DIRECT CARE I & II STAFF WORKER - SUD PROGRAM
Locations: various across the Greater Springfield MA area
We’re looking for a Direct Care 1 Staff Worker to work with our Substance Use Disorder Program [SUD/RRS], establishing open communication, support, and accountability among workers and consumers. S/he is accountable to the SUD Program Manager, who is responsible for providing supervision and training. The Direct Care Staff Worker is one who actively promotes the philosophy of the SUD Program, and maintains a high level of commitment to the program. This individual will respect the dignity of each individual through vigorous promotion of the human and civil rights which, in part, strives to keep people free from abuse or neglect and recognize that ethnic and cultural diversity of each individual must be valued and respected.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CLIENT SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES
- To assist members daily in the enhancement of their ADL (activities of daily living) skills through practical experience and training both individually and in groups.
- To promote the right of people with mental retardation to exercise choice and to make meaningful decisions in their lives.
- To ensure that adequate services and flexible resources are non-intrusive, cost effective and provided by qualified, trained personnel to meet individual needs and preferences.
- To provide case management, outreach and advocacy to members, and be accountable for the quality and quantity of casework.
- To develop strong, supportive relationships with the clients.
- To provide for client care and safety, and observe all safety measures; provide safety responses to emergency situations when necessary.
- To interact with clients in order to assess needs, provide information, discuss problems, set limits and encourage growth and development.
- To empower individuals and their families to speak out for themselves and others, initiate ideas, have choices and make decisions about needed supports.
- To enhance public awareness of the valuable roles persons with mental retardation assume in society through promotion of physical and social integration.
- To provide entry to services through a single, local and familiar setting and recognizing the dignity of achievement understanding these services lead to meaningful benefits.
- To provide crisis intervention, monitor clients’ progress and act as a client advocate.
- To assist members in planning, implementing and leading scheduled activities, to assess members’ participation, motivation and interest in these activities.
- To perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES/RECORD KEEPING
- To attend scheduled clinical and staff meetings and actively participate to determine treatment plans, re-evaluate case needs and goals, and develop skills.
- To maintain client records in accordance with standard format and timetables.
- To attend scheduled supervisory meetings with Program Manager.
- To maintain assigned financial record keeping and submit requests and/or report accurately and in a timely manner.
- To adhere to SUD regulations regarding incident reporting, complete all SUD Division and agency required paperwork such as case [progress] notes, times sheets, weekly notes, bookkeeping, mileage, incident reports accurately and submit them in a timely manner.
Required Skills
JOB REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Ability to work with the mentally challenged population.
- Ability to structure and organize job responsibilities with minimal supervisions.
- Ability to master and organize job responsibilities with minimal supervision.
- Ability to master mandated training, such as but not limited to First Aid, CPR. Defensive Driving, Fire Safety, and Administering Medication, Basic Human Rights.
- Demonstrates good math, verbal and written communication skills.
- Displays sound judgment and works well as a team player.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in human service field preferred.
- Minimum of 1 year of experience working with psychiatric clients preferred.
- Must have valid driver’s license and safe driving history.
- Must be bilingual, preferably bi-cultural (English/Spanish).
- Must have availability of an automobile to transport clients or perform other supportive services as necessary.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- This position is a 40 hour a week position, five (5), seven (8) hour days unless agreed upon by the Program Manager. Shift hours may vary. Additionally, he/she is required to works some holidays, overnights and weekends. This position entails working in client homes. Working conditions also include frequent travel between the program and client homes, to and from scheduled activities, appointments, etc. This job at times entails going into high crimes neighborhoods and also involved being exposed to smoking environments, and at risk populations.
III. PROGRAM AND STAFF SUCCESS FACTORS
PROGRAM FACTORS
- To be flexible in accommodating 40 hours of work per week in order to adapt to the hours required for the program’s operation as planned and requested by the Program Manager.
- To use constructive and referral services within and outside of the Agency on behalf of the consumer.
- To provide supervision as indicated of the consumer’s prescribed medications and record this in his/her progress notes.
- To adhere to program and agency policies and procedures.
- To work closely with other Direct Care 1 Staff to better coordinate and service the consumer; to become proficient in the Social Competency Model within the scope of SUD Division services.
- Represent the Agency in a professional manner.
STAFF FACTORS
- Patience and compassion.
- High energy level; self-initiated.
- Performs well under stress and in the event of a crisis.
- Open, direct interpersonal style of communication.
- Dependable, committed and motivated.
- Organized and efficient.
- Ability to maintain good attendance.
BENEFITS:
- Retirement Plan 403[b]
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Vacations
- 11 paid Holidays & 8 Discretionary days a year
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.
Required Experience