Lead Direct Support Staff

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Lead Direct Support Staff is responsible for all aspects of resident care as well as for routine maintenance of the residence. This includes responsibility for staff when the Manager is absent, and to provide supervision to weekend and overnight staff.

WORKING RELATIONSHIP:

The Lead Direct Support Staff reports directly to the Manager for all aspects of the job responsibilities. Develops and maintains relationships with the following:

• Manager
• Program Director
• Direct Support Professional/Co-workers Main Office Administrative Staff Healthcare Consultants
• Regulatory Agencies Community (neighbors, etc.)
• Resident's and Resident's family members/guardians

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associates or Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. High School diploma or GED is required.

2. Obtain and maintain medication certification.

3. Good interpersonal relationships and communication skills.

4. Maturity, good judgment, and ability to handle confidential information.

5. Must be proficient, or become proficient, and maintain proficiency in First­ Aid, CPR, PMT, Abuse/Neglect, DDS Medication Administration and other Resident specific medical and habilitative needs. Attend all required in-services, as well as staff meetings. Must review and follow all Agency policy and procedures.

6. Valid Connecticut Driver License and eligibility for Network, lnc.'s Insurance.

7. Must be physically able to assist residents when necessary (i.e. lifting, using approved adaptive equipment, using approved physical restraint techniques).

8. Must be proficient, or become proficient, and maintain proficiency in the electronic health record system THERAP.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

In addition to responsibilities of Direct Support Staff, the Lead Direct Support Staff shall have the following responsibilities:

• With Manager, arrange and monitor schedule and staffing patterns including emergency coverage/shift coverage.
• Oversee monthly recreation and leisure schedules.
• Replace and refill all forms: data collection and medical.
• Assist with the orientation and training of all new staff.
• Oversee client programming during Manager's off-hours.
• Provide on-call coverage when the Manager is off duty and not on call. Generally starting at 4pm on Fridays until 8am on Mondays.
• Attend medical and dental appointments as needed.
• Consult with the Manager weekly on operation of the house.
• In the absence of the Manager, complete Manager's tasks as needed (i.e. fiscal, personnel and resident paperwork, staff supervision, consultation with Program Director).
• To be a role model for co-workers.
• Participate in ongoing managerial training.
• Supervise and train direct support staff as designated by Manager. Assist the Manager with appropriate disciplinary action for staff when necessary. Supervise overnight and weekend staff; including periodic visits and phone calls.
• Oversee Safety Committee Responsibilities with assistance of Manager.
• Assist Manager with medication administrator compliance.
• Become familiar with Agency Policy and Procedure and ensure staff compliance.
• Reviews and documents appropriate resident and residence electronic health records. Runs and reviews necessary weekly reports on THERAP.
• Reviews all participant data for accuracy and completion on a regular basis. Provide staff training and feedback on data as needed. Implement and follow-up on electronic documentation as available.
• Responsible for planning and overseeing participant recreational in-house activities, community outings, attendance, daily routines and programming.
• Along with staff, identify participant interest, likes/dislikes, social skills and abilities in assisting Manager in the development of person centered goals.
• Attend participant interdisciplinary team meetings as deemed necessary per the Manager.
• Other responsibilities as deemed necessary.