Rel's Place LLCJob DescriptionDirect Care Aide (Behavioral Health Residential Facility)
Position Title: Direct Care Aide (DCA)
Department: Residential Services
Employment Status:
Shifts Available:
- First Shift (Day)
- Second Shift (Evening)
- Third Shift (Overnight)
Reports To: Residential Supervisor / Program Director
Position Summary
The Direct Care Aide (DCA) provides direct supervision, support, and care to youth ages 8-18 residing in Rel's Place LLC Behavioral Health Residential Facility. The DCA promotes a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment while assisting youth with daily living activities, behavioral interventions, skill development, and implementation of individualized treatment plans.
The DCA serves as a positive role model and works collaboratively with clinical staff, nursing staff, families, and community partners to promote emotional, behavioral, and social growth.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise youth at all times to ensure safety and well-being.
- Build positive, supportive, and therapeutic relationships with residents.
- Implement individualized behavior support plans and treatment goals.
- Utilize trauma-informed care practices in all interactions.
- Maintain appropriate staff-to-youth ratios.
- Assist youth with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
- Personal hygiene
- Grooming
- Laundry
- Room organization
- Meal preparation
- Healthy living skills
- Conduct routine room checks and safety inspections.
- Perform regular resident head counts.
- Monitor resident behavior and document observations accurately.
- Complete all required documentation before the end of each shift.
- Maintain daily communication logs.
- Assist during medication administration by supporting the Registered Nurse or trained Medication Administration staff (as assigned).
- Observe and immediately report medication concerns or side effects.
- Monitor youth for emotional, behavioral, or medical concerns.
- Implement de-escalation techniques during behavioral crises.
- Participate in crisis intervention when necessary.
- Immediately report incidents, abuse allegations, neglect, injuries, or safety concerns according to agency policy.
- Transport residents to appointments, school, recreational activities, and community outings when assigned.
- Ensure agency vehicles remain clean and safe.
- Participate in therapeutic recreational activities.
- Encourage positive social interactions and healthy coping skills.
- Maintain confidentiality according to HIPAA and agency policies.
- Participate in treatment team meetings as requested.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe residential environment.
- Assist with housekeeping responsibilities throughout the facility.
- Participate in emergency drills and emergency response procedures.
- Attend mandatory staff meetings and required trainings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
First Shift Responsibilities (Day Shift)
- Assist residents with morning hygiene routines.
- Prepare youth for school or scheduled appointments.
- Prepare and serve breakfast and lunch.
- Complete morning documentation.
- Conduct room inspections.
- Coordinate transportation as scheduled.
- Assist with educational and therapeutic programming.
Second Shift Responsibilities (Evening Shift)
- Supervise after-school activities.
- Assist with homework and educational support.
- Prepare and serve dinner.
- Facilitate recreational and therapeutic activities.
- Assist with evening hygiene routines.
- Complete bedtime preparations.
- Complete end-of-day documentation.
Third Shift Responsibilities (Overnight)
- Maintain continuous supervision of residents.
- Conduct scheduled room and safety checks.
- Monitor for medical or behavioral emergencies.
- Complete overnight documentation.
- Prepare the facility for the next shift.
- Perform light housekeeping duties.
- Ensure the facility remains secure throughout the night.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Associate's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred.
- Experience working with children, adolescents, behavioral health, residential treatment, foster care, juvenile justice, or developmental disabilities preferred.
- Valid Ohio Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to pass criminal background checks and drug screening.
- CPR and First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain).
- Completion of agency-required orientation and training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care.
- Ability to remain calm during crisis situations.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
- Excellent observation and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Good conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
- Basic computer skills for electronic documentation.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently stand and walk throughout the shift.
- Bend, stoop, kneel, and climb stairs.
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to safely intervene during behavioral emergencies when trained.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a residential behavioral health treatment setting serving children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral health needs. Staff may occasionally be exposed to verbal aggression, behavioral crises, or emergency situations requiring immediate intervention.
Required Training
Employees must successfully complete agency-required training, including but not limited to:
- New Employee Orientation
- Trauma-Informed Care
- CPR/First Aid
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting
- HIPAA and Confidentiality
- Medication Awareness
- Infection Control
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Suicide Prevention
- Fire Safety
- Emergency Preparedness
- Cultural Competency
- Documentation Standards
- Behavior Management
- Defensive Driving (if transporting residents)
- Annual Refresher Training
Performance Expectations
Employees are expected to:
- Demonstrate professionalism and integrity.
- Maintain reliable attendance.
- Arrive on time for scheduled shifts.
- Follow agency policies and procedures.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with residents.
- Support Rel's Place LLC's mission, vision, and values.
- Contribute to a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment for youth and coworkers.
Rel's Place LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, and all pre-employment requirements.
Pay: $17.80 - $26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
