Direct Support Staff (DSS)

Mountwest Community and Technical College - Huntington, WV

Huntington, WV

About the position

The Direct Support Staff will provide for the overall safety and health of the clients. They are expected to follow all ASC personnel policies, work all assigned shifts, and attend mandatory meetings. The role involves implementing the daily client schedule based on individual client needs and behavior support programs that are tailored for each client. Additionally, the staff will provide transportation for clients as needed and complete all documentation in a timely and accurate manner. They will also implement Crisis Intervention Procedures as necessary and complete all assigned duties. The staff will guide, teach, and assist clients in skill development and community integration, using augmentative communication devices or other appropriate means of communication. Participation in community activities with clients and teaching appropriate social behaviors is also a key responsibility. Staff members are expected to represent ASC appropriately while in the community during work hours and to be role models of acceptable behaviors for all clients. They must reasonably react to crises and incidents, provide CPR and First Aid when needed, and follow through with all job requirements and instructions given by a supervisor. Other duties may be assigned by a supervisor, and staff must obtain and maintain AMAP certification as assigned, administering medications as required and in accordance with training provided.

Responsibilities

• Provide for overall safety and health of the clients.
• Follow all ASC personnel policies.
• Work all assigned shifts.
• Attend mandatory meetings.
• Implement the daily client schedule based upon individual client needs.
• Implement behavior support programs that are individualized for each client.
• Provide transportation for clients as needed.
• Complete all documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Implement Crisis Intervention Procedures as needed.
• Complete all assigned duties.
• Guide, teach and assist clients in skill development and community integration.
• Use augmentative communication device or other appropriate means of communication.
• Participate in community activities with clients and teach appropriate social behaviors.
• Represent ASC appropriately while in the community during work hours.
• Be role models of acceptable behaviors for all clients.
• Reasonably react to crises and incidents.
• Provide CPR and First Aid when needed.
• Follow through with all job requirements and instructions given by a supervisor.
• Complete other duties as assigned by a supervisor.
• Obtain and maintain AMAP certification as assigned and administer medications as required.

Requirements

• At least a High School Diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license, insurance, registration, and an inspection sticker for their car.
• All direct support staff must successfully complete agency training.
• Ability to handle physical aspects of the job, including bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking for long periods of time.