IRA Specialist jobs in Buffalo, NY

Summary:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for direct oversight, guidance and training of people receiving supports and services. Provide guidance, training, support, supervision and encouragement to people in reaching their maximum potential and to promote independence and community integration.  

Essential Functions: 

• Provide supports, assessment and training to persons supported according to their written Staff Action Plan (SAP) and individual Safeguards Plan or Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP). Implement goals as written by the Individual and their team. 
• Ensure necessary level of supervision is met by following the individual’s Safeguard Plan, Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP), Behavior Support Plan (BSP), dietary guidelines and any other applicable plans. 
• Accurately document services contemporaneously in Electronic Health Record (EHR) or with paper note (as applicable) in accordance with the Agency, OPWDD, Medicaid and other funder requirements.
• Protect all health management information consistent with HIPAA.  
• Maintain accurate records by collecting, compiling, evaluating data and submitting in a timely manner in the appropriate format including: daily goal notes, checklists, progress notes, injury/fall reports, seizure reports, attendance records, incident reports etc. 
• Provide input into the development and implementation of the SAP in accordance with the Life Plan (LP) as developed by each person receiving services, family, advocate and Care Coordinator.  
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of individual’s medical, physical, psychological and dental health care needs. 
• Recognize and respond in a timely manner to signs and symptoms of illness/injury and medical emergencies. Notify supervisor or nurse immediately of concerns.
• Provide personal hygiene and health care assistance to people supported as needed including: toileting, showering, oral hygiene, shaving, hair care, nail care, changing of adult protective garment etc. 
• Provide training and encouragement to people supported to ensure good personal health care as needed. Communicate health care concerns to supervisor or nurse as necessary.  
• As assigned, administering medications, as per Agency Policy and Procedure.
•  Assist individual's in receiving needed/desired medical services and communicating/documenting pertinent information as per Agency policy, as designated (i.e. medication administration, transportation to appointments)  
• Support the safety of all individuals in everyday situations. 
• Work as a team to support positive behavioral strategies. 
• Provide transportation to people supported as necessary and follow proper safety procedures. 
• Drive Agency vehicles, complete necessary paperwork and report any accidents or maintenance issues immediately to the transportation department and your supervisor. 
• Assist people supported to build positive relationships in their community.
• Support people to make personal choices and to advocate for themselves. Respect matters related to diversity and inclusion. 
• Communicate professionally with co-workers, people supported, families and the community as necessary. 
• Complete all required Agency Training per agency policy and apply knowledge and skills gained to job. 
• Demonstrates professionalism in the workplace including: demeanor, appearance, attention to punctuality and attendance policies, reliability, flexibility and pleasantness.   
• Report for duty as scheduled. The location of a scheduled shift may be subject to change according to program needs.  
• Check employee email/schedule and other correspondence each scheduled shift.   
• Attend and participate in meetings, as requested  
• Adhere to all Agency and Program Policies and Procedures.
• Participate in corporate compliance and quality assurance activities as required.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Program Specific Duties;

• Staff assigned to an overnight shift must remain awake at all times unless otherwise approved by a supervisory staff.
• Become certified in medication administration and maintain certification on an annual basis.  

Non-Essential Functions:

• Develop volunteer/job opportunities in community for program participants.
• Attend Life Plan meetings and team meetings for people receiving services as requested.
• Participate on Agency committees. 
• Administer medications as trained and as designated.
• Loading and unloading buses. 

Reporting Responsibilities:

• Reports to:  Residential Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to instruct others on daily living skills.
• Actively listen and be able to communicate, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain composure under pressure.
• Serve as a role model and represent the agency positively in the community.
• Ability to use a computer or mobile device to access email and required software. 
• Ability to self-initiate projects and function autonomously as a leader when needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds, and to stand, sit, kneel, and stoop
• Ability to assist an adult with personal care needs
• Be physically able to assist individuals in transferring from wheelchair to other seat when needed
• Ability to assist individuals with ambulation
• Ability to physically load, unload and secure wheelchairs during transport
• Ability to move chairs, tables and access storage areas
• Ability to drive safely
• Ability to assist people when they are having behavioral challenges

Working Conditions:

• May involve frequent travel to off-site locations including job/volunteer locations, community recreational sites and personal residences. 
• May require evening and weekend work. 
• May require use of personal vehicle. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent

Valid NYS driver’s license with a safe driving record per agency policy