Day Program Specialist/Direct Care

Day Program Specialist/Direct Support Professional for IDD Day Program in Hamden

Hours TBD

PURPOSE: This position provides direct care for participants who have intellectual/developmental disabilities and physical disabilities. The purpose of a program specialist is to provide for the physical, social and habilitative needs of participants in accordance with their individualized program plan and the policies of the ARC. A program specialist is expected to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is provided at all times. Care is provided in a manner conducive to safety and ensures that all participant rights are maintained at all times.

Care and programs are administered in conjunction with an individualized program plan for each participant. Because participants have different levels of capabilities, essential job functions are either performed in their entirety or to the degree needed by the participant, encouraging them to function at their maximum ability. Each program specialist must be able to perform each of these care activities in their entirety. Each program specialist must ensure that the rights of all participants are respected and protected. Universal precautions and infection control policies must be followed during the performance of the job.

Qualifications for the Job:

• Valid CT. Driver's License, three years driving experience with good record
• Have or be able to obtain Red Cross First Aid, CPR, AED and Medication Administration Certification, as required.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be able to use personal computers and required software applications.
• Must be able to read and write English and follow written instructions and plans.
• May be required to work at any ARC facility and to provide own transportation to and from facility.

Essential Requirements Necessary to Perform the Job:

1. Physical Requirements:
   • Physical activity, including: walking, standing, sitting, lifting and supporting of participants.
   • Ability to drive cars, vans, and vans that are used for the transportation of individuals who use wheelchairs
   • The ability to secure participants in wheelchair during transportation properly using all safety belts and straps.
   • Must be able to safely lift and transfer participants with or without assistance on a frequent basis.
   • Must be able to reposition participants in chairs and on mats.
   • Must have a sense of balance in order to safely transfer participants.
   • Must be able to push a participant in a wheelchair on a frequent basis throughout the building and in the community on outings.
   • Must be able to frequently twist, stoop, bend, and squat.
   • Must be able to frequently reach above, at or below shoulder height to obtain supplies for participants. Must be able to remove or replace supplies on tables, shelves and cabinets.
   • Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so the requirements of this position can be fully met.
2. Interpersonal Requirements:
   
   • Must be able to follow directions and communicate effectively.
   • Must be able to deal effectively with stress created by participants, concerned family members, multiple tasks, noises and interruptions.
   • Must be able to work cooperatively as part of a team and maintain a pleasant demeanor.
   • Must be able to be flexible.

Conditions to Which You May Be Exposed:

• Exposure to blood and body fluids.
• Exposure to latex, plastic, and materials which are used for personal protective equipment.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, cleanser and soaps as identified by the material safety data sheets.
• Exposure to unpredictable behavior of participants.
• Exposure to loud or unpleasant noises.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors due to the care of incontinent individuals.
• Exposure to communicable diseases.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
All tasks listed are considered to be essential job functions of this position

1. Come to work on time and stay the full shift every day.
2. Engage participants in all activities in an ongoing manner to the greatest extent possible.
   
   1. use supportive and positive language, gestures and expressions
   2. act in a patient and interested manner
   3. schedule and implement community activities for participants
   4. follow IP procedures and ensure that programs and activities occur as written
3. Work in a positive and cooperative manner with all agency staff at all times.
   
   1. demonstrate teamwork by the ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner to meet the needs of the participants and the agency
   2. take the initiative to seek out opportunities to help rather than waiting to be asked and demonstrate a willingness to perform other duties as required
4. Interact and communicate politely with all individuals associated with the ARC in a courteous, respectful and professional manner. This may include verbal, non-verbal, or written communication.
5. Responsible for attending to the physical hygiene needs of the participants and the cleanliness of their environment.
   
   1. assist in bathroom with toileting and washing
   2. ensure that tables, floors, walls, countertops and all environmental surfaces are kept clean throughout the program day
   3. prepare meals and assisting participants in eating
   4. transfer participants from wheelchairs to changing tables, chairs, mats
   5. ensure proper positioning and repositioning participants
   6. assist with ambulation using various ambulatory aids and transporting participants in wheelchairs to various areas in the ARC
   7. utilize orthotics as appropriate
6. Develop and implement new ideas and methods for program activities and outings for persons receiving services.
7. Complete all required documentation including but not limited to: assessment, data collection, community logs, timesheets, etc.
8. Documentation will be completed on agency hardware utilizing approved software and forms in an accurate and timely manner.
9. Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions when working with participants, family members, group home staff, DDS staff and coworkers throughout the course of the day.
10. Create and maintain a pleasing room environment for program participants.
    
    1. arrange furnishing in a comfortable and efficient manner
    2. provide attractive room decorations
    3. create individual spaces that reflect the preferences of each participant
11. Respond appropriately to behavioral incidents.
    
    1. avoid confrontation and remain calm and reassuring
    2. utilize techniques of avoidance and redirection as a first response
    3. follow all behavioral plan guidelines and training
12. Drive agency vehicles as required and in accordance with agency policies.
    
    1. assist participants into vehicle
    2. assist participants to buckle safety belts
    3. utilize lift to load participants in wheelchair
    4. secure wheelchair and passenger with seat belts and chair tie-downs
    5. maintain a safe driving record and immediately report any accidents or violations regardless of whether or not they occurred during working hours
13. Ensure the safety of participants by following all safety procedures and by providing adequate supervision of participants at all times.
    
    1. understand and follow ARC policies regarding alleged abuse or neglect including verbal, emotional, sexual and physical
    2. follow all safety, security, sanitation and infection control (including universal precautions) and hazardous materials policies and procedures
    3. report all equipment malfunctions as well as unsafe/hazardous conditions to supervisor
14. Respond to emergency situations involving the safety of participants, other employees, agency vehicles, and the physical plant. This includes the ability to respond to audio/visual fire alarms and to assist with the possible evacuation of participants.
15. Follow all policies and procedures of the ARC in day to day activities.
16. Participate in required trainings and maintain appropriate certifications.
    
    1. participate in required staff meetings and training sessions
    2. assist in the orientation and training of new staff as required
    3. maintain valid Red Cross First Aid Certification and CPR/AED
    4. maintain valid CT Driver's License
    5. maintain valid Medication Administration Certification, if required
17. Other duties as required by administration.
18. EMPLOYMENT AT WILL: Employment at the ARC is at-will. This means that the employment relationship is terminable, with or without cause or notice, by either party for any reason or for no reason. No one associated with the ARC has the authority to make any promises contrary to this at-will definition.