Direct Support Staff

Direct Support Staff

The Direct Support Staff is a non-professional employee, 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