Direct Support Staff (Woodshop) at Opportunity Works Connecticut Inc – Vernon, Connecticut

Provide support to individuals in all areas of daily need while ensuring their health and safety. Assist them in achieving their career goals and serve as a mentor and positive role model.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide training, supervision, instruction, and support to individuals in an on-site workshop setting.
• Always maintain supervision of your assigned individuals. If you must leave the floor, notify another staff member and ensure they have accepted responsibility for your individuals until you return.
• Attend all required agency trainings and meetings and contribute input toward individual plan development.
• Assist in developing and tracking worker goals and completing all daily documentation.
• Follow all Mealtime Procedures and ensure individuals are supervised during meals.
• Provide ongoing support as outlined in each individual’s IP. Encourage independence while offering assistance when needed to complete tasks correctly.
• Assist staff and individuals during fire drills and all emergency situations.
• Help maintain a positive program environment for both staff and participants.
• Complete and maintain all daily documentation and weekly worker notes.
• At the end of each month, remove all completed data collection sheets and weekly notes from each assigned individual's book.
• Ensure all entries are completed and submit them to the Documents Coordinator.
• Complete any additional required documents by the end of the day (e.g., 255 forms, seizure protocols, behavior data, ABC charts, minor incident reports, etc.).
• At the beginning of each month, insert new data collection sheets and weekly notes into each assigned individual’s book.
• Submit completed timesheets and mileage forms to your manager by Friday afternoon.
• Record all required information in Travel Books when using company vehicles.
• Notify your immediate supervisor at least 60 days before any required training is set to expire.
• Report to work on time and remain in the common area until individuals begin their shift.
• Stay with your assigned individuals at the end of the day until they have exited the building.
• Be a team player.
• Learn and comply with all agency policies and procedures.
• Learn and comply with all agency safety and emergency procedures.
• Participate in OWC fundraising events.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as they arise.

Qualifications for the Job

• GED or High School Diploma
• Knowledge of woodworking tools and safe operation
• Reliable and dependable work habits
• Demonstrated experience and success in similar roles
• CPR/First Aid, Med Certification, and PMT training preferred
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record for at least 3 years
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Key Competencies

Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; problem-solving ability; strong verbal and written skills; caring and nurturing demeanor; honesty; reliability; and punctuality.

Please Note:
No breaks are provided in this position, as you are responsible for the safety and well-being of individuals at all times. Staff may eat their lunch with the individual they are supervising during their lunch period.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to lift & carry a minimum of 40 pounds