The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc.

Position Title: Direct Care

Reports To: Program Administrator and Program Director

Dept: Day Habilitation as assigned

Supervises: Not applicable

Classification: Non-Exempt position/Hourly

Hours: Part to Full time, based on program needs, Monday through Friday, First Shift

Job Summary

Direct Care Staff work directly with Program Members in programmatic and community (public) settings. The focus of this position is to provide support and encouragement for Program Member’s independence and self-growth, while maintaining safety always. Direct Care staff are always role models.

Direct Care Staff may work 1:1 with a Program Member or in small or large group settings. Direct care staff are expected to assist Program Members with Personal Care, behavioral and emotional support as needed and to submit required documentation of provided supports to meet Regulatory and Agency Standards.

Direct Care Staff may be reassigned, either short or long term, to another Day Hab based upon Agency need and local travel may be required.

Environment

Program Member’s abilities range from those that always need full physical assistance and supervision to those who live independently in the community.

Day Habilitations are welcoming and inviting spaces, the Agency services individuals of all communication abilities.

Often Program Members and Staff may be engaged in stimulating activities that are noisy, crowded, and sometimes confined. Larger and quieter spaces are provided for sensory decompression.

Program Members may engage in behaviors that are harmful to themselves or others. Staff are provided with the resources and training to de-escalate these situations safely and effectively and also additional protective equipment for increased personal protection.

Depending upon assignment, staff may be in a stationary position throughout the day, e.g., sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Appropriate dress is required, as program activities occur year-round, e.g. in heat or cold. Some Volunteer sites may require professional attire.

Direct Care staff may be in close proximity to others at times and will need to utilize all PPE precautions if unable to maintain social distancing, to miminize exposure to Blood bourne pathogens and infectious disease including COVID 19. The company is following all guidelines from the CDC, the state of Massachusetts and the local board of health during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Training is provided for all staff to safely handle exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other bodily fluids. Full-time nursing staff is also present to ensure the health and well-being of each program member.

Staff work closely with coworkers and other program members.

Essential Functions: ( Note- due to the COVID 19 pandemic, certain essential functions will be modified as necessary to ensure social distancing and safety precautions are implemented)

Assist Program Members with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Skills, which may include meal preparation, personal care, toileting, safety awareness, and appropriate social interactions both in programmatic and community settings.
Exhibit compassionate and caring behavior with each Program Member, focusing on Individuality, dignity and respect.
Interacts respectfully and collaboratively with coworkers, management, and outside stakeholders in programmatic setting and within the community.
Document and maintain in a timely manner accurate paperwork/records on Program Members daily, while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to Agency and Regulatory requirements. Documentation may include case notes, task analysis sheets, probes, activity logs and behavior tracking sheets.
Implement all Individual specific protocols, including but not limited to Clinical, Medical, Dining, Safety guidelines, plans and recommendations.
Assist in behavioral management either by direct physical intervention or by ensuring the safety of others by redirection/crowd management and report incident appropriately.
Instruct skills trainings in a programmatic setting. Trainings are based on independent living skills and goal achievement.
Provide services and supports as identified in each assigned persons Annual Service Plan (ISP, IP, or IEP).
Effectively communicate concerns and relevant information about Programs Members to appropriate parties within the chain of command.
Provide support during transition times by either verbally or physically assisting Program Members in all weather conditions to safely board/disembark vehicles.
Ensure a healthy and clean work environment for Program Members and Staff.

The qualification listed below must support the essential functions and serve as the primary criteria for selecting candidates.

Minimum Qualifications

At least 1 year professional or personal experience working with Individuals with disabilities
High school diploma or equivalent preferred; not required.
To meet all required background checks and drug testing upon hire and annually, as required by Regulatory Authorities.
Fluent in English, exceptions may be made based on programmatic resources and availability.
Move, position or transport up to 25 lbs., some Day Habilitations may require more weight depending upon assignment.

Minimum Competencies

To follow all safety protocols related to COVID 19

Must always exhibit conflict resolution skills and the ability to remain calm and focused.

Ability to position self to assist with individual’s physical needs, including transfers, lifts, and the use of gait belts, etc.

Ability to use a computer or other electronic device to access agency email and complete job duties.

To adopt the Agency peer philosophy.

To successfully obtain all necessary training as required. Training may include, but is not limited to: Defensive Driving, Agency Orientation, Safety Plan & Evacuation, Human Rights, Ethics, CPR & First Aid, PABC, etc.

Disclaimer: All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety or themselves, other employees or Program Members. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

The information listed above will be used to evaluate the employee’s performance on an annual basis, as specified in the Personnel Policies.