Responsibilities
The Direct Support Professional provides individualized support to individuals with mental health challenges, assisting with daily living tasks, promoting independence, and fostering a safe and supportive environment in a group home setting or in a residential facility setting.
- Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including cooking, cleaning, showering, toileting, shopping, and
managing money.
- Monitor clients' health and report any changes in physical or mental condition to supervisors or healthcare providers.
- Assisting with medical appointments such as transportation and coordinating with healthcare providers.
- Provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals.
- Recognize and respond to signs of distress or crisis situations.
- De-escalate challenging behaviors using positive and approved techniques to ensure safety for all clients and staff.
- Assist individuals in developing and maintaining life skills.
- Facilitate community integration and participation in social and recreational activities.
- Ensure that care plans are followed and updated as needed.
- Maintain accurate records of daily activities, progress and any relevant observations and document these items in the client's electronic health record (EHR).
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, other team members and family members as necessary.
- Complete incident reports with 24 hours of the occurrence and share the report with social workers to ensure
accuracy of report.
- Remind and assist clients with self-administration of medications (after approved training and skills validation).
- Participate in team meetings and assigned trainings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education:
- High School Diploma or HSED equivalent required.
Experience:
- Prior experience working with individuals who have chronic mental health issues is preferred.
- Prior experience with health care documentation is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills - including written and verbal.
- Patience, empathy, and a passion for supporting individuals to achieve independence.
- Ability to remain calm and patient in stressful situations
Licenses/Certifications:
- Current and valid driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements is required. .
- Mandatory Reporter of Child/Dependent Adult Abuse Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire and every three (3) years thereafter required.
Benefits
Competitive benefits package for full-time employees working 30+ hours a week:
- Health insurance (up to 79% employer paid)
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) with profit sharing and employer match
- Paid time off (accrue up to 80 hours during first year of employment; increases based on tenure with agency)
- 10 paid holidays
- 80 hours sick time
- 2 wellness days
- Staff development and training
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility for federal student loans
- Employer paid CEU's through Relias
- PerkSpot- employee discount program
- Employee assistance program
- Advancement opportunities
About the Organization
Hillcrest is a non-profit organization that assists adults and children in need of help. Every day, Hillcrest builds confidence in hundreds of people and families. We strive to be a leading provider in supporting brain health and wellness. We're a place where compassion is commonplace. Where our passion soars and faith restores.