Direct Care Worker (PRP)

Ottawa Riverkeeper | Sentinelle de la rivière des Outaouais; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Competitive fee-for-service compensation

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Redefining the Future Network, Inc. seeks a compassionate Direct Care Worker I to provide support in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program. This part-time position is based in various community settings across Maryland, requiring flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

The ideal candidate will assist individuals with serious mental health challenges to develop life skills necessary for independent living, working collaboratively to promote recovery and self-advocacy.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized psychiatric rehabilitation services.
• Complete rehabilitation assessments for clients.
• Collaborate with clients to develop rehabilitation plans.

Skills

Compassionate

Dependable

Motivated

Effective communication

Critical thinking

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Electronic Health Record systems (e.g., TheraNest, ICANotes)

Job description

Direct Care Worker I (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program)

Job Type: Part‑Time - 20 hours per week
Work Location: Office/Community-Based (Multiple Locations throughout Maryland)
Schedule: Flexible. Evening and weekend availability preferred. Must be willing to work at least one weekend per month, as needed.

Redefining the Future Network, Inc. (RTFNetwork) is a Joint Commission‑accredited behavioral health organization dedicated to empowering children, adolescents, adults, and families through compassionate, evidence‑based, and culturally responsive mental health services. We provide Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP), Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC), Medication Management, Supported Employment, and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services throughout Maryland.

We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated direct care workers who are passionate about helping individuals with serious mental health challenges build the skills necessary to live independently and thrive within their communities. This position is ideal for individuals beginning a career in behavioral health, psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or related fields. Under the supervision of the Director of Rehabilitation Services, the Direct Care Worker provides individualized psychiatric rehabilitation services that promote recovery, independence, self‑advocacy, and improved quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individualized Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) services in the home, community, school, office, or approved virtual setting.
• Complete comprehensive rehabilitation assessments to identify each client's strengths, barriers, goals, and service needs.
• Collaborate with clients and the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop and implement individualized rehabilitation plans.
• Deliver the required monthly rehabilitation services:
  • Minimum of 3 hours per month for youth clients.
  • Minimum of 6 hours per month for adult clients.
• Assist clients in developing independent living skills, including communication, problem‑solving, decision‑making, social skills, coping strategies, emotional regulation, and community integration.
• Teach and reinforce self‑advocacy, wellness, recovery‑oriented practices, and healthy decision‑making.
• Assist clients in accessing community resources, including housing, employment, education, transportation, medical care, financial assistance, and food resources.
• Coordinate services with therapists, psychiatrists, primary care providers, schools, family members, and other community providers.
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups and structured rehabilitation activities.
• Encourage treatment adherence and attendance at behavioral health and medical appointments.
• Support adults in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment when appropriate.
• Organize culturally responsive activities that promote community engagement and social connectedness.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold all HIPAA, COMAR, Medicaid, Joint Commission, and agency standards.
• Complete accurate, timely, and Medicaid‑compliant documentation within 24 hours of each service.
• Maintain current and organized client records within the agency's Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Attend required supervision, staff meetings, mandatory trainings, and professional development activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, flexibility, and ethical decision‑making in all aspects of service delivery.
• Complete assigned administrative responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Rehabilitation Services or agency leadership.

Core Competencies

1. Client‑Centered Care and Recovery Orientation – Demonstrates compassion, empathy, professionalism, and a strengths‑based approach while supporting individuals with behavioral health needs. Promotes client empowerment, independence, self‑advocacy, resilience, and recovery through individualized, culturally responsive services that respect each client's unique background, values, and goals.

2. Communication and Collaboration – Communicates effectively and professionally with clients, families, supervisors, interdisciplinary team members, referral sources, and community partners. Builds positive working relationships, coordinates care across providers, facilitates psychoeducational interventions, and contributes to a collaborative team environment focused on positive client outcomes.

3. Documentation, Compliance, and Ethical Practice – Maintains accurate, timely, and Medicaid‑compliant documentation in accordance with agency policies, HIPAA, COMAR regulations, Joint Commission standards, and professional ethics. Demonstrates sound judgment, maintains confidentiality, establishes appropriate professional boundaries, and consistently upholds organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

4. Organization, Time Management, and Technology – Effectively manages a flexible caseload by prioritizing appointments, meeting documentation deadlines, maintaining productivity expectations, and completing administrative responsibilities. Demonstrates proficiency in electronic health record systems, virtual service platforms, Microsoft Office applications, and other technology necessary for efficient service delivery.

5. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – Uses critical thinking, initiative, adaptability, and sound decision‑making to identify client needs, overcome barriers to treatment, connect individuals with appropriate community resources, and implement practical solutions that promote stability, independence, and overall well‑being.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Reliable transportation with automobile insurance that meets Maryland minimum requirements.
• Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas.
• Ability to provide services in community‑based settings and through approved virtual platforms.
• Successful completion of state and federal criminal background checks.
• CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Education, or another behavioral health‑related field.
• Previous experience working with children, adolescents, or adults receiving behavioral health services.
• Experience providing community‑based rehabilitation or case management services.
• Experience using Electronic Health Record systems such as TheraNest, ICANotes, or similar platforms.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel extensively throughout the community.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, walk, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to transport work materials and equipment necessary for community visits.
• Ability to use computers, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices throughout the workday.

Why Join RTFNetwork?

At Redefining the Future Network, Inc., we believe our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment where staff are empowered to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

We offer:

• Flexible scheduling
• Competitive fee‑for‑service compensation
• Clinical supervision and ongoing mentorship
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Supportive and collaborative leadership
• Diverse, inclusive, and mission‑driven workplace
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact within the communities we serve

Join our team and help us redefine the future of behavioral healthcare—one person, one family, and one community at a time.

Redefining the Future Network, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and supported.