Personal Assistant

Description MAIN FUNCTION: Provide quality support by means of direct care, training and instruction for person supported with developmental disabilities including, assistance with day to day living activities and skills, developmental training, and vocational training to uphold the person’s supported rights. Correctly administer medications. Requirements RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide supports for Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Identify and report suspected violations toward person supported to appropriate authorities. Ensure that all abuse is reported verbally and on an incident report at the time it occurs. Abuse includes: physical, sexual, verbal, psychological, neglect, exploitation or maltreatment. Uphold person supported right to a healthy and mature environment for living, learning and employment. Report on individual’s status via daily notes or PA notes. Complete appropriate documentation concerning care of person supported supported. Areas to report should include, but not be limited to: General health status Illness or injury Social conversation Activity level/Interaction Status Seizure activity Employment (if applicable) Mental / emotional status Abuse/neglect Materials, supplies as needed Personal hygiene status Unusual Incident Provide assistance to the person supported to ensure that the residential setting is clean and free from harm. Comply with proper fire procedures, drill and other emergency protocol as dictated by agency and/or state guidelines. Respect individuality, personal decisions, choice of communication and need for personal space. Read and abide by the Individual Support Plan (ISP)/Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) and all aspects of the program consistently. Encourage independence by utilizing opportunities to teach during daily activities. Assist person supported with routine household chores. Perform household duties as outlined by the specific guidelines of the residential area. Follow dietary plans recommended by the nutritionist (if applicable) and encourage person supported to make choices within the plan guidelines. Assist or perform, if necessary, hygiene as needed for the person supported. Specialized supports may include bathing, showering, shampooing, dental hygiene, ear hygiene, menses care, and toileting needs. Become med certified and know the person supported medications, purpose and side effects. Assist the person supported in appropriate community outings of which the person has expressed interest and capability. Assist person supported to learn about appropriate social behavior and celebrating successful attainment. Ensure that clothing is appropriate for the weather and the type of outing; pack items that are necessary to meet individual needs, i.e. special drinking cups, wheelchair. Attend all training outlined by the DIDD, state and agency guidelines. Communicate with co-workers and supervisors on a regular basis and complete all required documentation. WORK ETHICS Maintain good attendance record, including punctuality and leave request procedures. Caring Attitude; promote good work habits; assist new employees. Complete all duties and required documentation. Maintain clean and neat appearance with appropriate attire for accompanying person supported to various activities. Model appropriate behavior. QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma required. One year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred. Must have a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record acceptable to insurance carrier. No criminal background. Complete mandatory training provided upon employment. Must be able to read and write English. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS: Must be able to move or lift a minimum of 25 pounds. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance from a second person or mechanical device. Must be able to stand, bend, lift and move intermittently throughout the work day in the office area and in the field. Must be able to work outside of normal work hours including nights, holidays and weekends as needed to meet Agency and position demands. Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with recipients with developmental disabilities, internal and external partners as well as family members/guardians. Must be able to conduct a two-man assist