Direct Support Specialist PRN - Addictions

Essential Job Functions

• Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) (e. g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal-setting, nutrition needs)
• Makes therapeutic feedback on performance of ADL skills
• Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e. g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies)
• Plans and facilitates community-based activities (e. g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation/socialization)
• Facilitates access to community resources (e. g., AA/NA meetings, school, job placement)
• Contributes to safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques
• Serves as “ambassador” of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS’s services and programming
• Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e. g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer)
• Provides transportation (e. g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e. g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats)
• Teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems
• Provides personal care, as needed (e. g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques)
• Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed
• Supervises self-administered medication, depending on the specific clinical program’s protocols

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required

Experience

• Zero to one year full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition

Physical Demands/Requirements

• Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• May include frequent lifting of patients

Age and Licenses

• 18 years of age or older
• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of automobile liability insurance
• Positive driving record

Additional Expectations

• Exercises principle-centered leadership, focused on customer service responsiveness, with a continuous quality improvement orientation
• Develops a working knowledge of and follows all policies and procedures related to safety management and other Joint Commission standards