Direct Support Specialist, Full time - Addictions

Seven Counties; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Seven Counties is seeking a dedicated support professional in Louisville, Kentucky to assist individuals with disabilities through teaching daily living skills and facilitating community integration. This role requires a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and at least zero to one year of experience working with individuals in need of mental health support. The position is full-time and involves frequent interaction with clients in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Zero to one year full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health or physical health condition.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver's license and proof of automobile liability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Teaches and coaches activities of daily living (ADL).
• Plans community-based activities and facilitates access to resources.
• Documents services and care provided according to standards.

Skills

Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities

Good interpersonal skills

Teaching skills

Patience and empathy

Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

To be considered for this position, 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 safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de‑escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques. Serves as "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. Assist with discharge planning as needed. Provide 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