Direct Care Worker

TEACHING-FAMILY HOMES OF UPPER MICHIGAN

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Direct Care Worker (DCW)

SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Consultant/ Supervisor, Lead Direct Care Workers, a Direct Care Worker (DCW) shall work as part of a treatment team in a 24 hour, 7 day a week, shift-staffed group home. The DCW shall implement resident treatment plans, and build and maintain positive, constructive relationships between the residents and their peers and staff. The DCW shall encourage the youth to learn and refine their skills in many areas so that they may develop to their maximum potential and become productive members of society.

The DCW shall perform duties within the guidelines, policies and procedures, and limits set by the agency, State of Michigan and accreditation bodies.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION:

Direct Care Workers shall participate in the training, consultation and evaluation activities as established by the agency. A DCW shall participate in professional development activities involving training, treatment planning and team meetings in addition to their regular schedule in the program. A DCW shall be responsible for coordinating a work schedule such that he or she will be present for regularly scheduled observation as indicated on the consultation service delivery plan. A DCW shall participate in regularly scheduled evaluations for the purpose of becoming proficient in implementing the Teaching-Family Model. Full-time Direct Care Workers have the opportunity to become certified at the end of one year of continuous employment in the position. Thereafter, a full time DCW will maintain that certification through annual certification evaluation.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The DCW shall perform general program administrative tasks as designated by the Consultants/ Supervisors, Family Teachers, Supervisor of Direct Care Workers, or Assistant Supervisor of Direct Care Worker. Likely administrative responsibilities are as follows:

1. In accordance with USDA guidelines, assist with the provision of a balanced and appealing diet for the youth such that their personal growth and health needs are met;

2. Assist in obtaining any needed medical, psychological or dental treatment for the youth;

3. Assist in obtaining adequate clothing and personal supplies for the youth;

4. Assist with clerical work required by state and local agencies, agency and others. For example:

• Daily youth progress notes
• Petty Cash

• USDA Food Record Log
• Morning Reports
• Incident Reports
• Medication Logs
• Medical Treatment Log

5. Assist in proper maintenance of building, vehicles and equipment by filling out reports when needed;

6. Maintain safety, cleanliness and sanitary standards in the home and on the grounds;

7. Relate to the community and community agencies in a professional manner in order to promote and maintain satisfactory public relations for the group home and agency;

8. Keep all medications under lock and key, dispense them only as prescribed by a

• Physician, and record dispensation in the medication log book;

9. Participate in agency activities including fundraising;

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

The following is a list of likely DCW tasks which are generated through a mutual decision-making process by the DCW, Consultant/ Supervisor, Supervisor of Direct Care Workers to promote the most productive working relationship and effective treatment:

1 Provide the concern, direction, supervision and rewarding personal relationship needed by each individual youth.

2 Provide a treatment climate conducive to the following:

• Building the youth's appreciation for his/her own skills and potential to be a productive and valued member of their family and community.
• Improving the youth's ability to cope with problems in a socially acceptable way.
• Improving the youth's ability to relate to adults and peers in a positive way.
• Preparing the youth to live successfully.

• 3. Assist in the implementation of a broad treatment curriculum aimed at teaching the youth new skills in several areas, including:
• Cognitive development
• Self-care skills
• Family-living skills
• Independent living skills
• Academic skills
• Social skills
• Pre-vocational and vocational skills

4. Assist in the development and implementation of treatment goals, plans and strategies.

5. Assist in reviewing each youth's progress on a daily basis.

6. Assist with the implementation of a self-government system to encourage the youth's participation in program decision-making processes and problem resolution.

7. Implement and maintain an organized and effective motivation system as a teaching tool in helping youth achieve.

8. Conduct self in a manner which provides appropriate modeling for the youth according to community norms and agency guidelines.

9. Abide by a professional code of ethics as established by the national Teaching-Family Association.

10. Participate in the operation of the program within guidelines established by administration in compliance with the State of Michigan "Rules and Regulations for Child Care Institutions".

11.Assist with youth assessments and transportation.

12.All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Direct care work experience, knowledge and experience with the Teaching Family Homes Model preferred.
3. Be of good moral character.
4. Valid driver’s license and good driving record. Adequate vehicle insurance if using own vehicle in the course of employment
5. Background checks required.