Job Abstract

People deserve a life that is full of opportunities for growth. People deserve interesting activities, leisure time, close friendships, vacations, and a place they can call their home. ALL people deserve this.

But some require more assistance to find that type of life than others. Adults with intellectual disabilities may require coaches to help them develop the life they want. They may need someone who can show them what opportunities are out there. They definitely need someone they can trust. Someone that they can depend on.

Do you want to be a part of the solution for someone looking for a place to be? Are you willing to be a trusted companion who will be there, regardless? There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you have helped somebody find the life that they wanted and enjoy.

But it ain’t easy. All of this comes with incredible responsibility. They may need assistance with things that other folks take for granted – like bathing. They may require a lot of detective work to determine what is bothering them – communication may not come easy. Sometimes, they may not be in the best mood. Who is, all the time?

You will not do this alone. Grafton has been providing residential opportunities to adults for well over forty years. Our teams know what they are doing. The leadership team for adult services is second to NONE.

Incidentally:

If you think that people with intellectual disabilities simply need firm guidance, a consistent disciplinarian, or not much stimulation or activity, please do NOT apply. If you recognize that each and every one of us has experienced our own trauma, are a bit of a puzzle to be solved as a result, and have an innate right to compassion and kindness, climb aboard.

Also, a word of warning. Once you work in Adult services at Grafton, you generally have a hard time working in any other job. Because it’s not really a job. It’s a mission. Once you become a part of the life of one of our residents, you are going to have a very hard time leaving here.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in our Home and Community Based (HCBS) Adult program participate in the implementation of person-centered plans and promote individuals’ rights and responsibilities consistent with federal HCBS and state rights regulations and requirements. They provide supports, supervision, safety and crisis management for individuals; complete documentation of supports and services provided; listen to individuals and their choices, preferences, desires including those related to settings, work/leisure activities, schedules, routine daily activities, and the people they choose to be around. Encourage participation in preferred activities and respect individuals’ choices in their lives. DSPs report to a program supervisor/ manager.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Health, Safety and Wellness of Individuals

• Ensures medications are delivered accurately and on time.
• Provides for the well-being and safety of individuals.
• Supports individual’s abilities to maintain good health and hygiene.
• Utilizes infection control procedures.
• Reports serious incidents, participates in reviews and implements follow-up measures, as applicable.

Individual Person Centered Plan Implementation

• Knows the SNAP (strengths, needs, abilities and preferences), outcomes and supports that assist the individual in living a person centered life, based on the Individual Support Plan(ISP).
• Promotes individuals’ achievement of behavioral goals by implementing behavior strategies and teaching alternative behaviors and coping skills, as indicated in the person centered plan.
• Provides active education to help individuals achieve their outcomes and life choices.
• Collects and documents identified data, accurately and reliably.
• Documents services and supports delivered, accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintains a high level of positive reinforcing engagement with individuals. Supports implementation of daily schedules, driven by individuals’ preferences and choices.

Provides a Supportive and Solution–Focused Environment

• Builds trusting, respectful relationships with individuals and encourages individuals to demonstrate the same.
• Demonstrates knowledge about supports that may be beneficial for individuals with supports grounded in a trauma-informed care approach.
• Supports the individual during a behavioral crisis safely and with dignity and respect.
• Collaborates with the individual and multidisciplinary support team, to provide continuity of support and care, communicating and contributing to discussions and decisions.
• Exhibits exemplary customer service with the individuals, guardians, authorized representatives, family members and friends of the individual’s, including agency personnel and visitors.

Site Management – Housekeeping, Nutrition, Transportation, Finances

• Ensures a safe living and working environment. Assures accessible physical settings, when needed.
• Assures a clean and organized living and working environment.
• Promotes good nutrition and, in homes, assists with meal preparation.
• Provides or makes arrangements for needed transportation, assuring accessible vehicles and parking, as needed.
• Supports individuals, as needed, in purchases and is accountable for program money and the individuals’ money, as applicable.

Teamwork and commitment to the mission, values and vision of Grafton

• Demonstrates knowledge of organization.
• Demonstrates the core values of personal integrity, quality, customer service, flexibility, and accountability.
• Demonstrates support and promotion of rights and responsibilities issued by HCBS.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Must be 18 years of age;
• High school diploma or G.E.D.;
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record;
• Demonstrates moderate computer skills – how to log-in, how to navigate the Web for information, how to start and save a document in Microsoft WORD, and has basic keyboarding skills;
• Three months experience working with adults in a volunteer or paid capacity is preferred.

COMPENSATION

• Starting at $15.00 up to 18.05/hour based on years of experience.
• Depending on hours worked you may be eligible for Grafton's shift differential that is currently being offered.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Medical, dental and vision
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• 401(k), including an employer match up to $2,500 annually
• Generous Paid Time Off plan
• Education Assistance up to $5,250 annually
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term disability (STD)
• Long-term disability (LTD)
• As Grafton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness

If you have issues applying or have any questions about this position, please reach out to us at hr@grafton.org.

Grafton is an equal employment opportunity employer and tobacco-free workplace.

#DSPShenandoah