Direct Care Professional

POSITION: Direct Care Professional

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

EMPLOYMENT TERM: Full time

• 7:00 am - 3:00 pm.
• 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
• 10:00 pm - 8:00 am.

RATE OF PAY: $18.00 HR.

SUMMARY

A Direct Care Professional provides hands-on assistance and support to individuals with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities. This role is centered on helping people with their activities of daily living and promoting their overall well-being and independence. The focus is to enable and improve the quality of life for those we provide care to. By working directly with people in their private residences, these professionals build supportive relationships. Their responsibilities often go beyond the physical assistance to include offering companionship and facilitating social and recreation activities. This direct interaction is a fundamental aspect of the position, tailored to the unique needs of each person.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist people with personal hygiene tasks, including bathing, dressing and grooming, tailored to their specific needs.
• Administer medications as prescribed by healthcare providers and document all administered doses accurately.
• Provide assistance with meal preparation, service and clean up.
• Provide support when necessary for light housekeeping, organization and maintain a safe living environment.
• Provide support to grocery shop, run errands such as banking, haircuts and medical appointments.
• Provide safe transportation to community activities and appointments.
• Monitor and document changes in physical, mental or emotional conditions and report observations to the appropriate parties.
• Implement a written personalized care and rehabilitation programs designed to increase independence and community inclusion.
• Offer companionship and support during recreation and social activities.
• Effectively maintain lines of communication and model appropriate communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A high school diploma or equivalent and one year of verifiable work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a requirement for a Direct Care Professional.
• Complete and stay in compliance with all mandatory state and agency requirements.
• You must have a valid Florida State Driver’s License as you will be required to drive.

SKILLS:

• Translate written care plans into practical, daily routines that align with the person’s unique goals and preferences.
• Encourage personal growth and maximize independence with each person.
• Provide personal assistance while respecting the person's privacy.
• Teach and encourage people to develop their own life skills.
• Create opportunities for people to practice tasks and make decisions.
• Communicate with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries to ensure all interactions preserve the person’s sense of self worth.
• Effectively manage challenging behaviors by modeling calm during tense situations and verbally resolve conflicts that may arise.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Pay close attention to detail and ensure all documentation is clear, accurate and compliant.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that would normally be met by a direct care professional to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the direct care professional is regularly required to hear, talk, walk, stand, sit and use hands. You will frequently be called on to reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, drive, cook, count change. The direct care professional may be required to lift and or move up to 35 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that a direct care professional would encounter while performing the essential functions of their jobs. You will be subject to outside conditions with moderate to loud noise levels. There will be periodic disruptions in the routine or normal schedule that may require immediate attention. You may encounter activities in the community that require you to get wet, walk long distances and face uncertain weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. THE DIRECT CARE PROFESSIONAL MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE ASSIGNED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT REMAINS ON AN “AT-WILL” BASIS.

This Job Description does not constitute a written or implied contract and may be changed as the business needs of Loveland Legacy arise.

Employee Signature:_____________________________Date:________________

ED Signature:__________________________________Date:________________