Salary: $24.01 after completion of program training

Education/Experience: High school diploma or GED required, some college preferred, two (2) years of experience in direct care work with individuals with developmental disabilities.

Communication Skills: Must be able to respectfully communicate well in English, both verbally and in writing
with consumers, all levels of staff, family members and other persons in the community.
Judgment/Initiative: Must be able to use good judgment in dealing with consumer issues/emergencies, as well as staff related issues. Must work well independently and maintain a good working relationship with supervisor.

Other:

  • Valid New Jersey driver’s license with 5 or less points.
  • Successful completion of all required training, when assigned
  • Red Cross CPR and First aid certification.
  • Physical and negative PPD or chest x-ray upon hire
  • Successful clearance of background checks including NJ Central Registry, CARI, drug screening as required

Working Conditions/Hazards: Work is active and is performed within the consumer’s home as well as in the community. The behavior of consumers may change dramatically due to environmental or medical conditions among others, which may, at times, create hazardous situations. Lifting of heavy objects, or persons may be required. You may be required to drive large vehicles. You may have exposure to individuals with Hepatitis B, a blood borne pathogen. You may provide individual support offered in a dignified fashion in the areas of toileting, showering, menstruation, and any other areas of hygiene, ranging from intermittent to pervasive levels.

Essential Functions: Provide support and training to consumers in the development of independent living skills including, but not limited to, instructions in relationship development, meal preparation, money management, sexuality training, clothing maintenance and hygiene. May involve transportation of consumers. Insure overall health and safety of consumers. Assure completion of fiscal responsibilities.

Job Duties
• Assist individuals to make links in the community to become active participants in community life, as they desire. This includes helping consumers to make good use of their free time with leisure and recreation activities that they are interested in and serving as an advocate for consumers.
• Facilitate the achievement of outcomes as defined by each individual. Be able to evaluate the presence of outcomes by using the councils interview process.
• Work with the individuals and supportive living staff to teach and assist with daily living skills as needed and/or as detailed in the resident’s IHP or support plan.
• Protect individual’s rights, teach them to exercise their rights, and support them to live up to their responsibilities.
• Provide or insure the necessary support for proper medication and good health, budgeting, banking, and financial management, and menu planning, cooking, and grocery shopping.
• Assist people who complete their own medication sheets or are self medicated by conducting weekly pill counts. Administer medication to consumers if required.
• Attend all IHP meetings and implement protocols for all goals developed at IHP’s for assigned consumers.
• Attend staff meetings as required.
• Review emergency procedures quarterly with consumers.
• Conduct monthly fire drills; check smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and complete proper reports.
• Know, understanding, and follow DDD Licensing Standards, Arc Personnel Policies and the Arc Residential Policies and Procedures. Assuring the maintenance of all records in accordance with the policies and procedures.
• Complete paperwork and documentation as required.
• Observe each consumer’s right to confidentiality.
• Maintain a professional liaison and communication with consumer families, guardians, employers, other agency staff, DDD staff, and professionals in the community such as physicians, counselors, social security, etc.
• Work effectively with all administrative staff and maintaining close communication.
• Cooperate with The Arc and Division/Department staff in any inspection or investigation.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.