Direct Support Specialist

If you are looking to make an impact through a meaningful and rewarding career, we are currently seeking talented, creative, and committed people who share our values of Challenging the Status Quo, Building Community, Creating Purpose, and Ensuring Inclusion by fostering individuals' development, well-being, and growth.

Benefits:

• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance

• Generous PTO

• 401k

• Disability

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program

Job purpose:

Responsible for the supervision and coordination of daily living skills including but not limited to personal care, recreation, meal prep, and household chores.

Competencies: (6)

• Ethics/Integrity: 25%
• Person-Centered Supports: 15%
• Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-being: 15%
• Justice, Fairness and Equity: 15%
• Self-Determination: 15%
• Advocacy: 15%

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promote choice, provide appropriate support and coordinate activities to foster individual well-being, growth and development.

• Ensure individual's medical, dental, dietary, psychological and all other service recommendations and treatments are followed through as identified on the individual's Plan of Service.

• Responsible for supervision and/or coordination of leisure skill activities, preparing meals, cleaning and household chores.

• Conduct drills according as scheduled.

• Receive direct supervision from the Senior Director of Residential Services, Director of Residential Services or designee.

• Administer individual's medication/treatment in accordance with doctor's orders and agency's policies/procedures.

• Assist with development and actively participate in the implementation of Individual Program Plans.

• Record and maintain the following records in a timely, consistent and accurate manner: program and behavioral data, medical and medication records, including prescriptions, financial receipts, appointment books (including all scheduling as required); administer evaluations and assessments to individuals; transition book or other applicable staff communication books; all other related records as required. Complete Therap as required.

• Maintain communication and contact between programs, IDT members, parents/guardians as needed.

• Maintain all standards consistent with DDS and all other certification requirements of a community residence.

• Actively participate, communicate and advocate as a team member on the residential team, interdisciplinary team, and with community providers.

• Knowledgeable of and ensure the protection of each individual's rights and safety and maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency's policies and procedures.

• Track and complete mandatory in-services according to established timelines.

• Intervene in emergency or behavioral situations as needed.

• Maintain a home atmosphere, assure a clean/ and safe living environment and well-balanced meals for the individuals.

• Follow weekly menu, prepare a shopping list, purchase food with participation by individuals on a weekly basis and prepare meals with participation of individuals.

• Provide relief coverage in assigned homes and have the flexibility to work within the various community residences.

• Carry out any necessary errands/responsibilities for the efficiency of program.

• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• One to two years of experience working with persons with disabilities in a residential setting.

• Valid Driver's License and ability to possess a State of CT Public Service License.

• Must maintain a satisfactory driving record.

• You are required to be in possession of a car on site during your entire shift to transport yourself and/or individuals served to community sites in all weather conditions and throughout all neighborhoods.

• Depending upon assignment, must be able to work in a variety of settings and locations.

• Must maintain PMT and CPR certification and eligible for DDS medication certification.

• Knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office and the internet.

Physical Requirements:

• Provide hands on personal care which may include toileting, feeding, cleaning and all other activities of daily living skills.

• Ability to transfer individuals requiring personal hygiene care.

• Have physical endurance to use physical crisis intervention techniques which may include restraining individuals.

• Provide physical intervention which may include lifting, mobility, first aid, and safety evacuations.

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs

• Have the physical endurance to use PMT holds.

• Have the physical endurance to be able to lift and transfer individuals as assigned.

The Kennedy CollectiveSM is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.

Tuesday thru Saturday 3pm-11pm

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