Direct Support Professional (Every other weekend) - Alden Group Homes

JOB SUMMARY

• Responsible for implementing program services and individual supports according to prescribed individual program plan and organizational requirements. The Habilitation Aide trains/coaches and assists residents in personal hygiene and ADL skills: bathing, tilting, shaving, etc., using instructional methods according to individual needs and goals in order to obtain further development in independent functioning.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a high school education, or equivalent,
• Must have completed a Certified Nursing Assistant course as specified by the Illinois Department of Public Health as well as completed the Certified Nursing Assistant competency examination OR
• Must have completed an approved Direct Support Professional training course and be listed on the Direct Support Professional Registry.
• Must possess current CPR certification or become certified within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with residents, family members, visitors, personnel, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to work harmoniously within a team environment that is resident centered
• Must be personable, enthusiastic, and resourceful and have patience, tact, and a cheerful disposition.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, family members, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, young, emotionally upset and at times, hostile people.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, resident in excess of fifty (50) pounds throughout the day.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the (HIV) AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Render care to clients as directed and in accordance with clients individual program plan,
• Follows established departmental policies and procedures, including appropriate dress code,
• Reports all concerns, complaints made by the client or their family to the Administrator,
• Conducts regular rounds to assure clients are safe and comfortable,
• Assists with lifting, turning, moving, positioning, and transporting clients into and out of beds, chairs, bathtubs, showers, wheelchairs, lifts, etc.
• Answers call lights promptly,
• Completes check of skin condition when dressing, undressing, repositioning, etc. and reports alterations in skin integrity or changes in condition to the nurse.
• Observes clients physical condition, attitude, reactions, appetite, etc., and reports any changes to the Nurse,
• Encourages client to help themselves and promotes self-care in aiding habilitation.
• Performs routine housekeeping duties; cleans, disinfects, and returns all resident care equipment to its designated storage area as assigned
• Attends staff meetings as directed
• Inspect/monitor clients for appropriateness or status of clothing, personal hygiene, behavior, skin condition, etc. in reference to standards and taking corrective action following prescribed procedures if required in order to maintain the health, safety, and welfare and to maintain the dignity, self-respect, and self-esteem of each resident.
• Train/coach/assist residents in dressing skills including putting on or taking off clothing, manipulating fasteners, identifying types of clothing, personal possession of clothes, etc., using instructional methods according to individual needs and goals in order obtain further development in independent functioning.
• Train/coach/assist residents in communication skills including eye contact, tracking speaker or object, language development, use of augmentative
• communication devices, etc., using instructional methods according to individual needs and goals in order to obtain further development in independent functioning,
• Train/coach/assist in appropriate interpersonal interactions and social situations including eye contact, proper holding and touching, facial responses to others, playing, meeting others, etc., using instructional methods according to individualized needs and goals in order to obtain normalized individual development and normalized socialization.
• Implement activities, situational experiences or leisure for clients using necessary equipment, vehicles, events, or sites in accordance with daily routine, written schedule, or instructions according to individual interests, needs and goals in order to obtain normalized development, socialization and for fun.
• Accompany clients on medical appointments, therapeutic community activities, appointments, or events away from the facility using necessary vehicles or public transportation in accordance with individual needs, goals, planned events or in emergencies following instructions to maintain safety, health, and welfare,
• Reinforce positive behaviors, communication, language, interpersonal exchange, etc. in order to obtain normalized development or improve independent functioning,
• Support and encourage everyday use of learning skills and abilities as part of the daily routine in order to maximize normalized development and independent functioning,
• Provide input into client objectives and evaluate the client’s performance on assigned objectives,
• Participate in various regularly scheduled duties, first aid, bus duty, break duty, dining duty, emergency drills, in accordance with assigned schedules and regulations in order to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the clients
• Recommend to the Administrator and/or designee the equipment and supply needs of the department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.