Direct Care Specialist

Summary Objective
The purpose of this position is to ensure the health, safety, and accountability for adults with development disabilities in a residential facility, residential home, or Day Program. Duties include:  transporting, feeding, lifting, transferring, administering medication and assisting with activities of daily living and supporting consumers to maintain a safe and healthy home environment. This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Meets with family members and service providers to determine needs of clients; completes a variety of assessments and assist with the development of residential plan.
• Provides and assists individuals living in their residential homes, which includes: providing information; making appointments and referrals; documenting behaviors; and providing training and supervision to adults with mental and physical disabilities. 
• Assists with activities of daily living, which includes bathing and grooming, dressing and undressing, meal preparation and feeding, safe restroom use; and maintaining continence. 
• Assists with household chores and laundry.
• Transports clients as needed for appointments, etc.
• Completes inventory; assists them in shopping for their needs.
• Assists clients in managing their money.
• Advocates for clients.
• Monitors health care, nutrition, and diet that is prescribed by client’s primary doctor.
• Trains and teaches client to be as independent as possible.
• Assists with development of socialization skills.
• Plans activities and outings.
• Provides training on safety; prepares for disasters such as storms.
• Maintains electronic health records.

Performs related work as assigned.MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.
• Over six months and up to and including one year of health care or related experience.
• Must be available to work any shift as required.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• CPR, First Aid and/or Certified Nurse Assistant, preferred.

All applicants tentatively selected for a position with Beaufort County Council will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for the illegal use of drugs and to a background check prior to appointment. Employment is contingent upon clearing both the drug screening and background investigation.