Direct Support Specialist

Overview

Promote the values, dreams and potential of individuals with developmental disabilities through education and meaningful activities.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and commitment to, agency mission and values.

• Demonstrate respect for, and provide information to, individuals regarding human rights, privacy, and confidentiality.

• Follow agency policies and procedures, including work schedule, use of time off and transportation schedule.

• Interact verbally in a professional manner with the individuals supported, families, coworkers, supervisors and community members.

• Demonstrate the ability to set a side personal prejudices and fears to support individual(s) in taking risks and making informed decisions.

• Maintain agency standards of confidentiality.

• Complete required documentation in a timely and professional manner.

• Identify local community resources and ensure individual(s) access to needed local resources on a consistent basis.

• Maintain a respectful manner and tone of voice with others.

• Promote teamwork and open communication among staff members and individuals supported by the program.

• Appropriately implement teaching strategies for ISP goals and behavior plan.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving- identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

• Respect -shows respect for self, coworkers and the individuals supported.

• Interpersonal Skills- maintains confidentiality, remains open to others' ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.

• Oral communication- speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations demonstrates group presentation skills.

• Written Communication- is able to read and write information to communicate.

• Planning/organizing- prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.

• Quality control- demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.

• Adaptability- adapts to changes in the work environment and deals with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.

• Dependability- is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.

• Safety and security- actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• One year experience in developmental disabilities or behavioral health area preferred.

• Valid driver's license along with an acceptable driving status.

• Use of a reliable vehicle, which seats two passengers.

• Additional specific experience may be required.

HMEA, Inc is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles of affirmative action.