowledge of behavioral issues, including aggressive, non-verbal, and self-injury behaviors.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment and relate to individuals in a warm, caring manner.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Individual Program Plans and Individual Service Plans.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people at all levels within the organization.
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task.
• Results oriented, sound judgment, service oriented, assertive/persuasive.
• High energy level, comfortable performing multifaceted projects, plus day-to-day activities.
• Superior interpersonal abilities, teamwork mentality, and social perceptiveness.
• Active listening skills with the ability to interact effectively with management.
• Ability to establish credibility, be decisive, recognize priorities.
• The direct support worker, works in both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Frequent lifting and/or carrying objects/individuals up to 65 plus pounds is required.
• Standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, balancing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, and traveling may be required.
• Must be able to successfully complete Physical Management Training (PMT) restraint training course.
• Must have the ability to safely perform physical restraints as needed for safety.
• If required to drive, candidate must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Connecticut Driver's License along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

Benefits

Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Hartford is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.