Direct Support Supervisor

POSITION OVERVIEW
A Direct Support Supervisor (DSS) provides oversight of assigned program(s) meeting administrative needs, staff supervision requirements and providing primary support services for the Company’s clients. The DSS is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program and is focused on providing supervision of personnel and client care, enhancing the overall health, safety, and welfare of the clients and programming.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform direct care services in accordance with the Direct Support Professional (DSP) essential functions as documented in the Position Description. The related DSP Position Descriptions applicable are:
  • DSP - Behavioral Specialist
  • DSP - Independent Living Specialist
  • DSP - Mental Health Specialist
  • DSP - Skilled Care Specialist
• Monitor service and care provisions for quality and effectiveness. Ensure accurate implementation of Individual Service and Behavior Plans. Report service plan and care provision concerns to Supervisor. May be required to develop and implement changes to service plan and provision of cares to ensure positive outcomes.
• Monitor health status of clients and address changes in health or other concerns. Ensure implementation of physician orders and treatments as prescribed.
• Ensure weekly meal menus are developed and posted that consider client preference and adhere to client specific dietary needs, requirements, and restrictions when clients are unable to do so independently. Manage budget for groceries and supplies.
• Ensure completion of the monthly activities calendar to include opportunities for clients to engage in community and home-based recreational activities based on client preferences when clients are unable to do so independently.
• Participate in the recruiting process to ensure assigned service location is staffed with qualified employees.
• Assess employee work performance. Provide ongoing and regular feedback to assigned staff. Conduct formal, written employee performance evaluations in accordance with company standards. Provide coaching and corrective action as needed.
• Seek regular feedback from staff and maintain an open, collaborative communication style to encourage staff to express concerns and ideas for improvement.
• Generate weekly work schedules that minimize the use of overtime and maximize staff utilization while ensuring all shifts are covered. Maintains and monitors accurate payroll practices reflecting accurate timekeeping.
• Conduct service location and client specific training for all direct reports and for staff who cross train at assigned service location.
• Provides prompt recognition of program issues/concerns and reports them to the designated supervisor.
• Ensure staff complete accurate and appropriate documentation related to all aspects of assigned service location and care provision per Company policy.
• Monitor physical condition of assigned service location, furnishings, equipment, and grounds. Report damage, problems, hazards, or repair needs in a timely manner per policy. Ensure assigned service location is clean, free from hazards, and meets Company and licensing standards at all times.
• Maintain cleanliness of Company owned vehicles. Facilitate regular maintenance and promptly report need for extraordinary repairs or maintenance to Coordinator.
• Manage proper use and record keeping of petty cash, credit card transactions, and client funds in accordance with Company and licensing standards.
• Produce regular written updates that are professional and easily understood.
• Maintain and demonstrate knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, applicable licensing standards, administrative procedures, confidentiality requirements, and Employee Handbook information.
• Implement new company policies, forms, and contractual standards as directed in a manner that ensures consistent practices and meets desired outcomes of the Company.
• Observe all rules of confidentiality both within the programs and outside of work.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients, interacting with them in a sincere and meaningful way while maintaining a caregiver – client relationship.
• Present oneself in a professional manner at all times, including appearance, language, and interactions with clients, co-workers and management team. Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Report allegations of abuse, resident rights violations, conflict of interest, harassment, or fraud to appropriate level of management.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an all-encompassing list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this position description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any
time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL and ABILITY REQUIREMENTS
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 (including physical) required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Demonstrate flexibility, autonomy, responsiveness, sound judgment and a high level of initiative.
2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of Company policies and procedures and Employee Handbook.
3. Maintain self-composure and self-control under stressful conditions as this position requires a high degree of fortitude/emotional stamina. Clients may exhibit physical aggression, challenging, or offensive behaviors.
4. Demonstrate ability to work in an environment that must be responsive to the clients’ needs and wants versus a focus on following routines and set practices. Prior experience with patient centered treatment/planning is preferred,
5. Remain awake and alert during assigned shifts.
6. Demonstrate effective communication through both written and spoken words. Must be able to read, speak, write and understand English.
7. Demonstrate ability to learn skills and knowledge needed to support clients.
8. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. At least 1-2 years of previous supervisory experience is preferred, along with past experience in human services or healthcare environments.
9. Maintain valid Wisconsin Driver’s license; maintain insurance on personal vehicle and have a driving record that meets company insurance guidelines. Must be able to travel to different work locations, meetings, and training sessions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, within a typical residential setting (program) that supports people with disabilities. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to climate variances and medical and electronic equipment typically found in residential setting that supports people with disabilities. The noise level in the work environment may be loud. There is the potential risk of injury.

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