Direct Child Care Supporter

Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Childcare Supporter to join our Person Directed Supports Inc team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being, and development of children with IDD and/or Autism in our care. The Childcare Supporter will also assist in managing daily routines and support children's emotional and physical needs. We encourage individuals who are passionate about child development and care to apply for this rewarding position where you can make a significant impact on children's lives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITES:

• Creates/promotes a culture centered on building self-directed lives with the people we support.

• Implementing the daily activities for the person being supported.

• Provide supervision, guidance and training in accordance with individual’s needs and goals; following all aspects of the individual’s programmatic, medical, and behavior needs and related support plans.

• Be able to fully understand and adhere to the clinical, psychological, and medical recommendations from the individual’s physicians.

• Understand and evaluate the needs of the individual and how their diagnosis manifests itself, and how to respond to those in accordance with the treatment plans.

• Recognize environmental changes and adjust interventions to ensure individual’s safety

• Take appropriate steps in the resolution, recording, and reporting of emergencies/incidents. Includes conflict resolution and following behavioral plans and related trainings in deescalating individuals who may become physically or verbally aggressive.

• Understand that behaviors are a means of communication and recognize how to respond.

• Assure that the person’s goals and behavior programs are implemented as written.

• Provide continuity and comfort in daily living and routines.

• Attend all required individual related meetings and work with the support team in assisting the individual in living the life they want to live while ensuring the individual’s health and safety.

• Record and report all required data to Program Specialist, through progress notes and other required documentation.

• Prepare and sign individual daily logs. Ensure all behavioral, medical and psychiatric data entries are clear and concise.

• Attend all staff meetings and trainings as required.

• For individuals with a nursing support component, be trained on all medical needs of the individual and be able to complete all necessary procedures if nurse is not available.

• Recognize environmental changes and adjust interventions to ensure individual’s safety

• Take appropriate steps in the resolution, recording, and reporting of emergencies/incidents. Includes conflict resolution and following behavioral plans and related trainings in deescalating individuals who may become physically or verbally aggressive.

• Report and file incident report within required time frame.

• Provide a positive role model for the individuals being supported.

• Foster positive community relations.

• Understand the individual’s communication needs (both verbal and non-verbal) and communicate responsively and positively with them

• Communicate with and maintain strong working relationships with co-workers.

• Observe and report to the supervisor and appropriate medical personnel any recurring issues that may affect an individual’s well-being.

• Understand that as a supporter, that you are a “guest” in their home.

• Report all health concerns and medical incidents immediately to the appropriate person (i.e. doctor, dentist, therapist, and/or supervisor). Record in log. Perform first aid or emergency care as trained and needed.

• Follow prescribed recommended treatment. Record in log.

• Administer medications as prescribed: observe any individual that is self-medicating.

• Observe, report, and record any adverse effects of the medication. Record all administrations.

• Observe, report, and record any individual injuries: note the location, nature, extent, and reasons for the injury when know.

• Prepare medication log and document administrations as trained.

• Sign all records.

• Hold fire drills as assigned and record promptly on the appropriate forms. Check that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers remain operable.

• Report maintenance requests and ensure any necessary repairs are completed in the required time frame.

• Attend fire safety training as per regulations, and all other assigned and required trainings.

• Ensure the environment remains free of hazards for the individuals we support and the home remains clean and orderly.

• Prepare meals suited to the individual’s likes and dietary needs. Meals should be prepared and served family style and with sufficient quantity.

• Review any special dietary needs. Ensure that they are adhered to.

• Ensure that the physical site is maintained as per regulations; notify the Supervisor of any non-compliance.

• Grocery shopping as needed following the menu plans.

• Complete all household cleaning tasks and general maintenance, such as laundry, vacuuming, taking out the garbage, changing light bulbs, dusting, shoveling snow, etc.

• Inventory service locations when due and submit with a list of any recommended or necessary purchases.

• Prepare individual inventory form upon admission and as individual makes personal property purchases.

• Observe all vehicle policies, following safety precautions and maintenance procedures.

• Report any concerns with the vehicles performance immediately to the Site Supervisor; follow through with instructions for repairs.

• Keep vehicle clean and keep gas tank at no less than half full at all times.

• Report any accidents immediately, giving full date, submit incident report.

• Always obtain receipts for purchases made.

• Under the guidance of the supervisor interface routinely with consultants, other agencies, parents/guardians, and/or Supports Coordination, as appropriate to ensure consistent and quality individual care in all areas. Report progress and concerns immediately.

• Transport to and act as facilitator for physician visits, therapy appointments, and emergency or problem-solving situations. Document and review with the team.

• Ensure that individuals have the opportunity to enjoy leisure and community activities.

• Provide transportation to the individual by use of personal or company vehicle for participation in community events, activities, or appointments.

• Assist the child and/or adolescent to complete all needed school related activities (ie projects and homework assignments).

• Due to individual needs, job performance, staffing needs, etc., the Direct Support Staff may be assigned to another work site on a temporary or permanent basis. Staffing patterns vary according to individual needs.

• Completes all other assigned tasks as assigned by Person Directed Supports, Inc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid PA Drivers’ License, with good driving record.

High School Diploma/GED with three years’ experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents; One year experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism.

OR

An Associate’s Degree (or 60 credits) from an accredited College or University in either psychology, human services, sociology, social work, criminal justice, education, special education or another acceptable field. Two year’s experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents; One year experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in either psychology, human services, sociology, social work, criminal justice, education, special education or another acceptable field; One year experience preferred in working directly with children and adolescents.

Person Directed Supports Inc. is an EEO Employer

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.20 - $23.00 per hour

Shift:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Morning shift
• Night shift
• Overnight shift

Work Days:

• Every weekend
• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends

Ability to Relocate:

• Allentown, PA 18102: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $23