Behavioral Health Direct Care Specialist

POSITION PURPOSE

The Behavioral Health Direct Care Specialist (BHDCS) provides direct support to individuals experiencing significant mental health challenges and is responsible for the development, revision, and implementation of support plans aimed at helping the person being served achieve their highest degree of stability. The BHDCS works direct care hours with individuals assigned by the APD during day/evening hours. The BHDCS will develop an understanding of the person's care plan through a review of all assessments and implementation of those care plans. The BHDCS will provide recommendations for adjustments based off their experience and support the training of the Direct Support Professional staff and Program Supervisors to best practices for supporting the person served. The MHPS will ensure plans are developed which respect the rights and needs of the people they support as well as The Phoenix Residence, Inc. policies and procedures. The BHDCS assists in the coordination and implementation of Coordinated Service and Support Plans/Individual Program Plans which include programs in activities of daily living, community integration, socialization, health management, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The BHDCS is responsible for working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges as identified by the administrative team. The MHPS will work with these individuals to better understand their needs and develop updated strategies to be implemented by the support team. The BHDCS schedule will change depending on their assignment and they may be working with multiple individuals at multiple locations.

Individual Services:

Performs all requirements of the Support Professional position to include:

o Plan, perform, or assist with cares or activities with individuals according to their preference or needs, to include, but not limited to: household chores (cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry, dishes, vacuuming, fixing bed, household maintenance, etc.), community involvement, social, recreation and leisure skills, communication skills, personal safety skills, appropriate behavior.

Implements Positive Support Strategies contained within a person's care plan, updates and develops those strategies as appropriate and initiates training where needed.

o Intervention will be in compliance with the Positive Support Rule and will utilize a Person-Centered approach.

Documents all activities and plan adjustments in accordance with Phoenix procedures.

Provides direction and support for individuals with mental health diagnosis, including training for staff and acting as a liaison with behavior and mental health professionals.

Advocates for the needs of the individuals residing within the home.

Identifies and responds to individual needs in emotional and social areas; however, intervention in these areas does not fall within the meaning of psychotherapy.

Performs tasks which fall within Category II of infection control, which may include exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue.

Safety:

Adheres to all safety policies and procedures, fosters awareness and actions that promote a safe living and working environment.

Follows established lifting and transfer guidelines. Trains others in proper lifting techniques and body mechanics.

Regulation Compliance:

Understands, implements, and complies with all policies, procedures, and philosophy of PRI; as well as all rules and regulations of licensing agencies.

Has working knowledge of rules and regulations including but not limited to ICF/ID Federal Regulations, Rule 245D, Rule 10, 185, Positive Support Rule, Supervised Living Facility Regulations, Life Safety Code, Food and Beverage, funding rules and employment laws.

Development of Position:

Attends all mandatory in-services and meets annual training requirements.

Participates in continuing education as assigned.

Customer/Human Relations:

Communicates effectively with individuals, staff, supervisors, families, interdisciplinary team members, and other customers verbally and in writing.

Displays cooperative, supportive and positive conduct and presents self as an effective role model in representing The Phoenix Residence.

Adhere to PRI Guiding Principles of Person Centeredness, Teamwork, and Professionalism by maintaining confidentiality, having a positive attitude, treating others with respect, being flexible, accepting responsibility, and utilizing open and effective communication.

The MHPS will assume additional responsibilities as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma Required.

Certification: Mental Health Technician/Behavioral Health Technician, Required

Minimum of 2 years Supervisory/Management experience or four (4) year BA or BS degree in related field (sociology, psychology, social services, or human services).

Ability to assist with completing Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) duties as needed.

Mental health experience, to include development and implementation of behavior and/or mental health plans.

CPR, First Aid, and Trained Medication Passer certified within the first sixty (60) days of employment.

Holds valid driver's license and maintains a safe driving record in order to drive company vehicles. Trained to drive Phoenix owned vehicles within the first sixty (60) days of employment.

Ability to maintain a flexible schedule, which includes working day and evening shifts which may change as organizational needs and locations change.

Excellent problem solving, decision making and organizational skills.

Ability to read, write, and speak the English language adequately to respond to individual's needs.

Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing; listens accurately and responsively. Responds to communication in a timely manner and reviews e-mail daily.

Ability to see and hear in order to make assessments.

Ability to frequently lift up to 75 pounds, which includes lifting objects and/or transferring individuals.

Ability to sit, stand, stoop, bend, reach, and push/pull wheelchairs.

Ability to respond to emergencies in accordance with procedures and guidelines.

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and have the ability to use a computer for required documentation, communication, time keeping and other assessments.

Ability to operate and maintain household, office, and facility equipment.

Ability to be employed full time.