POSITIONS

At our agency, we have three essential positions that contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities: Direct Support Professional - Respite, Direct Support Professional - Habilitation, and Direct Care Worker - Attendant Care (Professional Provider / Parent Provider). All three roles play integral parts in supporting individuals with personalized care, skill development, and daily living activities. To ensure the safety and competence of our team members, each candidate for employment is required to gainfully hold CPR, first aid, Article 9 certification within 90 days of their hiring date. Additionally, some positions may require DCW I and/or II certifications. We are committed to the professional growth of our team, and as such, candidates who are hired will receive complimentary training for the required certifications from the agency. This investment in ongoing education underscores our dedication to providing high-quality care and ensuring the best outcomes for both our team members and the individuals we serve.

Direct Support Professional - Respite

A respite worker, often known as a respite care provider, plays a crucial role in providing temporary relief to primary caregivers or family members who care for individuals with disabilities or special needs. Respite care offers caregivers the opportunity to take a break, attend to personal needs, or simply recharge while ensuring that the person with developmental disabilities continues to receive proper care and support. In addition, a Respite worker may also be a family member or friend. 

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1. Responsibilities:

   • Personal Care: Respite workers may assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, feeding, and personal hygiene.

   • Supervision: They ensure the safety and well-being of the individual in their care, providing supervision as needed.

   • Companionship: Building a rapport and engaging in social and recreational activities to enhance the individual's overall well-being.

   • Medication Management: Depending on the individual's needs, respite workers may be responsible for administering medications as prescribed.

2. Qualifications:

   • Training: Respite workers are required to undergo training and certification in first aid, CPR, and Article 9.

   • Background Checks: Given the vulnerable nature of the individuals being cared for, respite workers are subject to background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals they will be serving.

3. Flexibility:

   • Varied Schedules: Respite care can be provided on a scheduled basis or as needed, and workers may need to be flexible with their availability.

   • Adaptability: The ability to adapt to the unique needs and preferences of each individual is crucial, as the role may involve working with individuals of varying ages and developmental abilities.

4. Communication Skills:

   • Effective Communication: Respite workers need to communicate effectively with the individual, their family, and other support professionals to ensure continuity of care.

   • Reporting: Keeping detailed records and reporting any changes in the individual's condition or needs to the primary caregiver or relevant professionals.

5. Compassion and Patience:

   • Empathy: Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

   • Patience: Providing care with patience and understanding, especially in situations that may require extra time and attention.

Direct Support Professional - Habilitation (Professional Provider / Parent Provider)

A habilitation worker provides habilitation services to individuals with developmental disabilities. These services are aimed at helping individuals acquire, retain, or improve their self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills necessary to live and participate in the community. In addition, a Habilitation worker may also be a parent, family member, or friend.

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1. Habilitation workers may assist individuals with various aspects of daily living, social interactions, and skill development based on the unique needs of each person. The goal is to support individuals in achieving greater independence and inclusion in their communities.

2. Professional Qualifications:

   • Certification and Training: Habilitation professionals are required to undergo training and certification in first aid, CPR, and Article 9.

   • Background Checks: Professionals are often subject to background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals they will be serving.

3. Responsibilities:

   • Personalized Care: Habilitation workers focus on teaching and reinforcing essential life skills tailored to the individual's unique needs.

   • Community Integration: They assist individuals in participating in community activities, fostering socialization and community integration.

   • Documentation and Reporting: Keeping detailed records of the individual's progress and collaborating with the healthcare team.

4. Communication and Collaboration:​

   • Effective Communication: Regularly communicate with the individual and their family to address specific needs and preferences.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability:

   • Varied Schedules: Habilitation professionals often work flexible hours to accommodate the individual's needs and the preferences of the family or caregiver.

   • Adaptation to Individual Needs: They adapt their caregiving approach to meet the unique requirements and preferences of the individual they are supporting.

6. Advocacy and Support:

   • Advocacy: Habilitation workers may advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they have access to appropriate resources and services.

   • Emotional Support: Provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals facing challenges, as well as their families.

Direct Care Worker - Attendant Care (Professional Provider / Parent Provider)

A Direct Care Worker, whether in a professional provider or parent provider capacity, plays a crucial role in assisting individuals with developmental disabilities in their daily activities. Attendant Care services aim to provide support to individuals who may require assistance due to physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges. In addition, this position may also be held by a parent, family member, or friend. 

Attendant Care (ATC) Duties-

ATC services may include the following tasks based on the member’s assessed needs:

• Meal Preparation and Cleanup: Planning meals, preparing food, following special diets, cleaning up, and storing food.

• Eating Assistance: Helping with eating and providing assistance during meals.

• Bathing: Washing, drying, transferring, adjusting water, and setting up bathing equipment.

• Dressing and Grooming: Selecting clothes, dressing and undressing, fastening braces and splints, oral hygiene, nail care, shaving, and hairstyling.

• Toileting: Providing reminders, assisting with clothing and undergarments, and cleaning catheter or ostomy bags.

• Mobility: Offering physical guidance or assisting with the use of a wheelchair.

• Transferring: Helping with movement and transfers.

• Cleaning: Performing general cleaning tasks.

• Laundry: Washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes.

• Shopping: Grocery shopping and picking up medications.

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Attendant Care (Professional Provider):

1. Professional Qualifications:

   • Certification and Training: Attendant Care (Professional Providers) are required to undergo training and certification in first aid, CPR, and Article 9 may undergo training and certification for DCW I and/or II to ensure they can effectively meet the specific needs of the individual.

   • Background Checks: Providers are subject to background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals they will be serving.

2. Responsibilities:

   • Personal Care Assistance: Attendant Care workers assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility.

   • Medication Management: They may be responsible for administering medications according to prescribed schedules.

   • Health Monitoring: Monitoring and reporting changes in the individual's health or behavior to their parent(s) and/or guardian.

3. Communication and Collaboration:​

   • Effective Communication: Regularly communicate with the individual and their family to address specific needs and preferences.

4. Flexibility and Adaptability:

   • Varied Schedules: Attendant Care professionals often work flexible hours to accommodate the individual's needs and the preferences of the family or caregiver.

   • Adaptation to Individual Needs: They adapt their caregiving approach to meet the unique requirements and preferences of the individual they are supporting.

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Attendant Care Worker (Parent Provider):

1. Family-Centered Care:

   • Understanding Family Dynamics: Parent providers, as family members, inherently understand the dynamics and needs of the individual within the family context.

   • Emotional Support: Parent providers can provide emotional support and care within the familiar environment of the family home.

2. Personalized Care:

   • Intimate Knowledge: Parent providers have intimate knowledge of the individual's history, preferences, and routines, allowing for highly personalized care.

   • Holistic Approach: They may seamlessly integrate caregiving into family activities and routines, promoting a holistic approach to care.

3. Advocacy and Collaboration:

   • Advocacy within the Family: Parent providers advocate for the individual within the family setting, ensuring their needs are met and rights are respected.

   • Coordination with External Services: They collaborate with external service providers, therapists, and educators to enhance the individual's overall well-being.

4. Balancing Care and Parenting:

   • Dual Role: Parent providers balance the dual roles of caregiver and parent, which requires a unique set of skills to meet both emotional and practical needs.

5. Professional Qualifications:

   • Certification and Training: Attendant Care (Paren Providers) are required to undergo training and certification for first aid, CPR, Article 9, and may undergo training and certification for DCW I and/or II to ensure they can effectively meet the specific needs of the individual.

   • Background Checks: Parent providers are subject to background checks to uphold the safety and well-being of the individuals under their care.