Description
Summary:
The Direct Care Assistant supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing hands-on assistance, promoting independence, and teaching life skills.
Highlights:
1. Provide hands-on support for daily living activities
2. Empower individuals to achieve greater independence
3. Collaborate with a team to support client well-being
Position Summary
The Direct Care Assistant provides hands-on support to individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities to help them live as independently as possible.
Key responsibilities
• Assist with daily activities: Help clients with bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking,
meal preparation, and shopping.
• Support independence: Encourage clients to make their own decisions, set goals, and
become more independent.
• Teach life and social skills: Help clients improve communication, listening, problem
solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Provide transportation: Help clients get to medical appointments, community activities,
and day programs.
• Maintain records: Keep accurate notes on client activities, progress, and any incidents.
• Ensure client safety: Monitor clients' health and well-being, report concerns, respond to
emergencies, and administer medication if certified.
• Work as a team: Communicate and collaborate with case managers, therapists, mentors,
and family members to support clients.
Qualifications
• Proof of valid driver’s license with a register and insured the vehicle
• High-school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health
conditions, or autism is highly desirable.
• Ability to assist with personal care and physical activities; ability to lift or transfer clients
as necessary.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including empathy, active listening, and
problem-solving.
• Basic computer literacy for completing documentation.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.