POSITION: DIRECT CARE I
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PART-TIME & RELIEF (2ND AND 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE)
PROGRAM/LOCATION: SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY PROGRAM - HAIRSTON HOUSE, NORTHAMPTON, MA
We're looking for a DIRECT CARE I on a Part-Time or Relief basis to work at our HAIRSTON HOUSE in Northampton, establishing open communication, support, and accountability among workers and consumers. The DIRECT CARE I is accountable to the Program Director, who is responsible for providing supervision and training. The Residential Staff I is one who actively promotes the philosophy of the Hairstone House, and maintains a high level of commitment to the program.
CLIENT SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES
- To be capable of running shifts in the Supervisors absence.
- To be capable of assuming enhanced responsibilities for providing advocacy services to clients.
- To be capable of assuming enhanced responsibilities for planning and overseeing on and off unit activities.
- To maintain direct supportive contact with residents to continually assess their individual needs, especially during stressful and crisis situations.
- To provide advocacy/case management services whenever appropriate for each resident.
- To develop and maintain a working relationship and knowledge of other social service agencies in the community.
- To develop strong, supportive relationships with the clients.
- To provide for client care and safety.
- To interact with clients in order to assess needs, provide information, discuss problems, set limits and encourage growth and development.
- To perform routine housekeeping tasks as needed.
- To transport clients in matters related to service delivery.
- To participate in client recreational activities.
- To assist with client discharge plans.
- To notify supervisory staff immediately in the event of a client crisis, suspected illegal activity or any behavior constituting an incident in the program.
- To maintain updated shift notes and reporting in accordance to established record keeping procedures.
- To participate in all staff meetings and case conferences, as appropriate.
- To administer drug/alcohol screens to residents when considered clinically appropriate.
- To provide orientation of services to prospective clients, family members and community interest groups.
- To act as a client advocate.
- To arrange and provide patient transportation to outside appointments when public transportation is not available or recommended.
- To participate in training programs (both external and internal), regularly research materials relative to chemical abuse, mental illness and treatment approaches.
- To acquire and maintain current the necessary trainings and certifications mandated by the Agency and funding sources.
- To adhere to program and agency policies and procedures.
- To perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
Required Skills
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to work with population in recovery.
- Ability to structure and organize job responsibilities with minimal supervision.
- Ability to master First Aid, CPR, Defensive Driving and Fire Safety
- Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills.
- Displays sound judgment.
- Ability to provide goal-oriented services.
- Works well as a team member.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English)
- Ability to enter client data in the virtual gateway
- Physical and mental demands are located at the end of this job description
Required Experience
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School/GED +2 yrs experience
- Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skill, including conflict resolution.
- Experience providing substance abuse services
- Demonstrate organizational skill, able to multi-task.
- Demonstrate ability to lead through example.
- Must have valid driver’s license
- Must meet Agency requirements for driving history records.
- FLUENCY IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH DESIRED
BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES:
- Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance*
- *Relief employees do not receive benefits
The Gandara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Gándara Center provides residential, mental health, substance abuse and preventive services for children, adults and families across the Pioneer Valley and eastern parts of Massachusetts. Founded in the Hispanic community, we value cultural diversity and strive to provide culturally competent, innovative services to a diverse community.