Direct Support Professional

***Effective October 15, 2021, all employees/contractors/interns/volunteers are required to provide our office with proof of COVID vaccination.***

Salary Description:

$17.00/hour

Shifts:

Monday-Friday 8:30AM-4:00PM with observed holidays off per COMHAR policy: 4 Openings

The ID-Day Program offers services that are provided in both facility and community-based settings for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those with intensive physical health needs (wheelchair, tube feeding, catheters, colostomy). Supports are offered through a variety of activities that develop life, socialization, motor, and adaptive skill sets.

COMHAR offers three different training programs to meet individuals' varying level of need and setting preference. Programs include developmental training to teach basic skills, facility-based vocational training, community-based instruction, and supported employment.

The Day Program Direct Support Professional provides direct services and day support to consumers assisting with daily community integration, skill building, self-care skills including personal hygiene and life tasks on a Full Time basis and in a respectful manner ensuring the dignity & privacy of consumers.

COMHAR has an immediate opening for a Direct Support Professional at our ID-Day Program.

Responsibilities and Job Duties:

• Conduct assigned activities with consumers for educational, social, community programs while eliciting their input and feedback.
• Assist in promoting participation in group and individual community and facility based activities.
• Implement meaningful community and facility based activities in line with Consumers' existing needs (intellectually and physically) and objectives.
• Assist and implement transportation for consumers to access community training activities.
• Implement activities that will heighten educational, social skills and individual growth.
• Assist in obtaining medical care for consumers during emergencies (acute or chronic).
• Administer approved medications to consumers as directed in a timely, accurate manner.
• Safely operate a COMHAR vehicle for transporting consumers and other assignments.
• Immediately report any site or consumer related crisis or unusual incident to Supervisor.
• Complete required daily program notes for assigned consumers, enter documentation on a timely basis as required.
• Participate fully in multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings and in Quality Improvement programs as assigned and required.
• Attend all required meetings, training programs and activities as assigned or required.
• Prepare and submit accurate, complete and timely reports of all non-emergency and crisis level events to supervisor, as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of all consumer related information.
• Report any staffing problems to Supervisor, as required.
• Comply with all COMHAR policies and procedures at all times.
• Engage in crisis intervention, utilizing approved, authorized techniques.
• Report incidents immediately, record required relevant information
• Report any work or work related injury immediately to the Supervisor.
• Ensure safety of the residents and premises, report unsafe conditions to Supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear others and accurately interpret speech and sounds. Frequently required to stand; walk; climb and descend stairs. Required to use hands and arms to reach, hold and carry objects. Required to operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis and assist consumers when entering and exiting vehicles. Required to sit; stand, maintain balance; occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception & ability to adjust optical focus for reading, driving, general observation and for all safety needs.

Key Competencies:

• Verbal and written communication skills required to satisfactorily perform job duties.
• Exercise sound judgment in carrying out daily activities, handling crises & emergencies.
• Able to work independently with minimal direction.
• Attention to detail.
• Approachability and Compassion.
• Listening Skills.
• Dependability to report to work as scheduled and on-time.
• Strong commitment to providing quality services to consumers.
• Able to work successfully with others in a collaborative manner.
• Integrity and trustworthiness.

Work Environment:

Job duties performed in a COMHAR managed and operated facility, as well as, in various community settings. Noise level in the work environment is low to moderate.

Travel Requirements:

Required to safely operate a motor vehicle for transporting consumers. May be assigned to work at other sites and required to travel between COMHAR sites and to other locations.

Other Duties:

As assigned by Supervisor.

Full Time Employees are eligible for generous benefit options including but not limited to:

• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance with plan options to fit your needs
• Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
• 403B Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (Holiday, sick, PTO, vacation)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Additional supplemental voluntary insurance options including Disability, Accident and Pet Insurance

Qualifications and Experience:

• High School Diploma (or GED)
• Current PA Driver's License; satisfactory driving record; eligible to operate program vehicles.
• One year of related experience in an IDD service, program or related experience.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and privacy of all consumer records and information.
• Able to acquire working knowledge of COMHAR policies and other applicable regulations.
• Attention to details to ensure safety for residents and for safely operating program vehicles.
• Able to work well with individuals with varying emotional and cognitive challenges.
• Able to successfully manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Able to complete assignments in a timely manner while adhering to COMHAR procedures.

Key Competencies:

• Verbal and written communication skills required to satisfactorily perform job duties.
• Exercise sound judgment in carrying out daily activities, handling crises & emergencies.
• Able to work independently with minimal direction.
• Attention to detail.
• Approachability and Compassion.
• Listening Skills.
• Dependability to report to work as scheduled and on-time.
• Strong commitment to providing quality services to consumers.
• Able to work successfully with others in a collaborative manner.
• Integrity and trustworthiness.

Skills Required:

Must have excellent verbal/written communication skills and work well with people; good, creative problem solving skills; excellent clinical nursing skills including assessment, knowledge of behavioral health systems, community resources; ability to work independently, and be flexible/adaptive in handling changing priorities in a fast paced work environment; computer skills required.

*We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace. COMHAR, Inc. is a not-for-profit community based health and human service organization founded in 1975. We do not discriminate in services or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, past or present receipt of disability-related services or supports, marital status, veteran status, or any other class of persons protected by federal, state or local law.