Health Care Associate

POSITION SUMMARY: Provides individualized support to those with health disabilities in an apartment setting by way of basic and interpersonal skill development and daily supervision while displaying respect and courtesy for others at all times; monitors individuals for safety, behavioral and medical health, and daily life needs; acts as an advocate and represents the individual's needs and rights with outside social service agencies; promotes recovery by supporting the individual in developing relationships and environments that provide hope, empowerment, choice and opportunities and helps them reach their potential and achieve life goals

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with individuals to gain and retain skills needed to live in their apartment and as members of the community as identified in their goal plans Assist individuals in creating goal plans using action steps and recovery tools; update goal plans as required
• Assist individuals in identifying, developing and utilizing natural supports through the use of goal plans, action steps and recovery tools Link individuals to community resources to promote community integration by way of direct skill building and community integration techniques
• Develop and implement activities and specific task oriented groups and trainings Assist individuals with menu planning, food shopping and preparation following special eating plans as appropriate, household cleaning and care, laundry, personal hygiene, budgeting etc.
• Ensure that living environments are clean and safe
• Safely escort individuals to appointments and community activities as needed
• Act as healthcare advocate during individual medical and psychiatric appointments to ensure that the individual's needs are met
• Perform basis healthcare functions such as obtaining vital signs, weights and glucometer readings as directed
• Provide supportive counseling for individuals experiencing personal, behavioral or social problems
• Professionally collaborate with all staff members to meet the needs of the individuals being served
• Complete daily documentation of individuals' progress or skill deficit on required forms
• Follow all medication administration protocols and complete documentation as outlined in the Department of Human Services (DHS) medication administration training
• Attend and participate in individual continuity of care meetings
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and crisis intervention as needed in accordance with agency-trained protocols
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree preferred
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities required; experience working in the field of mental health preferred; demonstrated ability to adapt to changes in workload, assignments and schedule
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities
• Must be able to perform CPR, first aid and crisis intervention using agency-trained protocols
• Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, and Outlook
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license in state of residence, have a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience within the United States, and have an acceptable driving record