Residential Support Specialist

Alternative Services – Connecticut, Inc; Old Lyme (CT); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Alternative Services – Connecticut, Inc. seeks a Residential Instructor to supervise and support individuals with disabilities in a home setting, ensuring safety, dignity and progress.

You will document activities, follow agency policies, provide activities and behavior support, and coordinate with staff across shifts. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and at least two years' experience with developmental disabilities (or equivalent education).

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two years' experience with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred; may be substituted with education.
• Valid driver's license and ability to be insured throughout employment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• CPR, First Aid, PMT and DDS State Medication Administration certifications required or obtainable.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and to intervene physically as needed.

Responsibilities

• Monitor consumer behavior and implement behavior management programs or other programs as applicable. Document everything on appropriate forms.
• Document all shift activities and incidents in the log and on consumers in Therap.
• Provide programmatic and statistical reports as required.
• Maintain safety, appearance and cleanliness of home. Conduct sanitation and safety inspections of all internal and external areas of equipment/house. Make minor repairs and/or alerts supervisor to potential major problems.
• Maintain a professional attitude with coworkers, management, outside agencies, etc.
• Know consumers location at all times and follow Agency policies and procedures governing operations including medication administration policies, key control, and emergency procedures.
• Alert appropriate personnel immediately regarding problems or unusual occurrences. Complete incident reports promptly.
• Implement and adhere to all policies, procedures, and legal commitments to consumers as required by DDS and ASI.
• Fulfill delegated responsibilities and report at staff meetings on such duties.
• Act as an advocate and role model for consumers, treating individuals with respect and dignity.
• Assist or complete any necessary hygiene for consumers.
• Document activities pertaining to the welfare of the home or consumer (movement, incidents, seizures, medication administration, changes in conduct).
• Distribute all medications according to each consumer's schedule and DDS guidelines.
• Provide activities or programs for consumers during each shift. Organize and supervise interactions with consumers.
• Provide counseling or reinforcement to address issues of progress, interests, etc.
• Assist in supervising and safely transporting residents to community activities and programs.
• Know and follow emergency home procedures for fire, hurricanes, power outages, etc.
• Assist guardians in normalization/person-centered planning.
• Report rights violations to Executive Director and participate in investigations.
• Assist in shopping, meal preparation, setup and cleanup when on duty.
• Attend in-service training and provide training for Agency personnel; participate in staff meetings.
• Have thorough working knowledge of Agency policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the Residential Manager or upper management.
• Follow Behavior support plan and document.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

CPR/First Aid

PMT & DDS Certification

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Alternative Services – Connecticut, Inc. seeks a Residential Instructor to supervise and support individuals with disabilities in a home setting, ensuring safety, dignity and progress.

You will document activities, follow agency policies, provide activities and behavior support, and coordinate with staff across shifts. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and at least two years' experience with developmental disabilities (or equivalent education).