Support Professional, Adult Day Services

Summary : The Arc of Union County Inc. is a leading provider of Person-Centered services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through various services and programming. Day habilitation programming provides education and training to individuals to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience needed to participate in the community, consistent with the Individual's Service Plan (ISP). This includes activities supporting participants with building problem solving skills, self-help, social skills, adaptive skills, daily living skills and leisure skills. activities and environments are designed to foster the acquisition of skills, building positive social behavior and interpersonal competence, greater independence, and personal choice. Support Professional, Adult Day Services engages service recipients in small or large groups outings to the community, leisure educational activities, community experiences. Provides transport of service recipients to and from program and to the community during outings in a 6-12 passenger vehicle.

The incumbent implements and facilitates behavioral / habilitation plans and provide support and mentoring for all service recipients through a person-centered approach.

The incumbent considers the unique characteristics and needs of the individual as expressed by the individual and others who know the person, such as family, friends, service providers, etc.

The incumbent ensures that the service recipient is included in problem-solving, providing input, planning, choice selection, decision-making, and that services are provided in a non-intrusive and less-restrictive manner (when / where applicable to do so).

The incumbent is to maintain a positive, healthy, and stimulating environment for service recipients and to always assure adequate supervision.

This in a nonexempt position, and the incumbent reports to the Supervisor or designee.

This position requires completion of DDD System Mandatory Training Bundle within 90 days of hire, DDD and Agency Orientations, other designated trainings and a minimum of 12 Hours of Professional Development completed annually.

This position requires that information related to service recipient, employee, program operations is handled, channeled, managed and delivered professionally to the appropriate and right personnel or party consistent with agency and department policy.

Skills : This position requires Ability to use Windows software, Ability to use a data entry software such as Therap, Ability to complete Shift and Individual Served ISP Data entry in web based electronic platform. Training will be provided . Willing and able to learn all areas of support, service and function outlined above, or some familiarity, knowledge, or experience in Social Supports Services for Individuals with developmental disabilities.Must be able to successfully complete all required trainings and be able to follow directions and complete all assigned responsibilities. Must be able to read, write and speak English. Basic computer and math skills required.

Qualifications : Minimum high school diploma or equivalent. Must be 21 years of age or older. Willing to learn or some familiarity, knowledge, or experience in Social Supports Services for Individuals with developmental disabilities. Minimum of three years driving experience and a good driving record. Must meet agency and insurance carrier insurance eligibility requirements. Must have minimum 20 / 40 correctable vision in both eyes. Must have a current and valid New Jersey driver's license with abstract (not exceeding 5 points), and ability to meet agency insurability requirements. Complete State / Federal Criminal Background checks and Central Registry checks.

Major Position Responsibilities

Operate all agency vehicles in accord with all applicable state, local and or federal legislation as well as within agency guidelines.

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before and after each trip. Verify that the assigned vehicle and equipment is in a manner that provides safety and comfort to all individuals served and staff members by checking vehicle safety such as tires, brakes, turn signals, mechanical equipment, etc.

Inspect and assure that that the safety monitoring devices in the vehicle are intact as installed, activated and always operating as intended, prompt follow through on malfunctions, assure free of interference and prompt notification with immediate supervisor on any deviations.

Review electronically generated reporting on self-driving driving habits for driving safety and improvement. Training will be provided.

Complete re-trip and post-trip inspection and vehicle mileage form etc. of each vehicle assigned each time an agency vehicle is used and submit the forms completed periodically as required.

Be attentive to traffic and weather conditions, follow instructions provided during inclement weather, perform road checks proactively as directed to ensure safety of all persons transported.

Maintain the vehicle in clean and safe condition inside and out and immediately report any vehicle mechanical or other problem to the coordinator, supervisor or director.

Maintain all vehicle fluids, oil, water, brake and transmission fluid at appropriate levels to insure proper vehicle operation.

Execute transportation runs with or without a driver aide as assigned by the transportation management.

Follow the planned bus routes for the vans and buses, consistent with the schedule.

Assist the service recipients onto boarding and off the bus in line with their individual needs.

Supervise, guide and support use of seat belts, etc.

Inform the guardians, family and providers of any route change, delays, schedule change or timing change of the van, bus trip.

Inform the guardians, family, providers in case there is a new bus aid that has assumed the role of the driver or van, bus attendant.

Provide timely, thorough and effective communications regarding service recipient to all appropriate parties including but not limited to program staff, supervisors, directors and / or administration.

Learn, and familiarize to each service recipient's special needs including medical, physical, communication, behavioral and emotional needs. Training will be provided.

Knows each service recipient's Health Baseline, monitors changes, intervenes promptly as trained and consistent with agency policy to assure that the service recipients' health does not deteriorate to the extent of undermining their service health and safety.

Review Placement Referral Summarized Clinical Abstract for the newly placed service recipient on your bus schedule to familiarize with the service recipient needs.

Be available to receive timely Individual Support Plan training on a newly placed service recipient as applicable for the service recipient assigned to your respective bus for transportation by the designated Behaviorist for high quality support during transportation.

Review provided information related to the individual on transportation roster, including the PCPT, previous ISP(s), available assessments, and evaluation data, as appropriate / relevant to familiarize with the service recipients needs and appropriate support during transportation.

Participate actively in the service planning meeting as assigned including the Pre-Admission, IDT, ISP process, and assure identified goals are accomplished, provide appropriate and timely support.

Implement the strategies necessary to assist the individual in progressing toward his / her personally defined outcomes as indicated in the ISP.

Record data (in Therap) relative to assigned outcomes for service recipients, including ISP tracking, Daily Training Record (DTR) etc.

Complete documentation of ISP data and report for each service recipient.

Implement skill development, Behavior plans, ISP and other plans as developed as directed.

Conduct comprehensive service recipient screening during pick up and implementation of intervention protocol on undesired outcome consistent with agency policy.

Document and communicate to Supervisor, any changes on the service recipient needs, baseline or functional abilities.

Support and assist service recipients in educational, enrichment or recreational activities as outlined in his / her Service Plan to enhance inclusion in the community.

Provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living; active involvement in service recipients Community inclusion and Participation, promote Independence, Safety Awareness and Learning Activities.

Support and assist service recipients during transportation or community outing in educational, enrichment or recreational activities as outlined in his / her Service Plan to enhance inclusion in the community in effort to increase Independence, Safety Awareness and Learning Activities.

Provide education and training to acquire the skills and experience needed to participate in the community, consistent with the participant's Service Plan. This may include activities t o support participants with building problem-solving skills, self-help, social skills, adaptive skills, daily living skills, and leisure skills. Activities and environments are designed to foster the acquisition of skills, building positive social behavior and interpersonal competence, greater independence and personal choice.

Promote individual interactions and experiences by emphasizing on age-appropriate community experiences, and offering a variety of activities and choices.

Ensure that service recipients are transported to their appropriate destinations including work, recreational, community outings or trips and other activities as planned and assigned. Make sure that individuals' served are under proper care when handed off to another program or staff member. This encompasses supervision throughout the events by Arc of Union's DDD fully trained staff, monitoring and supporting individuals served during all activities at all times.

Provide assistance to individuals during community trip assignment, and assure the safety and supervision of participants. This encompasses providing appropriate level of support to service recipient during events, remaining with service recipient throughout the event thus providing safety, direction, guidance and care as required.

Ensure proper administration of medications and completion of all appropriate documentation; monitor individuals served after medication administration. Comply with medical, dietary and other physician orders as stated; report any arising medical concerns in accordance with policies and procedures.

Responsible for writing the date, the time and their initials on the bubble pack / bingo cards after administering medication.

Participate in Conduct required safety drills as directed by supervisor, Day Habilitation.

Serve as an advocate for service recipient needs, and ensure the effective flow of communication to the Program Supervisor, Director or other appropriate administrative or support staff to address those needs.

Recognize and respect rights, encourage independence, recognize and value competence and dignity, respect cultural / religious needs and preferences, promote employment and social inclusion, preserve integrity, support strengths, maintain the quality of life, enhance all domains / areas of development, promote safety and economic security for service recipients.

Follow agency clock in and clock out Time Keeping policy.

Maintain regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty. Lack of adherence to assigned work schedule, abrupt call outs, patterned absences etc. undermines agency's obligation to provide consistent staffing, safe care and exerts hardship in the smooth operation of the program.

Professionally and effectively interacts with families, supervisors, co-workers and others.

Communicate effectively, and provide required information to co-workers, supervisors and directors, in a timely manner.

Assure timely, thorough and effective communications regarding transportation, employee operations, to all appropriate parties including but not limited to program staff, supervisor, director and / or executive designee.

Complete all required documentation relative to vehicle or transportation services. Ensure that Agency vehicles are driven in a safe manner.

Implement Mock Vehicle Emergency Evacuation drills as planned. This is for Pablo to supervise. I would restate to say, Participate in all scheduled Mock Vehicle Emergency Evacuation Drills as planned.

Conduct required safety drills as directed by supervisor.

Participate in and successfully complete all assigned and / or agency required trainings and effectively implement the information provided.

Attend staff meetings as required.

Observe anything regarding an unusual circumstance regarding the health or wellbeing of an individual, you must say something to the appropriate agency program service provider and to also report it to your supervisor and Director.

Initiate "on call" procedures with respect to arising incidents including 911 emergency calls, life threatening incidents, and / or operational breakdown etc. and complete Unusual Incident Reports (UIR) in a timely manner consistent with agency policy and state law. Training will be provided.

Responsible to report to immediate Supervisor or through the chain of command any suspected incidents of abuse, neglect or exploitation of service recipients and complete Unusual Incident Reports (UIR) in a timely manner consistent with agency policy and state law. Training will be provided.

Attend to and communicate on arising emergency crisis such as vehicle accident, emergency breakdown etc. to ensure no harm (or only a minimal loss), ensure service recipient safety and that they reach their home safely.

Report any vehicle accident or staff injury immediately to the appropriate supervisor, proper authorities etc. complete and submit report as required.

Complete and submit Agency Vehicle Accident Report, by the end of the shift, within 8 hours.

Manage and utilize agency vehicles, gas cards, proper documentations and appropriate practices consistent with agency policy. Safe guard agency property.

Monitor service recipients and report any changes through the chain of command. Accompany Individuals served to Emergency Room as needed.

Responsible for assuring possession of the vehicle registration and insurance cards in the assigned vehicles at all times.

Maintain service recipient emergency card or other information regarding the service recipients as required.

Perform duties according to the methods, manner and spirit of the ideals of the field of Human Services and within profession / job specific guidelines, including wearing appropriate attire, being a role model for staff, service recipients etc.

Downloading, copying, transferring, and transmitting of agency documents to personal accounts, and / or distribution externally is prohibited. The agency uses various IT systems to detect these activities.

Must fully cooperate with all investigations, inspections, etc. internally and externally including full cooperation with the Department of Human Services, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Office of Licensing, Licensee or any other duly authorized person regarding the care and service given to individuals served by this Agency.

Employees who may encounter individuals served shall be subject to and comply with the requirements for random drug testing for controlled dangerous substances. Criminal history record background checks will be conducted at least once every two years for agency's employees. Any employee who is required to undergo a criminal history record background check and refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, the securing of a criminal history record background check shall be immediately removed from the person's position and the person's employment shall be terminated.

The Arc of Union County, Inc. is contracted with the New Jersey Department of Human Services to provide and facilitate essential personal care and health promotion services to individuals with disabilities and other comorbid conditions. As an essential employee, you are required to adhere to your assigned operations work schedule and / or as directed by upper management.

ADA Expectations

This position requires an employee to perform duties in an indoor and or outside setting where exposure to weather elements, dirt, and dust, unpleasant smells, and / or loud noises are possible including occasional temperature fluctuations depending on the climate / season / weather. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands : The physical demands for this position must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to maintain a stationary position (standing and sitting), move / traverse, kneel, bend, reach with hands and arms for extended periods of time, twist, carry, lift up to 35 pounds, squat and drive a 6-person passenger van, may require operating manual devices such as hydraulic lifts, wheelchair lifts, vehicle doors, etc. for the purpose of transporting service recipients. Agility with wrist and finger dexterity to access, key and sort electronic information or file documents, ability to view computer and / or electronic device for extended period and other physical duties as directed by your supervisor and / or Director.

Ability to apply Agency Training Crisis Management Verbal and Physical Techniques during a crisis consistent with criteria as trained and in accordance with agency policies and procedure.

The essential Cognitive Functions of this position may include ability to analyze, compute, hear and repeat information, take notes, read documents, generate written information, independently problem solve, tolerate interruptions, maintain positive public relations, organize, verbally communicate and converse with a diverse group of people among others.

The Arc of Union County will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to The Arc of Union County.

The Arc of Union County is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against due to a disability.

Work Environment - The agency offers safety trainings such as Universal Precautions / Infectious diseases, COVID-19 Education and Safety Practices among others to promote a safe environment for all employees and service recipients including visitors. Personal Protective Equipment and necessary supplies such as disinfectants are supplied to all employees free or charge. Each employee is responsible to complete offered trainings and implement the health and safety protocols and mitigation practices consistently.

The agency may assign employees to any duties and to any work site it deems necessary in its sole discretion.