Direct Support Professional/Care Coach (Full time) at Haywood Vocational Opportunities Inc.

JOB TITLE: Direct Support Professional

EMPLOYEE STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt

PURPOSE: The Direct Support Professional is responsible for supporting individuals with disabilities and/or disadvantages in achieving their personal goals through vocational training, skill development, and community engagement. This role involves assisting clients with day-to-day activities and providing training in various areas of employment and life skills. Services may be delivered in one-on-one or group settings, with a focus on promoting independence, inclusion, and personal growth.

AREA OF PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY: The primary responsibility is within the scope of the Day Services Program of HVO, Inc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Support individuals with disabilities and/or disadvantages by providing job coaching, training, behavior management techniques, and encouragement to help them succeed in various environments.
• Provide direct support to individuals with disabilities and/or disadvantages in accordance with their individualized plans, fostering independence, skill development, and personal growth.
• Assist with vocational skill development, including task completion, workplace readiness, equipment use, quality control, time management, and teamwork. Be familiar and knowledgeable with all specifications of products in the departments in which the client/clients work.
• Promote independence and self-sufficiency by empowering individuals to set goals, learn new skills, and take ownership of their work and personal growth.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive work environment that encourages confidence, respect, and positive workplace relationships.
• Ensure safety in all settings, teaching and reinforcing safe work practices and responding appropriately to incidents or emergencies. Ensure a safe and supportive environment by following established policies, safety procedures, and individual support plans
• Provide individualized support as needed, including guidance with communication, social skills, daily living skills, or personal assistance that enables full participation in work and community life. Support activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed, such as personal care, mobility assistance, meal preparation, and community participation.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records related to vocational progress, goals, performance, and support provided, in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with supervisors, team members, families, and other professionals to coordinate supports and promote successful employment outcomes. Report concerns to the supervisor promptly, considering the urgency and nature of the issue.
• Encourage self-advocacy and decision-making, empowering individuals to express preferences, set goals, and make choices that enhance their quality of life.
• Encourage, help facilitate, and plan community engagement and inclusion, helping individuals access resources, social opportunities, and meaningful activities outside the workplace.
• Model positive behavior, respect, and professionalism, acting as a role model in the workplace and community
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to strengthen skills and uphold HVO's mission of empowering individuals through employment.
• Participate in cross training within the Employment & Training Department and other duties as assigned.
• Drive both HVO and personal vehicles for work purposes.
• Must be familiar with FDA and ISO standards as it relates to HVO's quality system.
• Must be aware of applicable HVO safety rules and regulations and comply with these rules and regulations.

MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS/PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Minimum of one year of experience working with persons with developmental disabilities.
• Must possess skills in written and oral communication.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals with I/DD.
• Be willing to participate in appropriate in-service training.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be approved by HVO's insurance carrier.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, background check, driver license check and NC Health Care Registry check.
• Must be or become certified in First Aid/CPR/NCI.
• Must meet minimum privileging criteria as a paraprofessional (10A NCAC 27G .0100-.0200) and meet client specific competencies as identified by the individual's plan of care.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to exert up to the weight of the client receiving services to lift, carry, push and pull or otherwise move objects.
• Frequent walking, bending, stooping, reaching pulling and standing.
• Must be able to assist with personal hygiene needs such as showering and toileting.
• Push an occupied wheelchair over uneven pavement, up and down inclines.
• Have the physical strength and coordination to assist adult clients to participate in individual and group activities.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: High School Diploma/GED

CONFIDENTIALITY: Employee must sign and abide by confidentiality statement and request for privileges.

This description outlines major duties and responsibilities assigned to this job. The employee may be called upon to perform other duties not covered by this description.