Sr Direct Support Professional

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Kaplan House (Manhattan) provides therapeutic and support services to adolescent’s ages 17-21 who are referred to us through ACS and the Juvenile Justice system. Our residents have experienced significant trauma, resulting in behavioral, emotional, and functional/development issues. Kaplan House offers an extensive independent living skills program, including vocational preparation, and educational services that assists youth towards reaching independence.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Direct Support Professional works with children and adolescents in a residential treatment setting and is responsible for ensuring that those portions of the treatment plan which deal with day-to-day and independent living skills are implemented. Acting as a positive role model and providing therapeutic parenting, the Senior Direct Support Professional is charged with the fundamental responsibility of the client's health and safety. The Senior Direct Support Professional are trained to administer medication.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist the Team Leader in the orientation of new Direct Support Professionals.
• In the absence of the Senior Team Leader / Team Leader, the Senior DSP will complete the shift report, ensure all activities and trips are properly prepared for with supplies and medications if required and that the trips leave the program as planned, is responsible for contacting the Senior Team Leader/Team Leader re: crisis in the facility.
• Required to be AMAP certified and administer medication in the absence of the Registered Nurse.
• Lead at least one weekly community meeting.
• Acts as liaison between DPS staff and the Seniors Team Leaders/ Team Leaders regarding treatment planning and implementation.
• Represent Team Leader at meetings, when designated.
• Ensure the proper implementation of the program routine and structure when the Senior Team Lead/ Team Leader is not present in the facility.
• Responsible for day by day care of the children in the program including supervision of personal hygiene, social guidance, use of leisure time, and food planning and preparation.
• Develop, supervise and run activity sessions, in collaboration with the Programming Manager.
• Accompany clients on trips and outings and supervise activities.
• May be called upon to work one on one with a client who is displaying significant stress.
• If required, perform Emergency Safety intervention (ESI) should a child be out of control.
• All employees are required to attend appropriate Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training prior to performing such a restraint.
• Drive the child to medical, social or other necessary appointments or assist in returning clients to the program who are AWOC.
• Shares experiences and observations of the children under care with the treatment team and immediately bring unusual issues to the attention of supervisory.
• Required to cook/prepare meals for residents within their division, in the absence of the cook.
• Team Process: Participates in weekly team meetings.
• Participates in regular staff meetings and trainings.
• May be asked to travel to offsite meetings and trainings.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Willingness to work with children/adolescents living with the impact of trauma and experiencing mental health challenges.
• Compassion and respect for vulnerable individuals.
• Patience and understanding for the sometimes slow process of stabilization and recovery.
• Excellent engagement skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.

EDUCATIONAL / TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma is required.
• Driver’s License required to meet all insurance requirements.
• Minimum work experience of two years' regular in house experience working within residential treatment program.

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook and Word.
• Aptitude for learning new systems and application software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Travel in the community with residents utilizing agency vehicle.
• Engage in physical activities with the residence.

RISKS/HAZARDS

• Risks/hazards associated with the position are those which may be encountered traveling around New York City.

VISUAL AND MANUAL DEXTERITY

• The candidate should be able to read paper and electronic documents and perform data entry into various computer programs.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to travel independently using public transportation and/or vehicle.

BENEFITS

• Generous time off in addition to paid agency holidays and 15 sick days.
• Affordable and high-quality medical/dental/vision plans.
• Tuition assistance and educational loan forgiveness.
• Free continuing education opportunities.
• 403(b) retirement benefits and a pension.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and transportation.
• 24/7 Accessible Employee Assistance Program.
• Life and disability insurance.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

• We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.