Direct Support Specialist, Full time - Addictions

Seven Counties Services; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Seven Counties Services in Louisville, KY seeks a Full-time Direct Support Professional for the 3rd shift to assist individuals with mental health and related needs. A valid driver's license and a clean driving record (no more than 6 points) are required.

Responsibilities include teaching ADLs, providing transport, coordinating community activities, administering basic care, and documenting progress. A high school diploma is required; empathy, patience, and strong interpersonal skills are

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals.
• Patience, empathy and strong interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Teaches, models and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) and monitors progress.
• Provides transportation and ensures safety during activities using SCS vehicles or personal vehicle.
• Plans and facilitates community-based activities and connects clients with resources.
• Practices verbal de-escalation and supports a safe therapeutic environment.
• Collaborates with community systems (school, family, transportation, employers).
• Documents services and care with required records and reports.
• Maintains confidentiality of protected health information and adheres to policies.

Skills

ADL coaching

Verbal de-escalation

Communication skills

First Aid/CPR

Teaching

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description: This position works the 3rd shift. To be considered, you must have a valid driver’s license and no more than 6 points on your driving record.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) (e.g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal‑setting, nutrition needs); monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback.
• Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e.g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies).
• Plans and facilitates community‑based activities (e.g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation/socialization); facilitates access to community resources (e.g., AA/NA meetings, school, job placement).
• Contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de‑escalation and, as authorized, other behavior‑management techniques.
• Serves as an “ambassador” of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS’s services and programming.
• Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e.g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer).
• Provides transportation (e.g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e.g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats); teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.
• Provides personal care, as needed (e.g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques).
• Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed.
• Supervises self‑administered medication, depending on the specific clinical program’s protocols.
• Identifies assigned clients’ food and/or medication allergies and exercises reasonable care to avoid exposure to allergens.
• Communicates information relevant to care, treatment, and services with other SCS staff members and, as authorized, with non‑SCS providers to ensure appropriate level and quality of care.
• May take responsibility for specific assignments within the program (e.g., food programs, admissions at Crisis Stabilization Unit).
• Documents services and care provided by timely completing various forms (e.g., attendance records, daily logs, shift/progress notes, incident reports, time reports in accordance with SCS and regulatory standards).
• Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, consistent with SCS procedures and state and federal law.
• Assists with discharge planning as needed.
• Provides support for additional training needs of direct support staff as needed.
• Attends and participates in all required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.

EDUCATION

High school diploma or equivalent required.

EXPERIENCE

Zero to one year full‑time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition.

Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities. Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals. Good interpersonal skills. Teaching skills. Patience and empathy. Maturity and judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS

Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. May include frequent lifting of patients.

18 years of age or older. Valid driver’s license. Proof of automobile liability insurance. Positive driving record.

Time Type: Full time.

In an effort to protect our employees, clients and community, we require the COVID and Influenza vaccinations for all employees.