Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advocate for and provide training and direction to the individuals in resolving personal problems related to living within the community, including but not limited to:
• Family matters as needed
• Obtaining/refilling prescriptions
• Grocery shopping

• Independence in decision-making

• Demonstrates knowledge of each individual’s diverse needs by:

• Reading each updated version of the Individual Support Plan
• Participating as a team member for the individual at their Individual Support Plan meetings
• Implementing goals as outlined in the Individual Support Plan
• Documenting goal progress (or lack of) on monthly progress reports, and ensuring that monthly progress reports are turned in on time each month
• Transports and/or provides transportation for each individual while on program to work, social events, medical appointments, etc. as indicated by the individual.

• Accompanies and provides direction to individuals at meetings, appointments, shopping, work, etc.

• Maintains a healthy and habitable home for individuals in their care.
• Prepares healthy meals as chosen and agreed upon by the individuals residing in the home.
• Ensures a sanitary environment through general cleaning (vacuuming, dusting, mopping, doing dishes)
• Assist in maintaining the hygiene of each individual per their needs.
• Communicate home and individual needs and issues with the Program Specialist.
• Communicate and work as a team with other Residential Support Professionals working in the home.
• Assists individual in arranging for additional care and services they may need.

• Household chores as necessary (lawn care, snow shoveling, etc.)
• Participate in a minimum of 24 hours per year of training designed to develop basic knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes as necessary to assist program individuals to live as independently as possible.
• Assist individuals in developing social skills such as taking part in conversations, participating in home and out of home activities and practicing good manners in dealing with people.
• Assist with or conduct recreational and social activities.
  Assist in maintaining the residential unit in good condition and in accordance with applicable fire and safety rules and regulations.
• Attend staff meetings and conferences as assigned.
• Follow, maintain, and implement applicable regulations.
• Respond to individual behaviors using non-violent crisis intervention.
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Residential Support Professional must maintain regular work attendance, and report to work as scheduled and on time. Each Residential Support Professional is required to come to one staff meeting each month.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Must be 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record. A high school diploma or equivalent education is required. Each Residential Support Professional is required to maintain a minimum of training hours as determined by the agency.

REASONING ABILITY: Employee should have the ability to apply creative problem solving skills and deal with problems positively in a constantly changing environment. Employee should also be able to communicate with a wide variety of individuals and adapt to communication needs as necessary. Employee should apply understanding and problem solving skills to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit for long periods of time and walk on a very frequent basis. Employee will be required to provide direct service to individuals, so the employee should be able to move and lift with minimal limitations to accommodate a variety of individuals’ interests and physical demands.

JOB-RELATED EXPECTATIONS:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of Everyday Lives and Positive Approaches
• Upholds the values of The Arc
• Ability to communicate (verbally and written) professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization and external contacts
• Problem-solver
• Self-motivated
• Dependable
• Manage time efficiently
• Solid decision-making skills
• Regular attendance required
• Ability to maintain the integrity of highly confidential information
• Ability to work in a team setting