Direct Care Associate

Job Code: CSC - 103
Revision Date: September 8, 2023

Starting Salary: $13.97 hourly; $29,058 annually
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Overview

We are an agency committed to innovative behavioral health services in trauma-informed care that promote healing and recovery to instill a sense of empowerment and foster a lifelong sense of resilience.

General Description

The purpose of this position is to provide individuals diagnosed with an Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD) assistance with activities of daily living such as meal preparation, personal hygiene, and medication administration. This position will also facilitate community involvement by accompanying individuals on community outings or providing transportation to work or other activities. It will entail collaboration with the clinical staff to support the Individual Plan of Care, therapeutic and behavioral plans in place to enhance the quality of life of the individual. Direct Care Associates are employed in a wide range of work settings. Associates are subject to work in a residential care facility, individualized skills and socialization program, or community setting. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary dependent upon the functional area assigned.

This class works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Conducts Independent Living Skills Assessments
• Participate in Interdisciplinary Team meeting for the purpose of planning and coordinating services and support.
• Complies with required staff trainings per Texas Administrative Code (TAC)
• Provides transportation to Medical appointments, individualized skills and socialization program, work, or other activities as determined in the Individual Plan of Care.
• Summarize client's activities on a daily and weekly basis.
• Provide respite services according to the Individual Plan of Care
• Ensures the safety and health of each individual, takes vital signs, directly communicates health related data to the nurse.
• Supervises self-administration of medication in compliance with physician orders.
• Follow curriculum as specified for individuals in an individualized skills and socialization setting according to the individual level of functioning.
• Assist with training and orientation of new staff.
• Assist individuals with meal preparation complying with dietary orders.
• Assists clients with Individual Program Plan training.
• Assist in grocery ordering process and proper perishable and non-perishable items storage.
• Conducts and prepares daily documentation per Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) Service Definition Manual Documentation requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with the work setting.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by one (1) year of experience in human or social services, case management or related field; or possession of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Experience with trauma-informed services; cognitive behavioral therapies, including DBT; and motivational therapies including the use of incentives, preferred.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of trauma-informed theories, principles, and practices (includes multi-faceted understanding of concepts such as community trauma, intergenerational and historical trauma, parallel processes, and universal precautions), preferred.

Physical Demands

Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid state Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to pass a TB, criminal background and drug screen.
• Preferred CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Emergence Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Emergence Health Network to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Other Job Characteristics

• Staffing requirements, including criteria that staff have diverse disciplinary backgrounds, have necessary State required license and accreditation, and are culturally and linguistically trained to serve the needs of the patient population.
• Credentialed, certified, and licensed professionals with adequate training in person-centered, family centered, trauma informed, culturally competent and recovery-oriented care.
• Flexible schedule: subject to non-traditional hours available to cover 24-hour operation at various locations.

Note: This Class Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Emergence Health Network and an employee and is subject to change by the Emergence Health Network as its needs change.