COMPENSATION: $15.70 – $17.67 DOE  WORK SCHEDULE:  Hours are assigned by shift and are variable

POSITION OVERVIEW The Direct Service Professional (DSP) provides person-centered assistance, based on the individual's goals, needs and interests. The DSP has the primary REACH role in providing assistance to children and/or adults experiencing developmental disabilities. Areas of support include, but are not limited to, daily living skills, household management, building/maintaining relationships, communication, supported employment, health/dental/wellness, and self-advocacy with the goal of working toward increasing levels of independence. Responsibilities may include assistance with personal care and hygiene.  

The Direct Service Professional is a Medicaid service provider and will use a variety of on-line systems throughout employment including but not limited on-line training systems, scheduling software, Medicaid billing and training management system, and our benefits and payroll websites.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Household Management: Assist the individual served with household management (i.e. shopping, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning and decorating), budgeting/money management and transportation to maximize the individual's skills, abilities and independence.
• Health, Dental and Wellness: Promote the health and well-being of the individual through health and dental maintenance and prevention strategies, accurate medication assistance, knowledge of general health and safety rules and first aid and emergency procedures. Promote routine, preventative dental care practices to ensure healthy teeth and gums; and help to prevent common problems associated with dental neglect including bad breath, tooth decay, dental cavities, and gum disease.  Assistance with personal hygiene may include showering, toileting, etc.
• Individual Empowerment: Enhance the individual's ability to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, assertiveness and independence.
• Relationship Building: Develop relationship with individual that promotes individual growth and progress. Assist the individual in building and strengthening skills necessary to develop and maintain friendships and other personal relationships, including family connections and involvement. Adjust support as needed depending on family dynamics and other unique situations.
• Crisis Intervention: Match crisis prevention, intervention and solution techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.
• Assessment: Respond to the needs, desires and interests of the individuals by using formal and informal assessment tools. Includes knowledge of positive behavioral supports and ability to adjust support and provide accommodations as needed to promote positive social interactions and address challenging behavior.
• Community and Services Networking: Assist the individual with accessing formal and informal resources and supports available in the community.
• Communication: Use a range of effective communication strategies and skills necessary to establish a collaborative relationship with the individuals supported.
• Supported Employment: Assist individuals with identifying employment preferences and pursuing vocational resources or assist with maintaining current employment.

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TEAM MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communication: Follow appropriate channels of written and oral communication as identified in agency policy regarding confidentiality and HIPAA.
• Facilitation of Services: Understand the role of the DSP within the plan development, implementation and review process and implement the plan using strategies as appropriate to the individual situations.
• Organizational Participation: Know the REACH mission, policies and procedures, understand the DSP role and responsibilities within REACH and represent the organization in a responsible and respectful manner.
• Documentation: Complete documentation requirements in a thorough, efficient and timely manner.
• Advocacy: Be knowledgeable about the diverse challenges facing individuals and understand the DSP role as an advocate.
• Professionalism: Pursue the knowledge and information needed to perform job duties and interact with individuals, their family members and coworkers in a professional manner at all times including establishing healthy boundaries as needed.
• Attendance: Attends and participates in meetings, committees and training as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·     At least 18 years of age

·     High School Diploma or equivalent

MOST BUT NOT ALL POSITIONS REQUIRE:

·     Driver License with at least 3 years' experience

·     Reliable personal vehicle to be used for work

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

·     Must receive background check clearance from the State of Alaska before providing Direct Care Services.

·        Must Complete BB Pathogens and ASAM training certifications within 7 days of employment.

·        Will complete CPR/FA certification within 30 days of employment

·        Will receive a TB clearance within 30 days of employment and renew on an annual basis throughout employment

MULTIPLE VACANCIES This is a continuous recruitment and will be used for more than one (1) vacancy.  The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment will be used for all vacancies occurring within the posting period.  Interested applicants are encouraged to reapply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.