Overview
The Direct Support Staff (DSS) plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This position involves providing compassionate care and support to help clients achieve their personal goals and maintain their independence. The DSP will work closely with individuals in various settings, including residential homes, assisted living facilities, and community environments.
Qualifications:
I. Education, Training, Experience and License:
1. High School Diploma or equivalent, such as a General Education Development (GED).
2. Current criminal record clearance or a criminal record exemption (prior to initial contact with the consumer).
3. First Aid and CPR Training as evidenced by a current and valid first aid and CPR card from an AHA provider, available prior to working with the client served.
4. Valid driver’s license with good driving records.
5. At least six months experience taking care of consumer with developmental disabilities.
II. Competence (Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude):
1. Knowledge of and ability to conform with policies, plans, and programs of the agency
2. Knowledge in standard First Aid and CPR
3. Familiarity with the principles of normalization and the developmental model
4. Knowledge in performing basic care (assistance with ADLs) and supervision of clients, signs and symptoms of illnesses with satisfactory judgment on when to call for professional help
5. Knowledge in assisting clients with prescribed self-administered medications
6. Knowledge in housekeeping and sanitation principles, and how infection is spread
7. Ability to work effectively with clients and co-workers
8. Knowledge of counseling principles and techniques
9. Ability to exercise professionalism in the workplace
10. Good character and a continuing reputation of personal integrity. No criminal record
11. Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms
III. Physical Requirements:
1. Must be at least 18 years old
2. Good physical and mental health, capable of performing assigned tasks.
3. Good health shall be verifiable through health screening using tuberculin tests or chest x-ray performed by a physician not more than six (6) months prior to or seven days after employment or licensure.
IV. Functions and Duties
A. Direct Support Staff (DSS) works under the supervision of the Program Director or its designee (Assistant Program Director or Case Manager). Responsible and accountable for rendering general assistance and supervision to consumers which is guided by existing policies, training plans, behavior management plans (based on ISP, IPP) and programs of the agency.
The General Assistance and supervision as stipulated down below:
B. Duties:
1. Responsible for data collection and documentation of active treatment daily or as indicated in their training and behavior management plans.
2. Assists clients in recognizing and identifying training and support needs
3. Participates in future planning and other related meetings
4. Assists and supervises the clients in maintaining their personal hygiene and activities of daily living and documents them in the ADL form:
· bathing, dressing, grooming.
· monitors client’s weight every month and recording in the weight record form.
· monitors client’s bowel and bladder habits
· notifies assistant of any weight gain or loss of > 5 lbs, and for any change in bowel and bladder habits
· with client’s permission, performs client body checks during bathing to monitor skin condition.
· documents in the body inventory checklist form for any findings (i.e. bruises, cut, etc.) and notifies the RN or LVN immediately.
*FOR CLIENTS with NO nursing services*
NOTIFY THE AGENCY (Asst Prog. Director/Case Manager or the Visionary Prog Director) the MOMENT staff had noticed any change in condition within 1 HOUR and document in Body Inventory Checklist Form of the findings.
a. Assists client in self-administering medications.
b. Monitors client for any changes in condition and notifies RN immediately if change in client’s condition is noted.
c. Transports clients to doctor’s appointment as needed.
d. Complies with agency’s existing policies, systems, and procedures, as well as plans and programs related to consumer’s care and supervision as stipulated in the consumer’s ISP
e. Ensures cleanliness in the consumer’s house and assists in housekeeping as needed.
· makes beds and change bed linens on as needed basis.
· maintains cleanliness and orderliness in the closets and cabinets.
· Assist with meal preparation, or coach client how to do meal prep.
f. Prepares daily report on all activities during time of work. Document before leaving work premises.
g. Encourages consumer to maintain and develop to their full potential through participation in planned activities.
h. Attends agency’s in-services as scheduled.
i. Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
j. Follow agency protocol on mandated abuse reporting, incident reporting and emergency procedures.
k. Other responsibilities/tasks as assigned by supervisors.
This role requires a compassionate individual who is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve while promoting independence and dignity in care.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 – 96 per week
Benefits:
Flexible schedule
Schedule:
10 hour shift
12 hour shift
8 hour shift
Day shift
Evening shift
Holidays
Monday to Friday
Morning shift
Night shift
Overnight shift
Rotating weekends
Weekends as needed
Experience:
Caregiving: 1 year (Required)
Language:
English (Required)
Location:
Marina, CA 93933 (Required)
Shift availability:
Day Shift (Required)
Night Shift (Required)
Overnight Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
Marina, CA 93933 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
Marina, CA 93933: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Willingness to travel:
100% (Required)
Work Location: In person
