Support Professional, Day Health Services

About the Role

The Support Professional in Day Health Services engages service recipients in small or large group outings to the community, leisure educational activities, and community experiences. This role provides transport of service recipients to and from the program and within the community during outings using a 6-12 passenger vehicle. The incumbent implements and facilitates behavioral/habilitation plans and provides support and mentoring through a person-centered approach, considering the unique characteristics and needs of each individual as expressed by the individual and others who know them.

Responsibilities

• Implement and facilitate behavioral and habilitation plans for service recipients.
• Provide support and mentoring using a person-centered approach.
• Engage service recipients in community outings, leisure, and educational activities.
• Transport service recipients to and from the program and during community outings using a 6-12 passenger vehicle.
• Support individuals in building problem-solving skills, self-help, social skills, adaptive skills, daily living skills, and leisure skills.
• Foster skill acquisition, positive social behavior, interpersonal competence, greater independence, and personal choice.
• Operate manual devices such as hydraulic lifts, wheelchair lifts, and vehicle doors for transporting service recipients.
• Apply Agency Training Crisis Management Verbal and Physical Techniques during a crisis, consistent with agency policies.

Requirements

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Willingness to learn or some familiarity with Social Supports Services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Minimum of three years of driving experience and a good driving record.
• Must meet agency and insurance carrier eligibility requirements.
• Current and valid New Jersey driver’s license with abstract (not exceeding 5 points).
• Ability to meet agency insurability requirements.
• Complete State/Federal Criminal Background checks and Central Registry checks.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, sit, move, traverse, kneel, bend, and reach with hands and arms for extended periods.
• Ability to carry and lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to squat and drive a 6-passenger van.
• Agility with wrist and finger dexterity to access, key, and sort electronic information or file documents.
• Ability to view computer and/or electronic devices for extended periods.
• Ability to perform duties in indoor and outdoor settings with exposure to weather elements, dirt, dust, unpleasant smells, and loud noises.
• Occasional temperature fluctuations depending on climate, season, or weather.

Cognitive Functions

• Analyze, compute, hear, and repeat information.
• Take notes and read documents.
• Generate written information.
• Independently problem-solve and tolerate interruptions.
• Maintain positive public relations.
• Organize and verbally communicate with a diverse group of people.