Respite Support Associate. Float Pool

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists individual(s) to meet his or her physical (e.g., health, grooming, toileting, eating) and personal management needs (e.g., human development, human sexuality), by teaching skills, providing supports, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
• Assists with and/or dispenses medication (as certified), or other prescribed medical treatments, as necessary.
• Supports individual(s) in the development of friendships and other relationships.
• Provides opportunities for involvement in community and leisure activities.
• Assists in the identification of needs for the individual(s) for community supports, working with the individual(s) informal support system and /or initiating community connections.
• Aids individual(s) to plan, make informed choices, follow through on responsibilities and speak on his/her/their behalf.
• Uses effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of individual(s) communication styles.
• Learns and uses terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure individual(s) understanding.
• Writes daily notes in the log during shifts, complete data tracking, sleep charts and other mandated documentation.
• Maintains collaborative professional relationships with individual(s) and all support team members (including family/friends), follows ethical standards of practice (e.g., confidentiality, informed consent, etc.), and recognizes his or her own personal limitations.
• Aids and/or facilitates the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from individual(s) preferences, needs and interests.
• Facilitates, assists, and/or represents individual(s) when there are barriers to his or her service needs.
• Interacts with and educates community members and organizations (e.g., employer, landlord, civic organization) when relevant to individual's needs or services.
• Identifies crisis situations, evaluates or defuses the situation, and contacts necessary supports.
• Applies non-aversive behavior management techniques to include physical restraints and/or carries.
• Continues to monitor crisis situations, discusses the incident with authorized staff and individual(s), adjusts supports and the environment, and complies with regulations for reporting.
• Implements behavior plan(s) as necessary and as indicated in the plan.
• Maintains accurate records and submits records to appropriate sources in a timely fashion.
• Maintains standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.
• Complies with all agency guidelines, procedures and practices.
• Incorporates sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability and gender issues into daily practices and interactions.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be dependable, responsible, consistent and punctual.
• Must be flexible and take direction.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a part of a team and independently.
• Must pass criminal background check mandated by the State of Maryland.
• Possesses a valid driving license with good driving record and access to a safe vehicle for transporting people receiving services.
• Ability and desire to create long-term, trusting and respectful relationships.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS (PHYSICAL DEMANDS)

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit for long periods of time; use hands to hold, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally not exposed to weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Vary/flexible work schedule with hours based on need, required to work evenings and weekend, when scheduled.