Direct Support Specialist TN - Full Time- FIK

JOB TITLE Direct Support Specialist/Tennessee

SUMMARY:

All Direct Support Specialists have the primary responsibility to support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in their achievement of the highest level of independence. The Direct Support Specialist will provide this support via education, instruction and support of persons served.

• Support the person to achieve and exercise their individual choice and preferences.
• Teach the person decision-making skills and selection of realistic options.
• Encourage the person to make informed choices, including decisions regarding his/her services.
• Encourage the person to become a responsible citizen in his/her community of choice.
• Provide supervision and guidance to the person for skills needed to take ownership with daily living skills and personal support needs.
• Ensure the health and safety of the person at all times.
• Follow procedures to report any suspicion of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. Adhere to applicable Protection from Harm policies and protocols.
• Be very knowledgeable of all aspects of the PCSP (Person Centered Support Plan) including special programs/plans (behavior, nutrition, safety, etc.) and immediately notify the supervisor of any needed changes to the PCSP. Implement any and all special plans as trained.
• Ensure the Health Passport is accurate and, on the person, (or staff's person) at all times.
• Recommend any needed changes in goals/outcomes and risks (health or otherwise).
• At all times, treat the individual as an adult exhibiting the highest level of dignity and respect.

In addition to primary responsibilities, Direct Support Specialists will be expected to perform duties in other areas as described on the job description as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: High School Diploma/GED preferred with applicable experience.

Licensure: Valid Tennessee driver's license Class D (F endorsement as applicable to agency vehicle). Eligible for FH drivers' insurance.

Certification: N/A

Experience: Experience in intellectual, developmental, and/or mental health disabilities preferred, according to the populations served.

Knowledge/Skills: Verbal/written communication skills. Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations. Ability to safely operate agency vehicle as assigned. Knowledge of adaptive/medical and/or production/maintenance equipment.

Required Training: Successful completion of all training within required time frames.

EQUIPMENT:

Equipment and tools encountered in healthcare settings and/or industrial/commercial work. Computer, fax, copier, motor vehicle, household appliances, and any other equipment required to perform the functions of the position.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Must be flexible with schedule and assignments.

2. Provide transportation in compliance with FH Transportation policies. Maintain a safe driving record, appropriate license and eligibility to provide transportation. May include but is not limited to doctor appointments, social and recreational activities and work.

3. Implement and document outcomes of individuals in PCSPs.

4. Complete required documentation thoroughly, accurately and daily or as assigned.

5. Encourage individuals to follow doctor prescribed diets and document accordingly.

6. Know where individuals are at all times and provide supervision to keep them safe and healthy as outlined in PCSPs.

7. Positioning and Transfer duties as identified in the PCSP: changing positions, transfers to bed/in bathroom/vehicle, assistance with ambulation.

8. Medication administration duties identified in the PCSP, guidelines on MAR (Medication Administration Record). Counting medications as assigned. Staff will strive for no medication errors. Staff will count controlled meds at every shift change with the identified staff and report any discrepancies immediately to their supervisor.

9. Make safety a priority by identifying and responding to safety issues. Properly report any situation that could jeopardize an individual's health or safety.

10. Attend and participate in scheduled staff meetings, in-services, training, etc...

11. Communicate pertinent information with supervisor in a timely manner.

12. Maintain professional and positive working relationships with others involved in a person's service delivery including families.

13. Maintain appropriate and professional appearance consistent with FH policies.

14. Take care of FH property. Report any incidents or concerns.

15. Maintain all required training.

16. Follow Attendance & PTO protocol for ID Division.

17. All other duties as assigned.

Specific Duties to Direct Support:

• Assist with daily living activities including hygiene, identified in PCPS. Personal hygiene activities include but are not limited to assistance with brushing and flossing, nail care, shaving, bathing, deodorant, dressing/undressing, routine skin care, and bathroom assistance.
• Meal preparation duties as identified in PCSP and under possible direction of a dietician, meal planning, purchase of nutritious food, cooking, serving, and clean up.
• Laundry duties as identified in the PCSP: washing, folding and putting away laundry.
• Ensure home is clean and free of odors. Duties include assistance with mopping, vacuuming, dusting, stripping beds, cleaning bathrooms and kitchen, organizing drawers, closets and cabinets.
• Provide services and supports as outlined in the PCSP.
• Oversee and assist individuals with their money as identified in the PCSP. Report any issues to Residential Manager.
• Provide services to promote community inclusion and membership which includes assisting persons with planning meaningful and educational community activities based on their goals/outcomes, interests and talents, and preferences.
• Explore volunteer opportunities with persons supported and assist them with volunteer activities as they choose.
• Assist with daily living skills/needs as outlined in the person's PCSP or as indicated as a need throughout service delivery. This includes but is not limited to personal hygiene, community safety, mealtime safety, medication administration, health maintenance, community awareness, and other skills necessary for the individual to become fully and successfully integrated into his/her community of choice.
• Assist persons with making purchases while in the community per the PCSP. Ensure any change is correct and secure receipts as instructed and per division's Personal Funds Management protocol. Maintain copies of receipts.
• Assist persons in making informed decisions regarding their desire and interest in community employment through the provision of meaningful exploration opportunities.
• Ensure that individuals have had education, experience and exposure to the same array of jobs as other people in the community.
• Facilitate meaningful discussions about employment and assist persons in exploring their understanding of work, motivation to work, likes and dislikes regarding work.
• Assist in the acquisition, retention or improvement of skills that will support the person in pursing and achieving community employment.
• Provide on the job training and/or support to persons in the community to maximize the potential for his/her success in community employment. Monitor the person's work to make sure the task/assignment is done correctly. Provide prompts/reminders as needed to the individual to help him/her be successful

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Although each position has its own unique duties and responsibilities, the following listing applies to every employee. All employees of the organization are expected to:

1. Support the organization's mission, vision, and values of excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership.

2. Exercise necessary cost control measures.

3. Maintain positive internal and external customer service relationships.

4. Demonstrate effective communication skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively and asking questions when clarification is needed.

5. Plan and organize work effectively and ensure its completion.

6. Demonstrate reliability by arriving to work on time and utilizing effective time management.

7. Meet all productivity requirements.

8. Demonstrate team behavior and must be willing to promote a team-oriented environment.

9. Represent the organization professionally at all times.

10. Demonstrate initiative and strive to continually improve processes and relationships.

11. Follow all Frontier Health rules, policies and procedures as well as any applicable laws and standards.

Requires criminal background checks, registry checks, etc...to meet requirements for employment per TN DDA guidelines.

Frontier Health is a Trauma-Informed Workplace.

At Frontier Health, we prioritize a culture of safety, trust, support, and inclusion. As a trauma-informed workplace, we foster a supportive environment where every employee is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.