Position: Float Specialist

Department: Program Services

Grade Range/Job Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Reporting Relationship: Manager of Scheduling

Supervisory Responsibilities: NA

Typical Schedule: Must work a minimum of 40 hours each week, of which at least 32 of those hours will be awake hours. Availability is submitted to the Scheduling Manager in the last week of each month for the following month. The schedule for the following month will be determined by the Scheduling Manager and needs within the organization.

All overnight asleep shifts will be paid at the sleep rate. Float Specialists may work no more than 20 hours of continuous awake hours with at least six hours of sleep or time off between shifts. Must work two weekends per month. This includes a minimum of 6 hours on Saturday and 6 hours on Sunday twice per month.

Each Float Specialist will work full-time hours assigned by the Manager of Scheduling. If the Float Specialist is interested in additional hours, they may request overtime shifts through the scheduling system. Scheduling needs may make it necessary to change the hours on short notice. After regular business hours, the Director will be on-call may reassign the Float Specialist.

It is imperative that the Float Specialist is familiar with the scheduling system and frequently checks their schedule and plans accordingly to arrive on time at all shifts. When picking up a shift in a new location, the Float Specialist must arrive at work at least 15-30 minutes early to review the MAR, read logs, get properly oriented, and speak with staff on duty.

Position Summary

The Float Specialist provides direct support to individuals with IDD on an as-needed basis to fill open shifts, to cover when other staff call out or to cover planned time off. Provides daily support to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) Float Specialists develop meaningful relationships and connections with individuals, provide them with a safe living environment, teach tasks individuals may learn to do for themselves, and assist with any tasks individuals cannot do for themselves such as cooking, housekeeping, bathing, and toileting, taking medications, going to work, shopping, driving, and managing money. The Float Specialist will complete all Direct Support Professional duties including implementing outcomes for the individual as well as documenting the outcomes on Netsmart.

Float Specialists need to exhibit flexibility, patience, compassion, integrity, composure under pressure, dependability, and a strong sense of teamwork. All employees are expected to center, model and champion Hammer’s core values: Person-Centered, Relational, Opportunistic and Stewardship to provide people with intellectual and other disabilities, the opportunity to live life to its fullest.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist with Daily Living Skills

· Oversee the medical, financial, social, and emotional needs of individuals served as well as the daily operations of the program. Assist with all areas of the individuals’ programs including, but not limited to personal cares, medication administration, daily household chores, use of personal finances and support in the community.

· Safely drive the company car, lift van or personal auto to activities and appointments around the Twin Cities and provide support for individuals’ participation in the community.

· Demonstrate teamwork, cooperation and effective working relationships with individuals served families, coworkers, supervisors, and others to facilitate quality services.

· Manage difficult situations effectively. Resolve minor issues when possible and escalate to appropriate leader when necessary. Report all accidents, injuries and illnesses or complaints about care and follow procedures for any behavioral or medical emergencies. Follow the laws as a mandated reporter to protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

2. Behavior Management

· Provide services and activities that comply with licensing regulations and with Hammer’s policies and person-centered philosophy, exercising good judgement to adapt and apply the guidelines to specific situations. Provide advocacy to protect people’s civil and legal rights. Encourage choice and independence whenever possible, fostering a positive, encouraging environment.

· Manage difficult situations effectively. Resolve minor issues when possible and escalate to appropriate leader when necessary. Report all accidents, injuries and illnesses or complaints about care and follow procedures for any behavioral or medical emergencies. Follow the laws as a mandated reporter to protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

3. Training

· Successfully complete orientation including medication administration certification. Complete annual training and attend all required meetings as assigned. Complete documentation promptly and with attention to detail. Use computers to maintain timely and accurate documentation for medications, activities, and outcomes. Read and respond to any emails/communication from your program or the organization.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

· Float Specialists must demonstrate flexibility and experience in the field as a Direct Support Professional, experience with Hammer Residences and demonstrate professional behavior.

· To be considered for a promotion from Direct Support Professional to Float Specialist, the Direct Support Professional may not have had any performance improvement plans in the last year and recent performance reviews must be considered better than average by their supervisors.

· Employees must be at least 18 years old.

· An understanding of and commitment to apply Hammer Residences’ person-centered philosophy and practices.

· Ability and willingness to assist individuals with activities of daily living including bathing and toileting.

· Ability and willingness to support individuals with challenging behavior.

· Ability and willingness to work with all individuals supported by Hammer & NER

· Requires a valid driver’s license, access to a personal auto and driving record that meets Hammer’s insurance requirements.

· Must receive a MN DHS Background study clearance and show freedom from Tuberculosis.

· Must have successfully completed required training and it must be kept current to remain in this position.

· Must be prepared to respond to hazardous situations including illness or aggression.

· Excellent communication skills including fluency in English and competence with typing, emailing, and mastering the organization’s documentation standards.

· Frequently organizes multiple projects at once, requiring excellent time management and close attention to detail.

· Demonstrate a strong commitment to confidentiality and customer service.

· Experience and ability performing physical work including:

o lifting up to 40 pounds (such as lifting a wheelchair into a van), pushing or pulling an individual in a wheelchair or while assisting with cares.

o Household chores and physical cares may include twisting/turning, kneeling/squatting, reaching, and assisting with pivot transfers.

o Program may require operating specialized medical or adaptive equipment, including use of lifting equipment and driving a lift van.

· Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.

This job description assigns essential functions. It does not restrict tasks an individual in this position might be asked to perform or all qualifications that may be required now or in the future.

Benefits

· 401 (k)

· Paid Time Off

· Health Insurance (30 hours and above)

· Dental Insurance (30 hours and above)

· Vision Insurance (20 hours and above)

· Life Insurance

· Paid Training

· Disability Insurance

· Wellness Program

· Employee Assistance Program

· Parental Leave

· Health Savings Account

· Flexible Savings Account

· Access to Employee Success Coach who assists employees within their first year of employment