Habilitation Specialist

Position Overview:

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

This role requires providing transportation for a participant from their home in Middletown, OH to our Day Habilitation Center in Centerville, OH on a daily basis.

The Habilitation Specialist is an active and integral member of the day habilitation team at 360 Total Care, dedicated to supporting and enhancing the lives of participants with developmental disabilities.

This position involves extensive community interaction as specialists accompany participants to various activities and events within and around the city, advocating for, and assisting them in their social and personal development.

This role also requires safely transporting 1 or more individuals with developmental disabilities to and from the Day Habilitation Center, residential homes, community events, and other scheduled activities. This role requires strict adherence to Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities transportation regulations and organizational policies.

Schedule:

Core work hours between 8AM - 3PM Monday through Friday.

Must have flexibility to work evenings and/or weekends if needed.

Work Location:

Centerville, OH Day Habilitation Center

Key Responsibilities:

Community Integration:

• Spend approximately 5 hours per day in community settings with a group of participants, facilitating and supervising daily outdoor activities.
• Engage participants in a variety of community activities, including volunteering, attending fun events, and fostering social relationships.
• Advocate for participants' needs and rights within the community, ensuring their inclusion and respect.

Behavioral and Support Ratios:

• Manage groups with a typical ratio of 4:1, adjusting to 1:1 as necessary for participants with high behavioral needs.

Transportation Services:

• Safely transport participants to and from various locations in a timely and efficient manner.
• Assist passengers in boarding and exiting vehicles, ensuring safe transfer and secure travel.
• Operate a range of vehicles, including vans and minibuses equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features.
• Provide assistance and support to passengers as required, including securing wheelchairs and other safety devices.
• Maintain a respectful and supportive interaction with all passengers, ensuring a positive and safe travel experience.

Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Compliance:

• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure operational safety.
• Maintain cleanliness and general upkeep of the vehicle.
• Report any vehicle maintenance needs or safety concerns to the Day Habilitation Program Manager immediately.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Complete all required daily documentation, including participant activities, progress, and any incidents, in compliance with organizational and state regulations.
• Maintain accurate travel logs and documentation of vehicle usage.
• Ensure all transportation activities are logged according to DODD and organizational requirements.
• Report any incidents or accidents immediately, following established protocols.

Training and Compliance:

• Participate in required training sessions, including First Aid, CPR, and specialized transportation safety courses.
• Stay updated with all DODD regulations and guidelines pertaining to the role.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma required; a degree or certification in a related field (such as social work, psychology, or special education) preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience in a similar role, particularly in a day habilitation setting or working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Certifications: Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; training in operating wheelchair-accessible vehicles preferred, Training in Day Hab.
• Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to manage challenging behaviors, and adept at building relationships and advocating for others.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Physical ability to participate in community activities, operate large vehicles, and assist with mobility needs of participants.
• Mental resilience and emotional stability to handle the dynamic nature of the work and participant needs effectively.

Work Environment:

• This role is based in a day habilitation center but requires extensive travel, under various conditions, within the community. Specialists should expect to be active and mobile, engaging with participants in various settings throughout the city.
• Additionally this role requires pick up and drop off transportation services between home and the center for 1 or more participants.