Direct Support Professional

Position Title: Direct Support Professional Position Title: Direct Support Professional Status: Non-exempt

Department/Program: Group Residence/Group Homes

About Our Organization:

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a leading non-profit organization in New York’s Greater Capital District. Our comprehensive range of human services reach more than 1,000 children, 600 families, and hundreds of adults across Upstate New York each year. Our multi-faceted programs are designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families, and adults we serve. We offer residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more.

St. Catherine’s employs more than 300 full and part-time staff. Our spectrum of services for children, families and individuals suffering from the lasting effects of abuse and neglect, family instability, mental illness, homelessness and other ongoing traumas, continues to grow. We are committed to cultivating a culture where all employees can bring their authentic and best selves to work. Our DEI initiatives are designed to support and build a more equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace, one which exemplifies true respect and dignity.

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, Residential, the Program Leader manages the physical, emotional, and treatment needs/goals of the children in the Residential Program. The Program Leader will take a leadership role in the day-to-day operations/functioning of the program.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Under the oversight of the Program Manager, implement the standards developed to maintain a therapeutic, child centered treatment environment.
• Provide oversight of implementation of children’s’ treatment plans as directed by the Treatment Team. Document treatment services provided to children.
• Remain in sight and sound of the children in the program when in ratio.
• Participate in the daily routines and activities of the children in accordance with current standards of therapeutic treatment of children and the philosophy and mission of St. Catherine’s Center for Children.
• Assist the Program Manager in overseeing the safety and maintenance of the building, grounds, and vehicles. Follow-up with the Maintenance Department regarding any repairs that are needed. This may include, but is not limited to submitting work orders for necessary repairs.
• Ensure that all children have adequate clothing, personal care items and nutritious food.
• Ensure effective communication between all team members regarding the program and children.
• Under the oversight of the Program Manager, assist in training and coaching of the Direct Support Professionals.
• Under the oversight of the Program Manager, the Program Leader will ensure the Direct Support Professionals are aware of all policies and procedures and coach them on timely completion of any required documentation.
• Review staffing assignments with Direct Support Professionals daily.
• Responsible for reviewing all pertinent documentation and emails at the start of each shift.
• Attend as an active participant, all treatment meetings, house management, staff meetings and mandated trainings.
• Participate in the general upkeep of the physical environment. Everyone is responsible for housekeeping tasks.
• Attend and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training Certification.
• In conjunction with the Program Manager, plan and implement daily activities for clients that promote active engagement and therapeutic practices.
• Maintain a good attendance record, in keeping with Agency and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with agency colleagues, families and representatives from other organizations.
• Attend and successfully complete the Medication Administration Certification Course, and maintain medication certification. When assigned, administer medication as assigned, according to agency protocols.
• Provide oversight of staff responsible for distributing medications to clients.
• Receive and maintain van certification; complete required van inspections and check the log and report the vehicle maintenance needs to the Transportation Supervisor and Program Manager, including the monitoring of fuel for assigned Agency vehicles.
• Arrange transportation for the children, as required.
• Shop for children and program needs, as required.
• Preparation, service and clean up of meals for children, as needed. Complete annual food handler training.
• Attend various meetings related to the children, such as: CSE, Service Plan Reviews, 30- and 90-day Treatment Reviews, etc. as directed by the Program Manager.
• Will conduct steps of post-crisis response as necessary or as assigned.
• Attend all required Agency trainings (e.g. New Hire Orientation, TCI, Medication Certification, etc.) as scheduled, recognizing that failure to attend training is an unexcused absence, unless a documented emergency occurs.
• Additional position-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor/ director.

Organizational Relationships:

The Program Leader reports to the Program Manager. This position services as a member of the Residential Treatment Team.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to understand, communicate, represent, and carry out the mission, values, philosophy and policies of St. Catherine’s Center for Children.
• Ability to complete written documentation as required by the position.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form with members of the team.
• Demonstrated ability to meet the therapeutic needs of children who exhibit a variety of emotional, behavioral and interpersonal challenges.
• Must have the ability to provide therapeutic intervention for children as appropriate. Ability to understand and use all techniques involved in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
• Ability to perform well under crisis conditions.
• Ability to lead others in effectively completing duties and responsibilities during a shift.
• Ability to legally operate an 8-15 passenger, automatic transmission vehicle.
• This position will have full and complete access to client Protected Health Information (PHI) in order to carry out the duties and responsibilities for this position. Therefore, the ability to meet HIPAA requirements and maintain strict client confidentiality is essential and required.
• Ability to understand, represent and carry out the mission, values, philosophy and policies of St. Catherine’s Center for Children.
• Ability to conduct themselves in a manner that is becoming of an employee of St. Catherine’s Center for Children.
• Ability to carry out written documentation as required by St. Catherine’s policies and procedures and as required by regulating agencies.
• Ability to organize and effectively manage (in a timely manner) the varied tasks of the position.
• The ability and desire to establish a respectful relationship with clients to help them gain skills and confidence.
• Ability to work effectively in a shared decision-making model as a team member, and work collaboratively with other personnel and service providers or professionals.
• The capacity to maintain a helping role and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals, while setting appropriate limits.

Position Specifications/Requirements:

• HS diploma/GED Equivalent is required; Associate’s degree or higher is preferred. Relevant combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Certification to administer medication is required (must complete St. Catherine’s Med Certification course).
• Must have a Clean and Valid New York State driver’s license for at least one year, with the ability to meet the requirements as outlined in the Revised Policy for Authorized Agency Drivers.
• Van certification.
• Professional experience working with children who exhibit a variety of emotional, behavioral or interpersonal challenges, required.
• Experience in the use of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), with the ability to respond effectively and therapeutically in crisis situations.
• Must have the ability to pass required pre-employment background checks.

What We Offer*:

• Competitive Pay with an excellent benefits package
• Health Insurance options: medical, dental, and vision
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Employee Referral Bonuses*
• On-going Professional Development and Career Opportunities
• Pension Plan with Aggressive Agency contribution
• Life Insurance
• Paid Training & Tuition Reimbursement
• Fast-paced and business casual work environment

*some conditions may apply

EOE Statement:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Background Checks: We run a thorough and complete pre-employment background check on all candidates being considered for a position, this includes fingerprinting. All candidates must successfully clear the pre-employment background check process, which follows NYS/DOJ requirements. We pay for all pre-employment background checks.