Direct Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Summary / Objective

Under the general direction of the Family Support Specialist, the direct support specialist is responsible for working directly with families in their homes, school and communities to assess the needs of the child and family. Primary job responsibility will be to provide in-home respite support to work directly with families in their homes, school, and communities in Perry, Fairfield and Licking Counties.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Assist in the design of trauma informed support strategies.

Work side-by-side with families to ensure the proper implementation of trauma informed support strategies.

Train families and other support systems / caregivers as to the proper implementation of trauma informed support strategies.

Collect data.

Provide Strategic Interval Respite.

Frequent and consistent communication with team members to ensure proper execution and effectiveness of support strategies.

Other duties as requested.

Qualifications :

Required : High school diploma / GED.

Experience working with people with developmental disabilities with complex behavior needs required.

Experience working with children required

Preferred : Bachelor’s Degree in related field or

2 years of undergraduate studies; must have college transcripts demonstrating either completion of 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours with a minimum of 3 years’ experience of providing behavioral health support to an individual with a mental health disorder, including but not limited to autism, anxiety, mood disorder, ADHD, opposition defiant disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc.

Experience working in a residential setting preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations :

Valid Ohio Driver’s License, current automobile insurance and reliable transportation required.

Ability to pass background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Computer and Technology :

Computer proficient with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications.

Timely and accurate documentation required for this position.

Communication Skills :  (reading, writing, or speaking)

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations;

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence;

Must be able to communicate effectively with families, employees and community members.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to accept and implement feedback and constructive criticism in teaching, and overall job operations

Problem Solving / Decision Making :

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.

Ability to utilize critical thinking skills to assess and analyze effectiveness of trauma informed support strategies.

Working Relationships :

Work as part of the Family Support Team to develop strategies, discuss coordination of supports, train families, identify resources and implement respite strategies.

Work Environment :

This position provides in-home and community support; frequent travel (>

75%) between work locations required.

High degree of flexibility

Other Skills and Abilities :

Include any other skills and abilities required

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.