The Direct Support Specialist- IHS provides support services to multiple program members. The Direct Support Specialist facilitates and supports an assigned caseload by engaging in daily activities both in the home and out in the community for recreation, leisure, personal appointments (including transportation to work) and support ISP goals and objectives.

Essential Job Function:

• Attend to the daily needs and assist with all activities of daily living and/or skill building
• Assist with personal care tasks, which include but are not limited to meal preparation, assisting with mobility, eating, grooming.
• Create and provide opportunities for engaging leisure time activities both in the home and out in the community and encourage independence in the choice and participation of those activities.
• Provide support by ensuring that daily activities, plans and routines reflect preferences, needs and goals.
• Record and submit weekly progress notes to the IHS Program Coordinator.
• Assist program members with getting to and scheduling appointments, social/recreation events, jobs, errands and promotes overall meaningful community access. (personal car must be used, mileage is reimbursed)
• Frequently and accurately communicate with family members, residential providers and the IHS Program Coordinator and Program Director.
• Foster and promote Human Rights and implement any and all written clinical or individualized plans and protocols (Positive Behavior Supports, Behavior Support Plan, specialized diets, Incident reporting, medical protocols)
• Other duties as assigned by the IHS Program Coordinator or Program Director

Other Job Functions:

• Contribute to the overall positive morale of the program.
• Encourage individuals to independently complete tasks.
• Demonstrate conduct in keeping with The Arc’s Ethical Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to teamwork at all times.
• Attends all mandatory staff meetings, in-services, safety training and annual trainings. Perform all other duties as assigned.