Direct Care Staff

Summary: The Direct Care Staff member provides compassionate, hands-on support to clients recovering from substance use and mental health challenges in a residential treatment setting. Working under the supervision of clinical staff, this role involves assisting clients with daily activities, fostering a safe and supportive environment, and encouraging clients on their recovery journey in accordance with applicable regulations and facility policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support to clients by assisting with daily activities and fostering an environment that promotes independence and respect.
• Offer mentorship to clients, drawing on recovery principles to build trust and rapport.
• Assist clients in implementing personal recovery plans and coping strategies to support behavioral changes and progress.
• Follow all infection control protocols and health screening procedures to ensure a safe environment for clients and staff.
• Participate in the facility’s emergency preparedness protocols, supporting clients in emergency situations such as medical or behavioral health crises.
• Maintain and promote client rights, ensuring clients are informed of their rights upon admission and throughout their stay.
• Accurately document and maintain records of client interactions, progress, and any incidents, following confidentiality requirements and facility protocols.
• Conduct routine assessments of client needs, and report observations and concerns to the clinical team to support comprehensive care.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed, utilizing de-escalation techniques and working collaboratively with clinical staff to ensure client safety and well-being.
• Administer drug testing as required by facility protocols, including urinalysis and blood alcohol content tests, ensuring accuracy and adherence to ethical standards.
• Collaborate with the clinical team to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care and contribute to treatment planning discussions.
• Participate in orientation training within two weeks of hire and complete a minimum of 12 hours of annual continuing education focused on behavioral health, addiction recovery, and DHHS compliance.
• Attend regular staff meetings and training sessions, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and adherence to best practices.
• Other duties as assigned. Supervisory: This position does not oversee staff.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential Job Description functions. Education/Experience

• Personal experience in recovery from substance use or mental health challenges is encouraged but not required.
• Experience in crisis management and/or mentoring, preferably in a behavioral health or recovery setting.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or related certification preferred Required Skills/Abilities
• Strong understanding of recovery principles and peer support practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with clients.
• Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach to client care.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of local resources and support services.
• Basic computer skills required, proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems preferred. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Ability to obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within six months of hire.
• Completion of drug testing training and certification, as required by facility policies.
• Must pass a criminal background check and be cleared on the Nurse Aide Registry, Adult Protective Services Central Registry, and other required Nebraska registries Work Environment: The work is typically performed in a clinical setting with moderate noise levels. Frequent contact with patients and the general public is required. Occasional travel may be required for community outreach and client appointments. Physical Demands:
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment including standing, sitting, climbing stairs and/or walking throughout the shift.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds regularly and 50 pounds on occasion. The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions