Direct Support Specialist - Peer Student - Child and Family Division

Job Description:

While working toward obtaining education credentials required to become a PSS/YPS/FPS as defined, acts exclusively in the capacity of a Direct Support Specialist as follows.

• Teaches, models, and coaches' activities of daily living (ADL) (e. g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal setting, nutrition needs).
• Monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback.
• Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e. g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies).
• Plans and facilitates community-based activities (e. g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation/socialization); facilitates access to community resources (e. g., AA/NA meetings, school, job placement).
• Contributes to safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques.
• Serves as “ambassador” of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS’s services and programming.
• Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e. g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer).
• Provides transportation (e. g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e. g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats); teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.  Provides personal care, as needed (e. g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques).  
• Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed. Supervises self-administered medication, depending on the specific clinical program’s protocols.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED.

CERTIFICATION 

• Completion of Peer Support training (PSS/YPS/FPS) specific to the job of interest
• Successful attainment of Peer Support certification within 60 days of hire
• Creation of TRIS account allowing for primary source verification of the credential
• Successful primary source validation of the required credential

(*) Failure to successfully complete all requirements within the specified timeframe will result in separation of employment.

EXPERIENCE

• Zero-to-one-year full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition.
• Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities. 
• Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals. 
• Good interpersonal skills. 
• Teaching skills. 
• Patience and empathy. 
• Maturity and judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS

• Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• May include frequent lifting of patients.
• 18 years of age or older.  
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Proof of automobile liability insurance. 
• Positive driving record. 

Time Type:

Full time

We continually help our community and employees flourish... one life at a time. As a Seven Counties Services employee there are many benefits to enjoy. Below are just some of the great benefits you might be eligible for with Seven Counties Services.

• Health & Wellness
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Savings Account
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability - Company Paid

• Financial Wellbeing
  • Competitive Compensation Packages
  • Life Insurance - Company Paid
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Company Paid
  • 403b Retirement Plan with Company Funded Matching
  • Retirement and Financial Planning Services

• Career Development and Growth
  • Tuition Assistance Plans
  • Loan Forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Service Corps & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance
  • Clinical Supervision toward licensure and reimbursement for certain license applications
  • At Seven Counties Services training is one of our highest priorities. We provide company paid professional training for various skills, certifications, and continuing educati