JOB DESCRIPTION
Direct Support Staff
DEFINITION
Direct Support Staff individuals with disabilities in community – based residential homes and family support services. Direct Support Staff assist individuals with daily living skills development, health and wellness management, medication administration, behavioral and communication development and personal caress. Quality support services will be delivered with dignity and respect for each and individual’s unique needs. Direct Support Staff advocate for individuals to be fully integrated into community life.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Implement each person’s Individual Daily Program Plan
• Assists each person with his or her personal cares and daily routine.
• Shows respect and dignity while assisting each person.
• Provides choices and promotes independence at home and in the community.
• Supports people in establishing and maintaining relationships with friends, family, and community connections.
• Clearly and accurately documents information related to each person’s daily program plan.
2. Follows Abuse Prevention Plan as written for each person
• Demonstrates ability to support each person’s dignity of risk while following through with specific plan/s to reduce vulnerability in identified areas.
• Clearly and accurately documents incidents related to the person’s vulnerabilities and communicates information as outlined in the person’s individualized plan.
3. Follows Health Plans as written for each person.
• Administers medications and treatments as directed
• Is able to locate and use medical information established by the program nurse
• Clearly and accurately documents changes in the person’s condition and communicates this information to the nurse and coordinator.
4. Completes work duties as assigned
• Provides a clean and safe environment for each person.
• Prepares and provides balanced meals according to the basic food groups.
• Clearly and accurately documents and reports maintenance or household needs to the appropriate supervisor
• Arrives on time and works his/her scheduled shift.
• Maintains staff coverage until relief staff are on duty or until a charged person has given the approval to leave
• Accepts and offers guidance and instruction to to//from co-workers in a helpful manner.
5. Work hours range from 10 to 40 hours weekly. All staff is evaluated annually and go through scheduled training to enhance to equality of work being delivered.
Qualifications
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Ability to speak, write, and comprehend the English Language
• A valid driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record is required for morning and evening shifts
• Upon hire, candidates must provide proof of employment eligibility and proof of being free from tuberculosis. All candidates must successfully pass a State of Georgia background check before working unsupervised.
High Performance Objectives/Competencies
• Communicates clear and accurate information to FMS team members, quality circle members, and community stakeholders in a professional manner.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Accepts and is able to provide constructive feedback in a respectful manner.
Accountability
• Takes responsibility for carrying out essential job duties in a competent manner.
• Adheres to agency policies and procedures
• Completes training requirements according to FMS staff development standards.
• Represents FMS in a positive and respectful manner.
• Works safely; uses equipment properly and as directed.
Proactive
• Uses information and data to improve the quality of service provided.
• Takes initiative to improve personal skills, knowledge and team performance.
Team Player
• Shows respect for others’ perspectives, styles, and ideas
• Works with others to meet agreed timelines and objectives.
• Is flexible and willing to respond to changes needed to improve service.
Documentation
• Documents all program data, including but not limited to: individual plan data, behavior plan data, community integration logs, assessments, individual funds requests, mileage logs, maintenance requests forms, and supply acquisition forms;
• Documents individual’s health (i.e. seizure charts, weight, bowel movements, fluid intake.
• Ensures that all documentation is completed clearly and accurately in a timely manner
• Ensures Medication Administration Record (MAR) entries are completed daily
• Completes communication logbooks during shift
• Clocks in and out before and after every shift and submits Leave Request forms when applicable
Working Conditions
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met in order to successfully complete essential job functions. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be considered.
• Frequent pushing, pulling, grasping, reaching below shoulder level, and lifting/carrying up to 35 lbs. unassisted may be required
• Occasional bending stooping, squatting, kneeling, climbing, crawling, walking on uneven ground, reaching above shoulder level, and lifting/carrying in excess of 35 lbs. unassisted may be required.
• This position requires spending the majority of the work day standing or walking
• This position requires working 75-90 percent indoors and 10-25 percent outdoors.
• This position may require work with household cleaning solutions, electric wheelchair batteries, and refueling vehicles.
• This position may require work with moderate noise and/or pets
• This position may require work with the following equipment: wheelchairs, manual and electric; adaptive positioning equipment; household appliances; household cleaning equipment; manual, hydraulic, electric lifts or ramps; wheelchair hook-ups; battery charger; garbage/recycling bins; manual or electric bed, bed rails; office equipment; oxygen tank; mist or suction machine; augmentative communication device; gas or charcoal grill; sprinkler or garden hose; snow shovel or scraper
I have read and understand the information contained within the job description