Human Rights Commission Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Job Type: Temp to hire
Title: Direct Support Professional
Pay Rate: $21.50/hr
Locations: North Adams, Williamstown, Adams, and Clarksburg
Shifts: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd availability
Hours: Full-time and Part-time availability

Position Description: Direct Support Professional is primarily responsible for providing various supports to individuals with disabilities in a group home setting.  The DSP assists individuals in all areas of daily living including personal care, housekeeping, cooking, and recreational activities. The DSP works closely with individuals to help them to become as independent as possible and to meet their own personal goals.  Also assists individuals to find and participate in community activities they enjoy while encouraging community membership as well as pursuing individual interests.
Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED or one year experience in a related field,
• Must possess basic math (addition/subtraction) skills, ability to read & write, communicate effectively both verbally and written, ability to multi-task and exercise good judgement.
• Ability to complete all initial and ongoing background checks including but not limited to: CORI, SORI, Fingerprinting, LEIE, Driving record, E-verify, Physical, PPD and licensing and/or certification checks (i.e., nursing). 
• Valid US driver’s license and ready access to a vehicle.

  
Responsibilities:                     

•  Treat each individual, co-worker, supervisor and others with the respect and dignity due every human being and adhere to the Department Developmental Services (DDS) Human Rights Standards and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s (DPPC) Mandated Reporter Guidelines around physical and emotional abuse, including the timely reporting of violations.
• Ensure each individual may achieve optimal quality of life (QOL) outcomes for people we support through a person-centered approach utilizing universal strategies, which is the foundation of the quality care and service provided.
• Work with any of the individuals served, including providing physical assistance and/or supervision with mobility (light to heavy lifting and transfers), bathing, dressing, and other personal care tasks, as well as medical treatments, household tasks, laundry, recreational activities, etc.
• Work in cooperation with other employees to help provide and maintain a safe and warm home environment.  Assist with keeping home clean, organized, and accessible.  Perform a full range of household duties with individuals such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.  These tasks include light to heavy lifting and occasionally moving furniture.
• Develop a positive rapport/relationship with the individuals supported to encourage and foster their own personal growth, individual control, and emotional strength.
• Encourage safe and healthy behaviors including regular exercise, preparation of timely and nutritious meals and development of social connections. Ensure that the individuals supported have access to proper medical attention and are provided a safe and accessible environment at all times.
• Act as an appropriate role model through dress, speech, and actions both in the home and community to foster appropriate social relationships and skill development. 
• Provide advocacy support and education for individuals in areas of empowerment, self-advocacy, civil and human rights.
• Must maintain current certifications in all agency mandated trainings.
• Assist in planning, implementing, and documenting teaching plans/strategies, psychotropic medication treatment plans and behavioral interventions as designated in each individual’s ISP, as well as in completing documentation, daily entries in staff notes, logs, communication books, and other required paperwork, etc. in accordance with current protocol for the residence.
• Ensure DIPN’s (daily individual progress notes) are completed for each shift worked.
• Assist individuals with participation in community activities and entertainment to assure they spend reasonable time with friends and family and participating in activities they enjoy.  Facilitate and enhance the community connection process through assistance with communication needs and expressed preferences regarding activities, lifestyles, routines, etc.
• Must provide safe, comfortable transportation as required and follow Agency policies.
• Respond to and effectively perform crisis intervention and call for emergency assistance (911) if appropriate.  Provide emergency first aid or CPR, perform fire drills and evacuations, disaster relocation, and handling other crisis management procedures in accordance with program procedures.
• Implement approved behavioral programs, including Level II Plans utilizing physical interventions and/or other methods of assistance as outlined in applicable ISP’s/treatment plans, as a means to assist individuals with problem solving and achieving self-control.
• Dispense/handle medications as per  MAP policy, the medication treatment plan, if applicable, and each individual’s ISP; ensure that the home and medications are secure at all times.
• Manage use of home/individual(s) money as per agency policy, and each individual’s ISP; insure the home and funds are secure at all times.
• Remain awake and alert for the duration of each scheduled shift unless position is specified as night asleep.  Overnight personnel are required to complete hourly call-in protocol.
• Must remain on duty until proper coverage has arrived and required information is passed on
• Arrange all staff PTO time off requests with House Manger.  Vacation time must be requested at least two weeks prior to the desired date(s).  In the case of illness, you must call out to your supervisor two hours prior to the start of your shift
• Must arrive on time to scheduled shifts and remain on duty until proper coverage is found.  You must follow agency call out protocols if you are going to be late, unable to report to your shift or if you become unable to complete your shift
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and trainings as assigned; work shifts as assigned.  Shifts may not be changed unless permission is received from supervisor prior to change
• Accurately documents all hours worked on the Agency electronic time management system.  All timesheets must be submitted timely for approval which act as your electronic signature and approval.  Time sheets should reflect employee’s assigned scheduled unless prior approval was given by supervisor to alter assigned schedule
• Responsible for maintaining current certification(s) including but not limited to START, CPR/FA, and MAP (if applicable to position)
• Responsible for completing all training assigned in electronic Learning Management System on time or attending any scheduled training.  If unable to complete or attend it is the employee’s responsibility to obtain prior authorization/permission to re-schedule training from Supervisor and notify Human Resources
• Responsible for routinely checking electronic communications; including but not limited to time off management, company email, company portal, and electronic LMS system.  These systems should be checked each shift your work
• Meet with House Manager or designee monthly for individual supervision; attend weekly staff meetings, and attend other meetings as assigned
• Adhere to agency/personnel policies, DDS regulations, follow emergency procedures and maintain individual’s confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA standards
• The agency reserves the right to revise existing schedules and/or program sites assignments, with notice due to the changing needs of the individuals served and program(s)
• You must complete all the training and requirements outlined in the DSP Pathway Level I program within the first 90 days of employment
• Perform other duties as assigned by House Manager and/or designee.

 
Physical Requirements And Mental Demands Of Position: 
Because of the nature of the work to be performed, requirements may include the following at least some of the time while assisting individuals in the completion of their routine tasks.  Indoor and outdoor work is required.
Position requires:         

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