Overnight Direct Support Specialist

Description

Purpose:

The Direct Support Specialist is a member of the Compass Rose Transition-Aged Youth Supportive Living Program that provides overnight support to transition-aged foster youth. The goal of the Compass Rose program is to create a safe environment for transition-aged foster youth to develop skills for independent living and overall wellness. The Direct Support Specialist will provide environmental and milieu management support to ensure a safe, trauma informed, equitable and inclusive environment. This is a single-staffed position and requires on-site work at all times.

Accountabilities:

Milieu Management

· Provide direct support in one-on-one or group setting.

· Conduct guest check-in and redirect/remove individuals who are not program participants if there is disturbance/disregard for program rules.

· Provide crisis response and de-escalation as needed. Ability to utilize emergency services (ie. Police, Project Respond, etc) as needed.

· Maintains the cleanliness of common areas and employee office.

· Engage with youth during overnight hours during times of crisis, difficulty sleeping, mental health concerns, etc.

Supportive Skills Training

· Willing to meet and engage with people “where they are,” including their environment, time of night, and readiness for change.

· Use trauma-informed, person centered approach and language and participate in ongoing training and education.

· Assists participants with daily living skills such as maintaining appointments, completing household and hygiene tasks, as well as medication prompts, connection to treatment and support team for additional support.

· Support youth through coping with mental health concerns, sleep hygiene, schedule management, etc.

· Assists participants with self-identified goals and in support of existing treatment plans from providers.

· Assists participants with completion of cleaning and laundry as necessary.

· Support participants in accessing healthy meals and kitchen clean up as necessary.

Collaboration

· Work to increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency regarding Person-Centered Services.

· Communicate and collaborate with participant’s treatment teams as needed.

· Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.

Crisis Prevention/De-escalation/Harm Reduction

· Provide crisis response and de-escalation in a community based setting.

· Use crisis prevention approach to decrease use of crisis services, Project Respond, EMS, police, hospitalization, etc.

· Ability to work in collaboration with emergency services (ie. police, Project Respond, Multnomah County Crisis, Behavioral Health Unit) as necessary.

· Ability to work in collaboration with acute care settings if necessary.

· Must be able to assist in de-escalation and crisis as needed.

· Support harm reduction approach, linkage to resources such as, but not limited to: clean needle exchange, NARCAN, MAT, SUD services, education around harm reduction, etc.

Documentation/Expectations

· Complete documentation and data entry in Electronic Health Record as required by contract within 24-72 hours.

· Maintain a regular work schedule- overnight shifts.

· Complete all other assignments in a timely manner as requested by supervisor.

Supervision Received:

· Receive regular supervision from the Overnight Supervisor at least twice per month, seeking additional supervision whenever necessary.

· Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and group supervision as required.

Other General Expectations:

· Ability to engage with youth through shared interests, hobbies, language, and experiences.

· Uphold New Narrative Mission and Values in all interactions.

· Ability to work as a team member, remain flexible and establish priorities as a group.

· Ability to work independently.

· Demonstrate initiative and openness to learning/implementing new skills.

· Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude and maintain unconditional positive regard.

· Creative, innovative and progressive problem-solver.

· Ability to multi-task and remain calm in a busy and stressful environment.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

· Pursue ongoing development of skills and competencies in line with contract requirements for training.

· Follow all New Narrative policies, procedures, and protocols.

· Follow through on all directives and instructions.

· Maintain CPR and First Aid Certificate.

· Must be able to pass a criminal history check through the Department of Human Services.

· Hold an “after hours” emergency phone in rotation with other staff.

Core Competencies:

· Communication: Clear, direct and concise. Keeps people informed. Listens effectively to others.

· Teamwork: Effective at working in team situations.

· Utilizing available resources for personal wellness: Communicates with Supervisor or other designated New Narrative personnel to meet personal wellness and safety needs.

· Adaptability: Ability to modify or change service delivery as needed to best fit the needs of program participants and New Narrative values

· Analytical thinking: Attention to detail over sustained periods of time.

· Dependability: Counted on to follow through on commitments: at work each day and on time; work completed in a timely fashion.

· Aptitude: Ability to comprehend and apply new ideas, processes and procedures, or training.

· Demeanor: Remaining calm in crisis situation, empathetic, unbiased, non-judgmental and excellent peer model skills.

Experience/Qualifications:

· Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

· Persons of color and all genders encouraged to apply

· Incumbents with a substance use disorder must be sober and free of substance use for 2 full years preceding date of hire, and must maintain this sobriety.

· Must maintain current Oregon driver’s license and insurance. Must have own reliable vehicle to meet participants in the community, as the position requires a lot of driving.

· Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Qualifications