Direct Support Specialist - Youth Peer Support Specialist Student Adolescent Substance Use

Job Description:

While working toward obtaining education credentials required to become a PSS/YPS/FPS as defined, acts exclusively in the capacity of a Direct Support Specialist as follows.

• Teaches, models, and coaches' activities of daily living (ADL) (e. g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal setting, nutrition needs).
• Monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback.
• Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e. g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies).
• Plans and facilitates community-based activities (e. g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation/socialization); facilitates access to community resources (e. g., AA/NA meetings, school, job placement).
• Contributes to safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques.
• Serves as “ambassador” of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS’s services and programming.
• Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e. g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer).
• Provides transportation (e. g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e. g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats); teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.  Provides personal care, as needed (e. g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques).  
• Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed. Supervises self-administered medication, depending on the specific clinical program’s protocols.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED.

CERTIFICATION 

• Completion of Peer Support training (PSS/YPS/FPS) specific to the job of interest
• Successful attainment of Peer Support certification within 60 days of hire
• Creation of TRIS account allowing for primary source verification of the credential
• Successful primary source validation of the required credential

(*) Failure to successfully complete all requirements within the specified timeframe will result in separation of employment.

EXPERIENCE

• Zero-to-one-year full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition.
• Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities. 
• Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals. 
• Good interpersonal skills. 
• Teaching skills. 
• Patience and empathy. 
• Maturity and judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS

• Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• May include frequent lifting of patients.
• 18 years of age or older.  
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Proof of automobile liability insurance. 
• Positive driving record. 

Time Type:

We continually help our community and employees flourish... one life at a time. As a Seven Counties Services employee there are many benefits to enjoy. Below are just some of the great benefits you might be eligible for with Seven Counties Services.

• Health & Wellness
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Savings Account
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability - Company Paid

• Financial Wellbeing
  • Competitive Compensation Packages
  • Life Insurance - Company Paid
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Company Paid
  • 403b Retirement Plan with Company Funded Matching
  • Retirement and Financial Planning Services

• Career Development and Growth
  • Tuition Assistance Plans
  • Loan Forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Service Corps & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance
  • Clinical Supervision toward licensure and reimbursement for certain license applications
  • At Seven Counties Services training is one of our highest priorities. We provide company paid professional training for various skills, certifications, and continuing education
  • Opportunities for growth and movement - We encourage our employees to consider new growth opportunities with us
  • Leadership Academy for our rising stars, supervisors, and leaders
  • Seven Counties Services and Center for Clinical Excellence provide staff with industry best practices and processes

• Work Life Balance
  • Paid Time Off - Generous PTO for Vacations, Illness, Personal Days, Etc. (10 Paid Holidays)
  • Flexible Work Schedules to promote a Healthy Work Life Balance
  • Employee Assistance Program - assists employees with personal problems and/or work-related problems that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional well-being

At Seven Counties Services, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.