Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver (Decatur)

HIRING FOR FULL AND PART TIME (Positions available in Huntsville, Decatur, Gadsden, Athens)

At Ability Plus, our mission is Enabling Lives & Dreams... Ability Plus offers a community-inclusive home environment to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Ability Plus is seeking people who are enthusiastic, caring, capable and want to make a positive difference for residents and care recipients. We offer a supportive team environment and career development opportunities.

SHIFTS AVAILABLE

Direct Care Staff provide personal care to individuals with intellectual disabilities in a residential setting. Duties include but are not limited to: assisting residents with personal hygiene, daily living activities, documenting behavior and assisting with medications. ALL applicants must present a high school diploma/GED, Valid Driver's License, proof of valid auto insurance and successfully complete the E-Verify process. All Applicants MUST PASS a drug test, background check, TB test and have a clean driving record. Benefits available for full time (40hr) employees after 90 days.

Summary:

We are seeking Direct Care Staff for ALL SHIFTS. This is a great way to enter the healthcare world! The Direct Care Staff is responsible for the care, training and supervision as required of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Direct Support professionals are responsible for following the Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) guidelines and the Person Centered Plan (PCP) of the individuals served.
• Behavior should be professional at all times, consistent with API's culture, mission, values, philosophy and policies and procedures, including treating individuals and others with dignity and respect.
• Assist individuals with making their own choices by maintaining safe and healthy lifestyles, monitor for changes in their general health, appearance, behavior and patterns of activities.
• Provide direct supervision, must remain alert and awake at all times. This is not a sleeping position.
• Responsible for monitoring and maintaining a clean, safe and secure environment at all times.
• Ensure each individual is encouraged in making their own healthy dietary choices, following any pre-established orders by medical professionals and following Person Centered Plan.
• Carry out request per individual served pertaining to daily activities, including cooking, household chores, recreational activities, learning activities, physical fitness activities and money management.
• Responsible for assisting individuals as directed by the Person Centered Plan or Behavioral Support Plan with personal hygiene skills and tasks, including assisting with bathroom responsibilities, ensuring individuals complete shaving, brushing teeth, bathing/showering, shampooing, and dressing appropriately for the weather and type of activities.
• Complete paperwork, as necessary, to meet API, federal and state regulatory requirements.
• Complete mandatory, on-going training requirement within API and state required timeframes and meeting region required competency levels.
• Report to work on time, if unable to report to work, or if there is a need to be late for work, or leave early, follow API's approval policy.
• Promote the rights and freedom of individuals served.

EDUCATION/BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid U.S. driver's license or Official State ID
• Acceptable background check.

NECESSARY SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES - The ability to:

• Ability to communicate, write and prepare complete, concise and clear reports.
• Ability to perform housekeeping duties.
• Ability to intervene during crisis situations.
• Adequate vision and hearing to be able to supervise clients as required.
• Ability to remain awake, aware and alert during working hours and work independently.
• Dependable
• Committed to the daily care and quality of life of the consumers of Ability-Plus

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working conditions are normal for a home health care environment.
• Work may require ongoing weekend and evening work.
• Work will require frequent local driving.
• Work requires ongoing interaction with intellectually disabled clients.
• Work can require frequent walking, standing, bending and lifting up to the weight of an adult