Residential Program Worker (2nd shift, FT/PT) - Oak Hill (Orange)

 

Full Job Description:

*Due to the specific needs of the program, only female applicants will be considered at this time.

*SCHEDULE Sun- Mon 3p-11p, Tues-Thurs 2:30p-8:30p (31.5)

*GENERAL PURPOSE
-Posted 3/11/20222
-Internal Applicant Deadline 3/18/2022

The Residential Program Worker (RPW) at Oak Hill implements policies, procedures and programs designed to enhance independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities, in keeping with Oak Hill’s mission. This position is similar to the industry title of Residential Instructor and Direct Care Worker. Applicants will be required to obtain their DDS medication administration certification during their initial training period, which is facilitated through Oak Hill.

This position is an excellent opportunity for someone who desires meaningful work. Oak Hill offers great benefits such as; competitive wages, health insurance, retirement, tuition reimbursement and a generous time off package.

SUPERVISORY AND OTHER CONTACTS:

• The Residential Program Worker works under the general supervision of the Group Home Manager and the Program Supervisor. This individual does not supervise other employees.
• The Residential Program Worker will have contact with program participants, other employees, medical personnel, parents, guardians, employers and others in the community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Becomes familiar with, and implements Oak Hill's policies and procedures designed to fulfill specified goals and objectives of programs for individuals with disabilities by providing assistance, guidance and instruction in activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, the serving and feeding of meals; housekeeping activities; social and recreational activities; learning adaptive behaviors; medication administration and other activities related to maintaining their well-being.
• Provides information for program maintenance and evaluation, and meets Oak Hill’s policies, procedures, licensing and certification regulations by collecting, recording and charting data, including electronically maintained records.
• Maintains program participants’ cleanliness, comfort and well-being and facilitates the development and maintenance of self-help and daily living skills by providing guidance and assistance in the completion of personal hygiene tasks, such as giving baths and showers, brushing teeth, toileting, choosing appropriate clothing, and other related activities.
• Promotes the learning of positive social behaviors by implementing individual behavior support plans as specified in each participant’s IP/OPS/IEP; noting relevant observations as required.
• Pursues program goals and objectives by implementing individual programs following applicable policies and procedures.
• Facilitates program implementation by preparing materials for program participant-related activities or projects as needed.
• Ensures effective program implementation by developing and maintaining familiarity with individual program participant’s programs, policies, procedures and regulations affecting programs; and observing applicable policies, procedures and regulations.
• Maintains program participant’s health and well-being by promoting/encouraging self-administration of prescription and non-prescription medications; administering medication; documenting medication administration, and any errors which may occur, as specified in Oak Hill’s policies and procedures; observing and reporting on changes in behavior, physical and mental appearance to so that issues can be addressed as needed.
• Ensures the safety of program participants by teaching safety measures where possible; and overseeing and monitoring them at all times, as per individual supervision guidelines.
• Protects program participants and employees by applying Emergency First Aid and CPR procedures when necessary, and implementing other emergency procedures such as evacuation in the event of fire, heating failure or other situation; using initiative and good judgment in emergencies where policies and procedures may not be specified; using the least intrusive methods in situations where there is risk of injury (such as the need for PMT); exercising relevant safety measures during transportation.
• Ensures program participant and staff safety by using designated equipment and following specified guidelines, policies and procedures when lifting and transferring.
• Facilitates and promotes program participant’s integration into their communities by transporting them to and from work, community trips, medical appointments, shopping trips, dining out, and recreation and leisure activities.
• Maintains and enhances program participant’s health, independence and self-esteem by teaching meal preparation, and or assisting in preparation and feeding as needed, following posted menus and individual dietary guidelines.
• Ensures a safe and hygienic environment in the kitchen, bathrooms and other areas of community residences/group homes by cleaning, dusting, washing such areas on a regular basis, and as needed.
• Helps to meet the needs of program participants by shopping for clothing, grocery, and personal or household supplies.
• Ensures monitoring of funds by accounting for household petty cash and program participants’ cash.
• Maintains program participants’ clothing by laundering, mending, ironing and folding clothing as needed.
• Maintains program participant and employee safety on driveways, walkways and other areas by removing any objects that would create a hazard, including snow, as needed.
• Ensures program participant participation in programs by initiating activities and interaction.
• Assists in ensuring adequate staffing for program maintenance by filling vacancies as needed, following specified policies and procedures, and remaining on the job beyond the end of a shift until replacement arrives as needed.
• Assists in monitoring and evaluating program participants’ progress and in the development or modification of individual programs by attending team meetings and providing relevant information to managers, program supervisors and other team members.
• Meets training guidelines, certification requirements, and ensures continued professional development by attending general and house specific staff meetings and training programs, including New Employee Orientation, (for new staff).
• Assists in ensuring agency operation by developing awareness of, and adhering to Oak Hill policies and procedures, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and federal certification and licensing requirements; interacting in a professional manner with other employees, cooperating with managers, supervisors, specialized staff, administration, parents, DDS and federal representatives, and all authorized visitors.
• Facilitates consistency in programs during transition by assisting in the orientation of new employees, as needed.
• Acts as role model for residents and enhances their self-esteem by interacting in a professional and age appropriate manner.
• Observes and maintains confidentiality by treating information regarding program participants with discretion and complying with all applicable policies and procedures protecting the identity and medical information of program participants.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma or equivalent, Connecticut Class D Driver’s License in good standing and ability to meet the requirements for Public Service Licensing, if required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the needs of individuals with disabilities
• Knowledge and ability to apply behavior management skills
• Knowledge and ability to recognize and respond appropriately to physically abusive behavior (to self, staff, and others)
• Ability to train program participants in self-care habits, personal hygiene and proper social conduct.
• Ability to maintain a safe and secure environment
• Ability to teach program participants self-care habits
• Ability to consistently exercise common sense and good judgment
• Ability to respond to accidents related to bodily functions.
• Ability to act quickly and appropriately in crisis or emergency situations
• Ability to understand and carry out oral or written instructions
• Ability to communicate well, verbally and in writing
• Ability to organize and maintain accurate records, including electronic records
• Basic computer skills and ability to enter data into an electronic records system
• Ability to lift and transfer individuals with physical disabilities using safe and appropriate methods
• Ability to perform the duties necessary to meet the needs and requirements of individual work sites
• Ability to get along with others, to manage conflict to achieve outcomes consistent with Oak Hills mission, to interact well with a varied group of individuals and to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to work beyond the end of a shift as needed
• Ability to successfully complete training leading to Medication Certification, certification for Emergency First Aid, Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Physical Management Training (PMT), Passenger Assistance Training (PAT), Back Safety and all other training related to program participant care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Persons in this job must possess the physical and emotional health needed for effective and efficient completion of duties.
• Individuals in this job are likely to be required to perform lifting and transferring activities and may be required to restrain program participants; may be exposed to risk of injury from aggressive/assaultive program participants.

The following physical activities are performed within the frequency listed below:

• Sitting occasionally
• Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling: occasionally
• Standing: frequently
• Bending: occasionally
• Reaching: (overhead or below) floor to 24" occasionally
• Walking: frequently
• Balancing: occasionally
• Hearing: frequently
• Talking: frequently
• Using hands: frequently (for fine grasp up to gross push an pull activities)
• Using fingers: frequently (for fine grasp up to gross push an pull activities)
• Restraining: occasionally
• Blocking: occasionally
• Seeing: (close, far, color, depth), constantly
• Driving: (45 miles) occasionally

The following activities are performed occasionally. Some activities are performed during CPR, some during Emergency First Aid, others during the application of Physical Management Training , lifting and transferring and other job duties.

• Using arms in upward, inward, outward, and down ward motions in bent and extended positions.
• Bending knees while sustaining body weight.
• Maintaining standing balance during transfer in pivot and with knees bent.
• Bending at waist while standing or kneeling.
• Maintaining firm hand grasp.
• Rising from crouch.
• Turning head to side and lower chin toward chest.
• Using arms in bent and extended positions to reach tie downs and safety restraints, push/pull wheelchair, raise wheelchair over curbing/ramp.
• Using leg, ankle and foot to apply leverage to wheelchair rear frame bar.
• Using arms and hand to manually pump hydraulic lift.

Pounds required to handle while providing physical assistance to residents including handling occupied wheel chairs:

• Push 100-200 occasionally 1ft. - 40ft
• Pull 100-200 occasionally 3ft
• Lift 0-90 occasionally 2ft
• Transfer 0-90 occasionally 2ft
• Pivot 75-90 occasionally 2ft

Pounds required to handle during general housekeeping activities:

• Carry 0-50 occasionally 1ft - 20ft
• Lift 0-50 occasionally 1ft - 20ft

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Exposures: ( likely or possible, low to moderate levels)

• Muscular strain
• Temperature
• Caustics
• Fumes
• Noise
• Chemicals
• Odors
• Vibration
• Physical abuse
• Weather
• Molds
• Dust
• Communicable diseases

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