Direct Support Specialist - Specialized Support bei The Price Center

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Join us at The Price Center to begin or grow your career in Human Services today!

The Price Center is a dynamic and supportive community that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through our community day programs, community living programs, employer services programs, and more. We provide a nurturing environment where our participants can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

• $2,000 New Hire Bonus
  offered after successful introductory period for Full Time hires.
• $1,000 New Hire Bonus offered after successful introductory period for Part Time hires

We are filling roles in our Specialized Supports program. These positions promote the development of skill acquisition and experiential learning through community exploration. You will be responsible for the direct care and support of individuals in the program. The Direct Support Specialist works with individuals on a variety of skill building groups and activities including social skills, communication and language, academics, vocational skills, community behavior and activities of daily living. You will utilize strategies to teach social and communication skills.

Requirements:         

• Minimum 21 years of age. 
• Minimum of high school degree or GED. 
• Driver’s License, clean driving record, and willingness to use agency vehicle in the course of employment
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to lift and support body weight of any program individual with the assistance of another employee.
• MUST HAVE: valid driver's license and a CLEAN driving record and a willingness to use agency vehicle in the course of employment.
• Must meet Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check requirement.

Preference:                               

Degree, experience working with persons with developmental disabilities in a vocational setting, CPR, First Aid and Crisis Intervention Training.

Summary Description:

Provide support for Specialized Supports participants with a focus on skill acquisition and experiential learning through community exploration.  Develop community connections. Create lesson plans to run groups.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the clinical management team, the Direct Support Specialist is responsible for the direct care of individuals in the day program, including the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and techniques.

• Work with individuals on a variety of tasks throughout their day (tasks may include social skills, communication and language, academics, vocational skills, community behavior and activities of daily living)
• Utilize strategies to teach social and communication skills to allow program participants to succeed in the community

• Have a thorough knowledge and competent implementation of all program participant programs and behavior management guidelines implemented in the program and in the community
• Identify resources and materials for skill-building instruction and training.
• Plans, coordinates and schedules activities, outings and use of facilities.
• Teach, train and act as a role model for individuals in the program.

• Adhere to all treatment plans for the individuals, maintain records, write progress notes and complete annual assessments.

• Consistently collect accurate data for individual programs, daily living skills, vocational skills and behavior (frequency, antecedent-behavior-consequence, duration, etc.) in a timely manner
• Complete case management duties for assigned individuals, including advocacy, team planning, and liaison with other agencies and families. In a timely manner, complete all Progress Notes, Support Strategies, Community Integration Logs and other required documentation utilized within the program.
• Upkeep of confidential files, all ISP documentation including data collection, service agreements, treatment plans, attendance, production and payroll sheets.

• Monitor and ensure the health, safety, rights and dignity of individuals to encourage their independence while in the program, at community work sites and in the community, in accord with individual choice and human rights.
• Plan, participate and implement service planning, attend regular supervision meetings, staff trainings, staff meetings and individual meetings as assigned.
  

• Support program participants’ right to express their religious affiliations and cultural traditions through preferred and relevant activities.  Support diversity of individuals served through respect of religious preferences and/or cultural backgrounds.

Benefits:

• Generous personal and sick time available to all full and part time employees.
• Employer paid Life, Long Term Disability, and AD&D insurance offered at no cost to the employee.
• Competitive Health, Vision and Dental Insurance with a substantial employer contribution towards the cost.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
  

$2,000 New Hire Bonus
offered after successful introductory period for Full Time hires. $1,000 New Hire Bonus for Part Time hires. Paid out in two installments at 3 months & 6 months. Terms and conditions apply.

Hours: Full-Time available

Monday-Friday

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.