MDS Support Assistant

FRIENDS AWARE INCORPORATED; Cumberland (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends Aware Incorporated in Cumberland, MD seeks a full-time staff member to support the MDS Resource Manager, Employment Services Manager, and Case Manager. The role involves observing direct care staff, aiding in planning meetings, and organizing community activities while advocating for individuals served.

The position emphasizes compliance with DDA/DORS standards, safety reporting, and participation in mandatory agency training. The workweek is 40 hours, on-site in Cumberland.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; DDA experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and interpret regulations.
• Willingness to obtain CMT and CESP certifications.

Responsibilities

• Observe direct care staff and report to managers.
• Assist in Annual Planning Meeting and PCP processes.
• Support planning for on-site and community activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Participate in staff training and orientation; supervise interns.
• Assist in fundraising events and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Verbal & interpersonal

Time management

Regulation reading

Negotiation skills

Crisis response

CMT certification

CESP certification

Windows software

Typing skills

Valid driver's license

DOT certification

Age 18+

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: 1601 HOLLAND ST - CUMBERLAND, MD 21502, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $20.00 - $23.00 Hourly, Position Summary:

Under the guidance of the Meaningful Day Services (MDS) Resource Manager, and in alignment with Friends Aware’s mission, vision, values, policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations; this role supports the MDS Resource Manager, Employment Services Manager, and Case Manager by observing direct care staff, assists in the development and execution of all components of the Annual Planning Meeting process and Person Centered Plan (PCP). The position also aids in resource development, planning, and organization for both on-site and community-based activities, assists individuals in obtaining necessary services and advocates on their behalf, contributes to the implementation of an Outcome Measurement System/Quality Assurance Program, participates in staff training and orientation, supports individuals as needed, engages in agency-sponsored fundraising events, and ensures compliance with all State regulations.

This is a non-exempt position with a flexible schedule of forty (40) hours per week.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Communicate effectively and regularly with individuals served, direct care staff, parents/caregivers, coordinators of community services, agency nurses and other generic agencies or service providers.
• Provides training, mentoring, and modeling to direct care staff in the provision of services to individuals served.
• Completes area observations and checklists to assist in providing regular feedback and observation of staff.
• Completes auditing of required documentation as instructed by the MDS Resource Manager and/or Employment Services Manager.
• Monitors Day Services, Community Development Services, Follow-Along Services, and Ongoing Job Supports, providing recommendations for enhancing the quality of these programs.
• Keeps the MDS Resource Manager, Employment Services Manager, and MDS Case Manager updated on each individual’s status, which includes, but is not limited to, health, relationships, financial matters, behavioral support needs, and the implementation of the Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
• Collaborates with the MDS Resource Manager, Employment Services Manager and MDS Case Manager to ensure that all program components adhere to the standards set forth by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS).
• Aids in the execution of the Outcome Measurement System/Quality Assurance Program, along with other pertinent DDA/DORS standards.
• Completes purchase orders for necessary supplies for MDS.
• Pursues non-traditional funding sources that would directly benefit the individual or the agency.
• Reports to the MDS Resource Manager and/or Employment Services Manager regarding the quality of staff interactions.
• Immediately reports health and safety concerns to the MDS Resource Manager, Employment Services Manager, and MDS Case Manager.
• Assists in supervising and assessing all activities of interns from local colleges.
• Participates in all mandatory agency and DDA training sessions as outlined in COMAR 10.22.01.11.
• Must attend Safety Committee Meetings, Quality Assurance Committee Meetings, and Admissions Meetings as necessary in the absence of the MDS Resource Manager.
• Attends Western Region Peer Network Meetings and Special Education Advisory Committee Meetings within the community to support community relations in the absence of the MDS Resource Manager and/or Employment Services Manager.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding all matters related to individual or staff personal situations.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. The on-site and off-site meetings, conferences, appearances, seminars, etc. attended by the incumbent occur in a typical office environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Qualifications: Education and Work Experience

• High School Diploma or GED. Preference given to those with prior DDA experience.

Qualifications

• Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal abilities
• Exceptional time management and organizational capabilities
• Proficient in reading and interpreting regulations
• Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution
• Capable of aiding in crisis situations
• Qualified to obtain and retain certification as a Certified Medication Technician (CMT)
• Eligible to acquire and uphold Certified Employment Support Professional Certification (CESP)
• Familiarity with Windows-based software (Word, Excel, Publisher, Edge, etc.) and a capacity to learn and effectively utilize other software applications within the agency's specified timeframe
• Must have typing skills adequate for productivity
• Possession of a valid driver's license with three years of driving experience and an agency-approved driving record
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOT certification
• Must be at least 18 years old