What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Care Worker position at Person Directed Supports, INC.?
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in either psychology, human services, sociology, social work, criminal justice, education, special education or another acceptable field; One year experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents.
OR
An Associate’s Degree (or 60 credits) from an accredited College or University in either psychology, human services, sociology, social work, criminal justice, education, special education or another acceptable field. Two years experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents; One year experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents with Mental Health Diagnoses, a diagnosed learning disability, Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
OR
High School Diploma/GED with three years’ experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents; One year experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents with Mental Health Diagnoses, a diagnosed learning disability, Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid PA Drivers’ License, with good driving record.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Creates/promotes a culture centered on building self-directed lives with the people we support.
Implementing the daily activities for the person being supported.
Provide supervision, guidance and training in accordance with individual’s needs and goals; following all aspects of the individual’s programmatic, medical, and behavior needs and related support plans.
Be able to fully understand and adhere to the clinical, psychological, and medical recommendations from the individual’s physicians.
Understand and evaluate the needs of the individual and how their diagnosis manifests itself, and how to respond to those in accordance with the treatment plans.
Recognize environmental changes and adjust interventions to ensure individual’s safety.
Take appropriate steps in the resolution, recording, and reporting of emergencies/incidents. Includes conflict resolution and following behavioral plans and related trainings in deescalating individuals who may become physically or verbally aggressive.
Understand that behaviors are a means of communication and recognize how to respond.
Assure that the person’s goals and behavior programs are implemented as written.
Provide continuity and comfort in daily living and routines.
Attend all required individual related meetings and work with the support team in assisting the individual in living the life they want to live while ensuring the individual’s health and safety.
Record and report all required data to Program Specialist, through progress notes and other required documentation.
Attend all staff meetings and trainings as required.
For individuals with a nursing support component, be trained on all medical needs of the individual and be able to complete all necessary procedures if nurse is not available.
Recognize environmental changes and adjust interventions to ensure individual’s safety.
Take appropriate steps in the resolution, recording, and reporting of emergencies/incidents. Includes conflict resolution and following behavioral plans and related trainings in deescalating individuals who may become physically or verbally aggressive.
Provide a positive role model for the individuals being supported.
Foster positive community relations.
Understand the individual’s communication needs (both verbal and non-verbal) and communicate responsively and positively with them.
Communicate with and maintain strong working relationships with co-workers.
Administer medications as prescribed: observe any individual that is self-medicating.
Observe, report, and record any adverse effects of the medication. Record all administrations.
Prepare meals suited to the individual’s likes and dietary needs. Meals should be prepared and served family style and with sufficient quantity.
Grocery shopping as needed following the menu plans.
Complete all household cleaning tasks and general maintenance, such as laundry, vacuuming, taking out the garbage, changing light bulbs, dusting, shoveling snow, etc.
Observe all vehicle policies, following safety precautions and maintenance procedures.
Provide transportation to the individual by use of personal or company vehicle for participation in community events, activities, or appointments.
Ensure that individuals have the opportunity to enjoy leisure and community activities.
Assist the child and/or adolescent to complete all needed school related activities (ie projects and homework assignments).
Due to individual needs, job performance, staffing needs, etc., the Direct Support Staff may be assigned to another work site on a temporary or permanent basis. Staffing patterns vary according to individual needs.
Completes all other assigned tasks as assigned by Person Directed Supports, Inc.
