People Supporting People at Strive

Strive is a non-profit organization authorized by the State of Colorado to provide community-based services and supports to individuals with disabilities and their families. STRiVE has been providing services and support to individuals and families with developmental disabilities in Mesa County for over 50 years. As the community needs have increased so has the diversity of our programs. “STRiVE” represents our staff and the people we support every day.
Do you participate in a variety fun activity out in the Grand Valley and in a program/work setting? As a Direct Support Professiona, you assist multiple programs in providing opportunities daily activities and interacting in the community by meeting new people/peers and with job coaching skills in various job opportunities. The Vocational Direct Support Professional provides community support and daily caregiving to individuals to assist them in becoming a bigger part of their own choices. The DSP strives to assure the health and safety of persons served while also encouraging them to take reasonable risks to foster growth and independence. The DSP participates in person-centered planning and assists individuals in achieving their goals! There are complex duties depending on the behavioral, medical, and personal care needs of the individuals served. The DSP takes the lead role in coordinating higher quality of life experiences for the individuals they serve in the program.

Are you ready to join our team?

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Job functions are considered essential (all individuals in this position must be able to complete these duties with or without reasonable accommodation) unless otherwise denoted in italic type. Duties noted in italic type may be reassigned by a supervisor.

1. MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION. Maintains QMAP certification in good standing. Assists, supervises and supports individuals in taking medications and completing treatments, in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations. Assures that medications are stored in accordance with applicable regulations and policies. Assures that medications (prescription and over-the-counter) are available in adequate supplies to meet individual needs. Assures that there is a current physician order for all medications and that the order is correctly reflected on the medication administration record. Completes and documents counts on all medications as required. Assures medications are properly labeled and correctly disposes of expired or discontinued medications. Assures that medication administration records are accurate and complete. Maintains the first aid kits.

2. MEDICAL CARE/TREATMENT. Ensures that individuals receive appropriate and timely medical care and treatment (routine and emergency). Assures timely follow-through on all medical orders. Assures that all medical appointments are documented in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations. Adheres to all individual care plans and protocols. Assures that medical records are maintained in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.

3. RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES. Recognizes and responds appropriately to medical, behavioral and other emergencies as well potential abuse, neglect, mistreatment or exploitation. Accesses emergency support from supervisor, on-call supervisor or other administrative staff as appropriate and/or as required by policy. If necessary, arranges emergency medical transportation, and assures necessary information accompanies the individual. Makes appropriate notifications, documents and reports emergencies as required by applicable policies, procedures and regulations.

4. SUPERVISION OF INDIVIDUAL. Ensures that individuals are supervised at home and in the community in accordance with individual requirements. Assures proper supervision of others individuals visiting the group homes on either a respite or social basis.

5. SAFETY. Corrects and/or brings to attention of supervisory or administrative staff any unsafe conditions in or around the residence. Secures the residence or assists individual in securing residence when no one is home. Conducts and documents fire and other emergency drills as assigned. Regularly checks smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire alarms. Knows the location of and is able to use fire safety equipment, first aid kit and personal protective equipment. Locates and reviews emergency procedures. Provides training to individuals in safety-related issues.

6. SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. Assists Program Coordinator with annual assessment of individual strengths and needs, including participating in Personal Outcome Measures interview and Natural Support Mapping. In conjunction with the individual, makes recommendations for goals and ISP’s. Implements and documents ISPs, Behavior Support Plans and other protocols as required. Notifies Program Coordinator of any needed changes.

7. THERAPY SERVICES. Adheres to all therapy protocols (bathing, feeding, positioning, diet texture, etc.). Implements therapy programs as written and at the required frequency.

8. RECREATION/LEISURE. Supports individual participation in leisure/recreation activities in accordance with the interests of the individual and within available resources. Assists individuals with contacting and facilitating visits and activities with family and friends. Documents participation in recreation/leisure activities and family visits.

9. PERSONAL CARE. Assures that individuals receive assistance, training and support with personal care as dictated by individual needs. This includes personal hygiene (bathing, toileting, changing Attends, dental care, dressing, etc.) and grooming activities (shaving, nail clipping, hair care, clothing selection, etc.). Assists individuals with shopping for personal care items.

10. BEHAVIOR SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. Responds to and documents behavioral challenges/concerns in accordance with established behavior support plans and STRIVE policies and procedures. Participates in the development of Behavior Support Plans. Implements and documents Behavior Support Plans, Safety Control plans and Suspensions of Rights as written. Assists individuals in learning to respond to problems and resolve disagreements in a productive manner. Conducts in-house problem solving meetings as necessary.

11. NUTRITIONAL AND DIETARY SUPPORT. Plans or assists individuals in planning nutritionally sound menus and preparing nutritionally sound meals. Accommodates individual preferences, cooking abilities and dietary requirements (e.g., diabetic, low sodium, etc.). Supports individuals to adhere to recommended or prescribed diets. Assures groceries and other household items are purchased as needed and stored in a manner that allows ongoing access by all persons unless such access is restricted in accordance with regulations and is documented in the Service Plan. Assists in feeding individuals when necessary. Serves family-style meals, assists individuals in making good choices both nutritionally and with regard to portion size, models appropriate table skills and encourages social interaction. Assures that individuals participate in menu planning, preparing and serving meals and cleaning up after meals.

12. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY. Assists individuals in obtaining and using devices and adaptations that allows the individual to maximize independence and self-reliance. Assures that individuals’ personal adaptive equipment is clean and maintained in good repair.

13. FACILITY REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE. Reports any observed problems with the condition of the residence in a timely fashion. Submits work orders as needed. Facilitates minor repairs as able. Assures that appropriate cleanliness standards are met. Assures that furnishings and equipment maintained in good repair. Purchases furnishings as requested by supervisor. Monitors, supports and assists individuals to participate in routine household chores.

14. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY. Assists individuals with managing their money, including budgeting, paying bills and banking. Maintains individual accounts within established limits and follows all applicable procedures for handling individual funds. Utilizes correct procedures when making agency purchases with credit cards or by other means. Obtains appropriate approvals and stays within defined budget or spending limits when making purchases.

15. RECORDS. Assures that all required documentation is completed to the appropriate quality standards and within required timelines. Reviews relevant documentation daily. Reviews and contributes information to the staff communication book on a daily basis. Accurately records hours worked on electronic timecard on daily basis.

16. TRANSPORTATION. Transports individuals as needed or required. Assures the safety of passengers by operating vehicles in a safe manner and according to STRIVE Transportation Department procedures. Assures that vans or other agency vehicles are clean. Promptly reports any vehicle maintenance problems.

17. OTHER DUTIES. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
- Caregiving experience is essential for this role, with premium skills in assisted living, ADLs, and patient care. Experience in nursing homes, working with individuals with developmental disabilities, and Alzheimer's care is highly valued. Familiarity with care plans and safety plans is beneficial. Relevant skills in first aid, cleaning, and long-term care are advantageous. Proficiency in vital signs, hospice care, and direct support is preferred. Experience in home and community care, EMR systems, and driving is a plus. Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Must be 21 years of age or older for driving purposes

Must Have a valid driver's license

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $15.75 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Grand Junction, CO 81501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person