What are the responsibilities and job description for the Care Support Specialist position at Citizens Options Unlimited?
Citizens Options Unlimited seeks a highly motivated and compassionate Care Support Specialist to join our team.
About the Role
This rewarding position involves providing ongoing support to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities, promoting their independence, and ensuring their health, safety, and wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
- Guiding and supporting individuals in various aspects of their lives, including self-care routines, health, safety, household chores, socialization, and overall wellbeing.
- Encouraging active participation and engagement in daily routines, while respecting individual autonomy.
- Supporting individuals in becoming active members of the community and maintaining natural supports and relationships.
- Maintaining a safe and clean home environment by assisting individuals with household chores and participating as needed.
- Following treatment plans and utilizing adaptive equipment to promote independence and ensure health, safety, and wellbeing.
- Assisting with medication administration according to established policies and procedures.
- Implementing and documenting treatment plans, residential habilitation goals, medical case notes, communication logs, and other agency-related materials to support individual progress and goal achievements.
- Adhering to overtime, scheduling, and minimum staffing policies to ensure quality support is provided daily.
- Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss individual progress and offer/gather information and ideas.
- Providing transportation for medical appointments, shopping, recreational outings, and other needs.
- Mentoring new Direct Support Staff by demonstrating supportive routines and reviewing training manuals.
- Participating in House Meetings and maintaining certification and training expectations.
Requirements
- A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
- A valid NYS driver's license and qualified driver status are required.
- The ability to communicate and understand written and oral directives/information is essential.
This role requires regular and substantial unsupervised or unrestricted physical contact with individuals receiving services. A successful fingerprint/criminal background check is required. Training on Personal Outcome Measures (POM) is also necessary prior to evaluations and assessments.
