On-Call Residence Program Specialist

Description

Human First, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the developmentally disabled communities of New York City. Founded in 2001, our multicultural agency is committed to creating positive relationships and safe environments across New York communities. 

Our Mission is to provide enhanced opportunities for individuals with special needs to reach their personal goals. Through the development of effective support systems for previously underserved populations, Human First impacts the lives of more than 1,400 families across New York City.

Our culturally trained, multilingual staff deliver a range of person-centered services, including Community Habilitation, Day Habilitation and Residential Services. Known for serving individuals who are emotionally challenged and medically frail, Human First has been recognized by the city and state for our outstanding contributions to high quality care.

Human First, Inc. is a subsidiary of ADAPT Community Network.

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the program director or designee, is responsible for devoting their attention to the care and development of the people we support in assigned residential program. Interacts in a manner which fosters dignity and learning in a way that helps lead to greater independence. Helps create a homelike atmosphere for the people we support in an agency program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the On-Call Residence Program Specialist will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide support as a Residential Program Specialist in designated program, based on need.
• Provides care and assists with the personal development and independence of the people we support.
• Ensures that all measures for safety and well-being are maintained at the highest level.
• Teaches the people we support to improve their activities of daily living and in the development of self-help and social skills.
• Attends weekly staff meetings as well as any other assigned meetings and in-service training.
• Prepares concise written reports including Incident Reports, Progress Notes and other reports as assigned.
• Responds to crisis situations and medical emergencies, including accidents by taking quick and decisive action.
• Ensures actions are conducted in a manner that prevents abuse and reports observations of co-workers who may be abusive in accordance with established procedures.
• Administers appropriate first aid based on visible symptoms and medical history in accordance with established guidelines and accepted first aid practices.
• Summons police, fire, ambulance or other emergency personnel if situation warrants it.
• If an emergency has caused a person we support to exhibit behavior that is threatening or dangerous, may be required to provide strategies for crisis intervention prevention in accordance with OPWDD approved Behavior Management guidelines.
• Travels with the people we support in agency vehicles to and from work, shopping, programs, restaurants, movies, doctor’s appointments, etc.
• Assists with meal planning and preparation as well as with purchasing food and supplies.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and implements behavioral programs.
• Participates fully as a member of interdisciplinary plan.
• Maintains an ongoing informal exchange of information. Maintains written logs for recording daily activities.
• Performs housekeeping, cooking, laundry, light maintenance and light preventative maintenance duties as needed to maintain a safe and homelike environment if assigned to an Agency residential program.
• Supervises any other activities as may be necessary to maintain quality of the program.
• Dispenses prescribed medications to the people we support after successful completion of medication administration course and in line with Agency protocol. AMAP’s are supervised by program nurse(s) in all areas related to medication administration.
• Completes all activities related to skill building as outlined in individual program plans.
• Attends to personal hygiene needs of the people we support, i.e. toileting, bathing and changing as situation warrants.
• Handles all documents for the people we support in a secure and confidential manner.
• Performs related duties as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six months of related experience is preferred but not required.
• Employees must be approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) at time of hire or within six months of date of hire.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with coworkers, employees, the people we support, and their families.
• Ability to analyze problems and determine corrective measures.

COMPENSATION: $17.46/hour

At ADAPT & Human First, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported by leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture.

ADAPT Community Network & Human First are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.