Description

Opening for Community Ties in Orono! Position could be full-time 36 hours OR part time 25 hours. No weekends, no holidays. 

JOB SUMMARY: Direct Service Professionals (DSP) help people with disabilities by providing support at home and in the community. They make sure everyone is treated in a way that focuses on everyone’s personal needs and choices. DSPs supports individuals to:

·         Build or keep relationships with family, friends, and people in the community

·         Develop skills and Live as independently as they can

·         Do activities that are useful, like working, volunteering, being part of their community

·         pursuing their interest while making community connections and exploring community options for interactive opportunities

DSPs also help the person they support to stay healthy and may assist with personal care and other activities that help with personal growth and well-being and independent living

PHYSICAL/SPECIAL DEMANDS:

1.   Physical; ability to walk, squat, stoop/bend, kneel, climb stairs, lift to 30 pounds, push and pull against potential resistance, implement PAC and CPR/First Aid when needed. 

2.   Ability to understand and implement the concept of home and community support.

3.   Ability to remain calm and function appropriately in stressful situations.

4.   Ability to always maintain confidentiality.

WORK HOURS: Shifts vary based on individuals supported and program needs. Employees will need to be flexible in their hours and pick up shifts as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Works indoors in well-lit and ventilated rooms, and outdoors in the community. Possibility of cuts or minor burns from equipment and may be exposed to communicable diseases. Possibility of strain or injury from interacting with the individuals supported.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Work Skills (These are part of IAM’s core values and are expected of all employees):

1.      On time, reliable, and rarely misses work.

2.      Consistently produces good-quality work.

3.      Work well on own and does so accurately and efficiently.

4.      Keeps things organized and manages time well.

5.      Respects privacy and client rights and treats people with empathy and respect.

6.      Works well with the team setting a positive example and has a good attitude.

7.      Communicates in a professional and polite way. Gives and takes feedback well.

8.      Handles changes at work easily.

9.      Represents the agency professionally.

10.  Actively work on personal and professional growth.

11.  Follows and reports any issues with policies or compliance.

12.  Focuses on safety and cleanliness.

13.  Attends all required training and meetings.

14.  Works with clients to help them develop skills as appropriate and approved.

15.  Willingly performs other duties as requested or required by supervisor(s).

Specific Work Skills:

1.      Help clients with Personal Tasks like eating, bathing, and dressing.

2.      Support, Coach, and Teach clients skills and growth areas as outlined in their plans

3.      Coach clients with making good choices about health, communication, and managing money.

4.      Teach skills for taking care of oneself, staying fit, managing behavior, and building relationships.

5.      Take steps to keep the person safe and healthy, identifying risks, and reporting changes in health or behavior.

6.      Give support to help individuals feel confident and build self-esteem.

7.      Create positive connections based on respect for the person's history, needs, and preferences.

8.      Teach about rights, helping with self-advocacy, supporting decision-making, and be part of the planning process.

9.      Assist in making and practicing plans for staying safe in emergencies.

10.  Provide clients transportation and support with community activities.

11.  Assist clients to access medical care.

12.  Assess needs/preferences, build on strengths, and share information with the person/their team.

13.  Use effective strategies to overcome challenges, educating the community when needed.

14.  Respond to and use effective techniques to prevent and respond to crises and emergency situations.

15.  Help individuals with administering their medications.

16.  Follow rules for safe medication administration.

17.  Watch for problems with medications and/or health and report them.

18.  Support clients in becoming inclusive community members by developing social relationships and enhancing skills for engaging in activities such as volunteering, senior activities, nature education, and exploring community opportunities. Assist with planning their schedules.

Administrative/Other Duties:

1.                  Document efficiently and accurately.

2.                  Follow agency policy and procedure.

3.                  Participate in the supervisory process, receive, and give productive feedback.

4.                  Fulfill household duties as assigned.

5.                  Fulfill all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS: 

1.      18 years of age and have a high school graduate or GED equivalent.  

2.      Have a genuine desire/interest to work with persons with disabilities.

3.      Must have a valid driver’s license within the parameters of 3Rivers policy.

4.      Must have DSP and/or certification or obtain within 6 months of hire.

5.      Must be able to pass State of Maine Background Checks and agency hiring requirements.