We are immediately hiring in Pawtucket, Rhode Island! Join us at Easterseals Rhode Island for a rewarding career as a Direct Support Professional - $20.00 Hourly

Position Summary:

Easterseals Rhode Island provides services for individuals with IDD who are referred through the RI Bureau of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) and the Office of Rehabilitative Services (ORS). Each participant has a comprehensive Individual Service Plan (ISP), which outlines their specific goals for participation in job preparation, employment, and community integration. The Community Advocate delivers a range of hands-on supports to assist individuals with achieving the goals outlined in their ISP and maximizing opportunities for community infusion/natural supports. Must be willing to work flexible hours as needed and as determined by participant's schedules.

Essential Job Functions:

Attend to the daily needs of individuals on an individual basis as well as foster increased independence and self-determination through a person-centered approach. Advocate for the rights and equality of participants and assist with self-advocacy, community integration, and identifying/establishing natural supports within their community. Implements and monitors participant ISP and employment plans, including, but not necessarily limited to, work readiness training, job preparation counseling, external education, vocational training referrals, and job placement. Provide support in community settings and connect participants to community resources and community members to facilitate community integration. Examples of these supports may include but are not limited to: teaching a participant how to use public transportation, transporting participant to work, assist a participant with navigating their new workplace, assisting a participant with opening a bank account, identifying recreational activities in the community which meet an individual's interests and encourages/fosters connecting with friends, developing new relationships, volunteering, and community memberships. Teach socialization skills and activities of daily living including but not limited to self-awareness and human development, menu planning, money management skills/budgeting; transportation and community orientation; individual skills; and utilization of community resources. Assist individuals with personal hygiene as needed to ensure that they present themselves in a culturally valued, image-enhancing way. Administer and document individual medications as prescribed by a physician in accordance with agency and program procedures. Record and appropriately utilize necessary data, daily progress notes, and complete all other ISP and program required documentation before the end of shift. Transport individuals to and from community activities, job development activities, job-related activities, and other activities as required. Provide opportunities for leisure time activities and foster independence in the choice and participation of those activities. Ensure participant safety and comply with program standards for staff coverage. Provide ongoing support, guidance, role modeling, and supervision to participants. Provide a supportive environment that includes opportunities for participants to determine personal preferences for daily schedules and routines. Ensure that all information regarding participants supported is maintained with the highest level of confidentiality, based on policies and procedures, within a manner based on dignity and respect to participants supported and regulations regarding participants' protected health information (HIPAA). Maintain knowledge of ongoing program issues and developments as well as informing the supervisor of program issues and concerns. Communicate in a professional manner. Perform duties consistent with program and agency policies and procedures. Execute duties to reflect reasonable safety standards. Universal/standard precautions must be utilized, and training obtained in areas that constitute a risk. Ensure a clean, safe, and integrated environment for participants. Always remain alert throughout the scheduled work shift. Remain at the site until the scheduled time. Participate in core training and maintain certification of required training as identified by ESRI including but not limited to CPR, First Aid, MAP, and Crisis Prevention Intervention. Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed. Attends and actively participates in ISP meetings, supervision, and staff meetings and assure/maintains a person-centered approach. Ensure that participants we support are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with ESRI's Human Rights Policy. Implement all programs for participants, which may include physical activity such as lifting, running, swimming, etc. Maintain a high level of professionalism and function as an ambassador for Easterseals RI to act as an intermediary between employer, co-workers, and participants when necessary, and provide follow-up to the employer through phone calls and/or visits to the job site as needed. Other job-related duties as assigned.

Experience and Education:

High School diploma required; An associates or bachelor's degree in social work or related fields, such as psychology, vocational rehabilitation, or occupational rehabilitation from an accredited institution is preferred or one to two years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Two years of successfully working in a community setting with individuals with disabilities preferred. A valid driver's license in the state of residence. Qualifying criminal background and driving record. Must possess a safe, reliable, registered, insured, and inspected the vehicle to transport individuals as needed/required during assigned shift(s). Must be able to demonstrate competence in varied areas of training as identified by ESRI including but not limited to CPR, First Aid, behavior management, medication administration, and driving. Ability to recognize and intervene with maladaptive behavior in difficult or challenging situations. Ability to calmly and repetitively model appropriate behavior in difficult or challenging situations. Highly organized and detail oriented. Ability to be patient and sensitive to individuals with varying disabilities. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills. Must be computer literate with working knowledge of MS Word and MS Excel. Ability and availability to work in 8-hour shifts and/or as driven by operational needs.

Mission: Easterseals Rhode Island's mission is to spread help, hope, and answers. www.Easterseals.com/rhodeisland

Easterseals Rhode Island operates programs that enable those with special needs to achieve equality, dignity, and independence in their own communities. It provides opportunities for people of all ages with a range of disabilities to achieve their full potential. From early intervention services to employment placement and community supports, we help children and adults with disabilities, caregivers, veterans, and seniors reach their fullest potential as they live, learn, work and play.

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