Direct Support Staff

Direct Support Staff

The Direct Support Staff is trained to provide personal care and related services.

Qualifications:

• Selected on the basis of such factors as: an interest in people, tact, a history of emotional stability, dependability in employment, neatness in appearance and practices, good personal hygiene, and good judgment

Responsibilities:

• Performs household budgeting and consumer education.

• Markets to stretch the dollar and prepares nutritious and appetizing meals.

• Performs some personal care such as assistance with bathing, toileting, eating, dressing, grooming, and walking.

• Assists with simple health care routines such as reminders to maintain diet restriction, medication regimen, and recommended exercises.

• Provides skilled observation and detailed feedback to the caseworker on consumer’s behavior, mood, and adjustment in the home.

• Teaches home management skills, and encourages and stimulates self-help attitudes and behavior.

• Gives emotional support and encouragement during period of loneliness, depressions, bereavement, etc.

• Performs routine housekeeping tasks that are required.

• Cares for clothing, washing, ironing, and mending.

• Records observation and signs each entry on the appropriate form for each visit made.

• Communicates daily or more often as necessary with his/her supervisor.

• Immediately reports emergency situations by phone to supervisor or On-call.

• Confirms on a daily basis the scheduling of visits with the Supervisor/Director in order to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel.

• Notifies the Agency of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, or special professional meetings that will affect service with the Agency.

Special Requirements:

• Must have a car with required insurance coverage and a state driver's license or reliable transportation

Functional Abilities:

• Able to communicate verbally and in writing to the extent required by the position

• Able to physically perform the duties required by the position

Qualifications:

• Selected on the basis of such factors as: an interest in people, tact, a history of emotional stability, dependability in employment, neatness in appearance and practices, good personal hygiene, and good judgment