Direct Support Worker (Continuous)

The Arc of Hilo

Direct Support Worker (DSW) Position Description

SUMMARY

Direct Support Workers deliver frontline supports to participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) receiving Home and Community-Based services and according to their Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Maintain professional standards in personal grooming, hygiene, and appearance appropriate to work environment and/or duties.

·         Perform assigned responsibilities in a manner in accordance with The Arc of Hilo’s policies and procedures.

·         Demonstrate cooperation, positive behavior.

·         Maintain harmonious work relationships.

·         Optimize tasks and responsibilities for accuracy and timeliness; respond positively to suggestions for work improvement.

·         Represent the interests of the Arc of Hilo onsite and in the community during contact with guests, visitors, other employees, or the public at-large.

·         Support the overall business functions of The Arc of Hilo by performing other duties for which employee is qualified as requested by the CSS Director, the President/Chief Executive Officer, or other designated person.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.       Staff Relations: Use effective communication skills, encourage growth and self-development, facilitate teamwork, employ conflict resolution skills, and provide supports to staff.

2.       Direct Support: Provide and coordinate direct supports and role model such supports to peers (living skills, communicate and interact with participants, facilitating community inclusion, maintaining an appropriate physical environment, providing transportation, maintaining finances, developing behavioral supports and demonstrating the importance of consumers becoming active citizens in their neighborhoods and local communities).

3.       Facilitate and Support Participant Support Networks: Maintain open lines of communication with participant’s Circle of Supports (e.g. family members, community members, professionals, etc).

4.       Training and Staff Development: Participate in training and supporting on-the-job peer development.

5.       Public Relations: Educate community members about persons with disabilities and advocating for their rights and responsibilities.

6.       Maintenance: Assist/Support participants in the maintenance of personal property.

7.       Participant Health and Safety: Monitor safety issues, coordinate, monitor and document medical supports, practice appropriate emergency procedures, respond to emergencies and promote participant rights.

8.       Assist with Financial Activities: Support participants with banking and other maintenance agreements; develop, manage, and implement personal budgets; assist with audits of financial records.

9.       Scheduling and Payroll: Attend work as scheduled, submit timely and accurate payroll documentation, and request time off in accordance with policies and procedures.

10.    Vocational Supports: Support participants through advocacy, complete daily job tasks, meet quality standards, find and develop jobs, and communicate with other support agencies

11.    Follow Policies, Procedures and Rule Compliance: Observe rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and protect individual participant rights.

12.    Office Work: Communicate effectively with others, complete various office tasks and utilize the computer effectively for completing work-related tasks.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Time Management; Interpersonal Communication; Positive Behavior Supports; Critical Thinking; Perception; Research; Technical Writing; Advocacy; Crisis Management; Conflict Resolution; Interviewing; Initiative, Computer/Internet Based Technology, Organizing/Planning age-appropriate activities for others.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1.       AGE: Attained 18 years of age on or before the date of hire.

2.       EDUCATION: High school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or Graduate of a secondary education program where a high school diploma is a pre-requisite.

3.       EXPERIENCE: Provided supports to persons with disabilities or the elderly in their home or community.

4.       LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

a.       Current valid driver’s license in accordance with Hawai‘i state law.

b.       Current CPR and First Aid

c.        Current Hawai‘i professional licenses, certificates, and liability insurance (as applicable)

5.       CLEARANCE:

a.       FBI and State Fingerprint

b.       State Name Check (e-Crim)

c.        Protective Services Central Registry (APS/CAN)

d.       Office of the Inspector General (OIG) List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE)

6.       OTHER:

a.       Eligible to work in the United States

b.       Two-step TB clearance within 365 days of date of hire

c.        Acceptable traffic abstract as determined by internal policies and procedures

d.       Safe driving skills.

e.       Pass pre-employment screening (e.g. physical, drug, etc. as determined by internal policies and procedures)

f.         Personal vehicle with current registration, safety inspection, and proof of insurance coverage in accordance with Hawai‘i state law (as applicable).

7.       PHYSICAL: Stand, bend, kneel, or reach to perform general responsibilities and essential functions of this position. Lift or move up to 50 pounds to physically support/assist participants with tasks of daily living such as transferring, moving, or attending to their personal care or hygiene needs.

8.       EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL: Exhibits situational awareness, maintains composure in responding to crises/emergencies, makes quick decisions based on sound judgment, communicates effectively (verbal and in writing), manages workload/duties.

9.       SENSORY: Able to discern and respond to stimuli (sight, sound, smell, touch, hearing).

PREFERRED REQUIRMENTS

·         One (1) year verifiable experience in a Medicaid Waiver program supporting persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

·         Training and experience in Positive Behavior Supports.

·         Supporting people in understanding and exercising their human, legal, or civil rights.