Direct Support Specialist - Addictions

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) (e. g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal-setting, nutrition needs); monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback. Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e. g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies). Plans and facilitates community-based activities (e. g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation/socialization); facilitates access to community resources (e. g., AA/NA meetings, school, job placement). Contributes to safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques. Serves as “ambassador” of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS’s services and programming. Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e. g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer). Provides transportation (e. g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e. g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats); teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.  Provides personal care, as needed (e. g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques).   Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed. Supervises self-administered medication, depending on the specific clinical program’s protocols. Identifies assigned clients’ food and/or medication allergies and exercises reasonable care to avoid exposure to allergens.  Communicates information relevant to care, treatment, and services, with other SCS staff members and, as authorized, with non-SCS providers, to ensure appropriate level and quality of care.     May take responsibility for specific assignments within the program (e. g., food programs, admissions at Crisis Stabilization Unit). Documents services and care provided by timely completing various forms (e. g., attendance records, daily logs, shift/progress notes, incident reports, time reports in accordance with SCS and regulatory standards. Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, consistent with SCS procedures and state and federal law.    Assist with discharge planning as needed. Provide support for additional training needs of direct support staff as needed. Attends and participates in all required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.

• High school diploma or GED. 

EXPERIENCE

• Over two and up to three years full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition.
• Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities. 
• Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals. 
• Good interpersonal skills. 
• Teaching skills. 
• Patience and empathy. 
• Maturity and judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS

• Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• May include frequent lifting of patients.
• 18 years of age or older. 
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Proof of automobile liability insurance. 
• Positive driving record. 

Time Type:

We continually help our community and employees flourish... one life at a time. As a Seven Counties Services employee there are many benefits to enjoy. Below are just some of the great benefits you might be eligible for with Seven Counties Services.

• Health & Wellness
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Savings Account
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability - Company Paid

• Financial Wellbeing
  • Competitive Compensation Packages
  • Life Insurance - Company Paid
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Company Paid
  • 403b Retirement Plan with Company Funded Matching
  • Retirement and Financial Planning Services

• Career Development and Growth
  • Tuition Assistance Plans
  • Loan Forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Service Corps & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance
  • Clinical Supervision toward licensure and reimbursement for certain license applications
  • At Seven Counties Services training is one of our highest priorities. We provide company paid professional training for various skills, certifications, and continuing education
  • Opportunities for growth and movement - We encourage our employees to consider new growth opportunities with us
  • Leadership Academy for our rising stars, supervisors, and leaders
  • Seven Counties Services and Center for Clinical Excellence provide staff with industry best practices and processes

• Work Life Balance
  • Paid Time Off - Generous PTO for Vacations, Illness, Personal Days, Etc. (10 Paid Holidays)
  • Flexible Work Schedules to promote a Healthy Work Life Balance
  • Employee Assistance Program - assists employees with personal problems and/or work-related problems that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional well-being