Direct Support Professional- PRN

Metrocare is the largest provider of mental health services in North Texas, serving over 55,000 adults and children annually. For over 50 years, Metrocare has provided a broad array of services to people with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities, including behavioral health care, primary care centers, services for veterans and their families, accessible pharmacies, housing, and supportive social services. Alongside clinical care, researchers and teachers from Metrocare’s Altshuler Center for Education & Research advance mental health beyond Dallas County while providing critical workforce to the state.

About the role

We are an agency committed to quality gender-responsive, trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, and co-occurring disorders. Metrocare programs focus on the issues that matter most in the lives of the children, families, and adults we serve. This role serves as part of the interdisciplinary team in identifying and addressing the needs of consumers, including training needs, daily living skills, symptom support, and utilizing resources and referrals.

Responsibilities

• Function independently as a team member in the work setting.
• Work collaboratively with co-workers.
• Present psych-educational material in a manner understandable to consumers.
• Display sensitivity to clinical issues presented by consumers.
• Clearly and effectively document clinical progress in an automated record-keeping system.
• Train consumers in community settings.
• Intervene in consumer crisis situations.
• Maintain agency-required training.
• Be flexible in response to the changing needs of consumers, the program, and the agency.
• Conduct self in a professional manner and maintain a non-judgmental attitude toward patients.
• Demonstrate the ability to relate effectively to consumers, their families, and other staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Conduct job responsibilities in accordance with ethical standards of conduct, state contracts, professional standards, and applicable state/federal laws.
• Analytical skills, professional acumen, business ethics, understanding of continuous improvement processes, problem-solving, respect for confidentiality, and excellent communication skills.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures.
• Meet established deadlines and performance expectations; promptly inform supervisor of issues that may interfere with doing so.
• Follow written and verbal instructions, seeking timely clarification when needed.
• Maintain the physical presentability of the work environment in a tidy and organized manner; report facility maintenance needs to the local facility manager.
• Display a positive attitude that promotes harmony and teamwork, demonstrating an atmosphere of customer friendliness and professionalism.
• Dress in a professional manner, adhering to the agency dress code.
• Maintain an acceptable work record by being punctual and requesting Planned Leave within acceptable time frames.
• Perform all tasks with attention to a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other inter/intra agency staff.
• Follow the administrative chain of command in addressing work-related issues.
• Refrain from gossip or personal conversation within the hearing of consumers or collaterals.
• Respond to requests for service in a professional and courteous manner.
• Resolve conflicts in a manner that demonstrates respect for self and others.
• Maintain current licensure status, as appropriate, and supply Human Resources with copies of current or renewed licenses/credentials.
• Participate in continuing educational activities as required by licensing bodies and maintain current status on all agency-required training.
• Participate in regularly scheduled supervision, team staffing, and unit staff meetings.
• Inform appropriate unit personnel of scheduled appointments or expected visitors to the unit.
• Wear a Dallas Metrocare employee badge on the unit or at central administrative offices at all times.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED with 1-2 years of experience in mental health preferred.
• Experience in teaching living skills and/or psycho/educational material preferred.
• Basic math skills required.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions.
• Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
• Use computer, printer, and software programs necessary to the position (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to utilize the Internet for resources.
• Current State of Texas Driver License or, if licensed in another state, must obtain Texas Driver License within three (3) months of employment.
• Liability insurance required if operating a personal vehicle on Center property or for Center business.
• Must be insurable by Center’s liability carrier if operating a Center vehicle or driving a personal car on Center business.
• Must have an acceptable driving record.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Exceptional training
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement plan, including employer matching
• Health Savings Account, including employer matching
• Professional development allowance up to $2,000 per year
• Bilingual stipend – 6% of the base salary
• Many other benefits