Community Counselor - Longmont DSP

Imagine Colorado; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Imagine Colorado is seeking a Direct Support Professional to promote health and welfare for participants with developmental disabilities. You will engage in skilled interactions, assist with daily living tasks, and transport participants to community activities in a safe and supportive manner.

You will also document progress, follow Individual Plans, and collaborate with therapists to implement behavior plans in a dynamic community setting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skill in working with people with developmental disabilities, preferably in a community-based setting.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in skilled interaction with people who require therapeutic supports.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels.

Responsibilities

• Promotes the health, safety, and welfare of participants and assists with daily living supports.
• Provides transportation to community-based activities using company vehicles or other means.
• Completes documentation and tracks data timely and accurately as per policies.

Skills

Disability support

Skilled interaction

Communication

Negotiation

Independent travel

Tech literacy

Driver's license

Mobile device use

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college preferred

Tools

Job description

Purpose of Position - Promotes the health and welfare of participants/ clients. Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic supports, thus enabling them to access and utilize their community and build on skills. Acts in accordance with Community Services mission and guidelines as well as Individual Plans. Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable regulating agencies. Maintains professional relationships with participants as well as members of treatment teams.

1. Promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the participants.

• Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic support to live full and enriching lives.
• Assists participants with daily living supports, such as; assisting with lunch from minimal prompting to full support.
• Assists with toileting hygiene from minimal prompting to full support.
• Assists participants in accessing and utilizing their community, by transporting them safely to community-based sites for activities, utilizing company cars, buses, walking, etc.
• Learns and consistently practices effective teaching skills, working with Therapeutic and Coordinating team as necessary.

2. Acts in accordance with Community Services policies, mission, and the Individual Plans.

• Supports and implements activities according to Community Services guidelines, in the context of activity protocols and plans, and in the context of a nurturing, stable environment.
• Completes documentation and tracking timely and accurately.

3. Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines and regulations, including Imagine! Policies and Procedures.

• Ensures quality service delivery, meeting the guidelines set forth in Community Services quality standards, as well as follows schedules, information sheets, and plans.
• Completes all required training, including annual refreshers, in the appropriate timeframe.
• Reports all behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and/or significant changes in medical condition to supervisor, and completes all related paperwork in a timely manner.
• Implement Individual Treatment/Behavior Plans developed by Behavior Therapists and/or BCBAs
• and implements behavior intervention strategies as directed by the Behavior Therapist or BCBA
• C ollect data when working with some individuals
• Proactively communicate any questions or concerns to the Behavior Therapist or BCBA

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Supports Community Services mission in the context of both individual and collaborative work.
• Actively participates in staff meetings, workshops, in-services, discussions, etc.
• Maintains and cares for Imagine!’s property, including supplies, vehicles, etc., being mindful of safety and cleanliness.
• Represents Community Services in meetings and committees, as well as in promoting and marketing, as requested.
• Promotes team morale by being positive and professional.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

• Demonstrated skill in working with people with developmental disabilities, preferably in a community-based setting.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in skilled interaction with people who require therapeutic supports.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels.
• Effective and creative negotiator and problem solver.
• Ability to work independently- traveling and working in the community.
• Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet based databases, assistive technology, etc.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements.
• This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Training/Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of college preferred.
• Ability and willingness to successfully complete required training curriculum. This includes developing an understanding of Community Services structure, services, philosophy, as well as community resources, etc.

Experience

2 years experience preferred

Working Environment/Physical Activities

Evening and weekend work may be required.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to drive a mini van.
• Ability to push wheelchairs and to lift and transfer patients as related to toileting, diaper changing, and other health and activity related needs.
• Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a changing environment.
• Willingness and ability to respond to emergency situations as they arise.
• Work is performed in a variety of settings including office, outside, and in-home.

Employment at Imagine! is at-will, meaning that either the employee or Imagine! may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Imagine! is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

We are required by law to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We are also required to measure our progress toward having at least 7% of our workforce be individuals with disabilities. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had a disability. Because a person may become disabled at any time, we ask all of our employees to update their information at least every five years.
Identifying yourself as an individual with a disability is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer will be maintained confidentially and not be seen by selecting officials or anyone else involved in making personnel decisions. Completing the form will not negatively impact you in any way, regardless of whether you have self-identified in the past. For more information about this form or the equal employment obligations of federal contractors under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.