Direct Support Specialist - Family Residences and Essential Enterprises

Position: Direct Support Specialist - Behavioral
Reports To: Residence Program Supervisor
Revised: June 2022

This position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 40 during a single calendar week (Monday - Sunday)

Summary/Objective
The Direct Support Specialist (DSS) provides supervision and oversight to the individuals residing in specialized OPWDD IRA residences who demonstrate as High Risk. High Risk is defined as those individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system, or have the potential to become involved, and are at risk for reoffending while residing in a community based setting, without specialized supports and services in place. The DSS will provide support and services to these individuals based on person centered life plans, work collaboratively with the Direct Support Professionals and as a liaison to the clinical and management team members to address psychiatric and behavioral episodes. Further, the DSS will assist in ensuring behavioral support plans are followed and required documentation is completed as assigned. This team member will assist the Residence Supervisor in implementing agency policies and procedures.

Essential Job Functions
 Works with the people we support to help them identify and realize their personal life goals
 Ensures fire safety equipment is in working condition and teaches individuals to utilize this equipment
 Teaches individuals who to contact for emergencies including, but not limited to, medical, psychiatric, fire, lack of food, etc.
 Conducts direct observations of behavior, review of records/behavioral data, and verbal/written input from team members
 Assists individuals in utilizing community/neighborhood services
 Acts as a liaison between individuals, and various treatment team members
 Teaches independent living skills necessary to sustain individuals in the community
 Develops Staff Action Plans/Residential Habilitation Plans in conjunction with the individuals and their treatment teams; encourages follow through on all goals
 Encourages and supports individuals to maintain psychiatric stability through counseling,
crisis intervention, attending a daytime activity, participating in treatment, and utilizing other
available resources
 Assists individuals in complying with requirements of treatment such as legal mandates and
conditions of parole or probation
 Completes reports and documentation in a timely manner. Reviews documentation
completed by Direct Support Professionals and assists in validation and follow up as required
to ensure completion within required parameters
 Assists the management team in ensuring all team members are trained on program specific
documentation and treatment plans, while providing guidance and role modeling of same
 Attends and participates in Interdisciplinary Team Meetings, case review meetings, and all
other team meetings as assigned

Duties and Responsibilities
 Adhere to the organizations Code of Ethics
 Always communicate in a respectful manner with all people including the people we
support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community
 Complete all required trainings and certifications and stay in compliance
 Maintain confidentiality
 Other duties as assigned

Education, Work Experience, and Competencies
 18 years of age or older & High School or equivalent are the minimum job requirements
 Experience working with individuals with forensic histories, diagnosed with mental illness
and/or substance abuse disorders preferred
 Valid NYS driver’s license and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the organization
 Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others
informed and anticipating needs is essential
 No convictions for crimes that preclude a person from working with members of a
vulnerable population

Physical Demands
 Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours)
 Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
 Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones,
photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines
 Employee is required to reach with hands and arms
 Employee is required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool as needed
 Employee is required to be able to lift 50 pounds at a time

FREE’s Core Values
All team members are expected to represent the core values of the organization, outlined below,
at all times.
Integrity...we expect the conduct of all team members in the FREE network to be rooted in
transparency and honesty and to be consistent with our stated values.
Diversity...we believe in the dignity and worth of all people. We strive to foster an appreciation
of, and respect for, the differences among all of us that enrich the world.
Responsiveness...we commit to striving to meet to the needs of the people we support, valued
team members and the unmet needs of the community.
Quality...we support people to plan, choose, and contribute to their personal outcomes and to live
a rewarding life based on their individual choices and preferences.
Stewardship...we recognize our responsibility in managing the resources of the FREE network
responsibly, effectively, and efficiently.
Innovation...together, we find creative solutions to take advantage of opportunities and meet
challenges while celebrating our collective accomplishments.
Interdependence... we pledge to promote a collaborative environment driven and enabled by a
dedicated team of professionals. WE is more powerful than YOU or I.
I have read, understood and agreed with the Direct Support Specialist - Behavioral job description,
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Pay Range: $21.00 - $21.25hr