COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or equivalent required, one-year direct care experience working with people with developmental disabilities preferred. If providing an enhanced level of service, must have a certification or degree as per Community Participation Support provider specifications.
Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain eligibility for insurance under the automobile and bonding insurance policy.
Must successfully complete and maintain certifications for C.P.R. and First Aid. As designated by supervisor obtain and maintain certification for Medication Administration training. Obtain Act 33 and 34, and as needed FBI clearances.
Prior to working with program participants under the age of 18, the employee is responsible to produce original copies of current PA Criminal History Record Checks, PA State Child Abuse Clearance, and a Department of Human Services Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record. Updated original clearances must be provided to the Human Resources department every 60 months.
Must pass a physical examination and tuberculosis test and maintain these according to regulatory requirements.
Must be physically able to assist individuals when necessary and perform all duties related to this position.
Must have knowledge of social, cultural, recreational, educational, and spiritual activities and facilities in the community.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all applicable policies, procedures, work instructions and regulations; adheres to requirements while completing assigned duties.
Identifies, responds to and reports suspected abuse and reportable incidents as defined by the Incident Management Bulletin, Adult Protective Services, Older Adult Protective Services, and Child Protection Services at the time the event is known, observed or related to the staff member.
When a situation that warrants additional action is observed, notifies the supervisor or designee immediately.
Ensures the health and safety of individuals to the maximum extent possible and implement practices for optimum health and safety in all settings, including the community.
Responsible to promote choice of the individuals served and to support the principles of Everyday Lives. Assist in the implementation of ISP that has specific measurable objectives for each individual in accordance with person centered planning. Reads and understands the Individual Support Plan for each individual they support.
Understands community participation support, community integration, and employment first philosophies and implements action plans to assist the individuals to increase their experiences in these everyday life activities.
Supports consumers to be integrated into and have full access to the greater community, including career exploration, engagement in community life, control of personal resources, and participation in the community to the same degree of access as individuals without disabilities.
Promotes the consumer’s individual initiative, autonomy, and independence in making life choices, including but not limited to, daily activities, physical environment, and with whom to interact.
Accompanies and assists individuals to participate in vocational, community, cultural, social, recreational, educational and spiritual activities of their choice which promotes Social Capital (participation in social networks that build relationships resulting in a sense of belonging).
Assists assigned individuals in activities related to basic skills such as eating/feeding, toileting, transferring to/from wheelchairs, and other personal needs, as required by the needs of the individual or directed by a supervisor.
Demonstrates knowledge of individual’s medical, physical, emotional, and behavioral needs, and is prepared to support and implement necessary interventions in all settings, including the community. Implement ancillary support service recommendations such as dietary plans, behavior plans and treatment recommendations.
Deals effectively with challenging behaviors and emergency situations.
Provides services and level of supervision to individuals as identified in the Individual Support Plan.
Provides daily care, training and supervision of individuals including:
a. Assistance, training and support for the acquisition, maintenance or improvement of functional skills, personal needs communication, personal adjustment, and vocational skills.
b. The provision of opportunities and support for participation in community life, including work opportunities.
c. The provision of services that are age and functionally appropriate.
Assists in the development and implementation of action steps/goal plans that support outcomes in the Individual Support Plan.
Completes assessments in preparation for Individual Support Plan meetings.
Participates in the interdisciplinary team planning meeting and other meetings as assigned.
Plans, identifies, and implements community activities/ program, and field trips/outings associated with individual’s participation in community integrated activities.
Assists in the development of new curriculums and instructional techniques.
Prepares daily activities schedules and weekly activity plans for review.
Reviews individual records and communication logs upon reporting to assigned area to maintain quality provision of services and continuity of care.
Communicates pertinent information to all required personnel
Uses modes of communication that are appropriate to the consumer.
Uses active listening skills, acknowledging the individual’s ideas and concerns, and respond in an appropriate and respectful manner.
Maintains and presents as a positive role model, interacting in a professional manner with individuals, co-workers, supervisors, other agency personnel, families and the public.
Demonstrates and implements knowledge of fire and emergency evacuation procedures and equipment; supports individuals’ safety during emergency evacuations.
Provides transportation for individuals, using the assigned agency vehicle, approved personal vehicles, or public transportation as necessary to facilitate the individual’s immediate and ongoing participation in community activities.
Completes program documentation professionally, accurately and in a timely manner. This includes but is not limited to: records, logs, reports, calendars of activities/outings, and any other documentation assigned or required during scheduled shifts.
Must attain proficiency in the electronic record keeping system.
Guides potential employees during on-site visits and assists in the training of new employees as required.
Represents the Barber National Institute in a positive manner to families, team and community members.
Requests needed supplies and repairs for vehicles and program area.
Maintains a clean and organized work space and program area.
Responsible for the completion of a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours for in-service training per training year at least 6 per quarter, (July 1st to June 30th), including attendance at all one-time training programs, all annual mandatory training programs, and all optional programs, as designated by regulations, program specialist, supervisor, manager of day services, associate director and/or the director.
This position acts as Program Assistant/Aide in programs that are licensed as Older Adult Daily Living Centers.
OTHER:
Completes other duties as assigned by the supervisory personnel or designee, which are deemed to be in the best interests for the welfare of the individuals and operation of the facility.
Understands that a staff member may be transferred within the facilities whenever deemed necessary for the betterment of the program and/or changes in government regulations.
Is aware that duties may be added or deleted from the position as deemed necessary by Director.
Understands that added or irregular hours may be required due to government agencies or funding source requests for special assignments.
Understands that other duties and assignments may be added or deleted as necessary due to funding requirements or regulations.
