Job Description
The Department of Mental Health, Area Residential Program is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Direct Care Worker with knowledge of the requirements of providing 24/7 residential care in a group living environment. The MHW IV serves in a supervisory role at the primary residence assigned but, along with all Direct Care staff, this individual will also function as a MHW across the program as needed. In this important role, this person assures the implementation of Individual Action Plans; acts as advocate for assigned persons served, completes all necessary documentation and record keeping, maintaining a Person Centered atmosphere and professional performance, has knowledge of DMH Residential regulations and program procedures, supervises other assigned staff on shift, and assures that information is shared as needed between shifts, among work sites, with the Shift Supervisor, and performs related work as required.
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Please Note: The selected candidate will work (40 hours) Monday to Friday from 11pm to 7am with Sunday and Saturday as the days off.
Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive):
- Assist the Residential Supervisor and provide supervision to other MHW staff as assigned, provide the shift with a person in charge as needed, and assist the Residential Supervisor in completing written evaluations of direct reporting staff as assigned.
- Read pertinent records and documentation & communicating all pertinent information to other staff with a need to know and informing supervisor or designee of any critical information.
- Assist in the development understanding, and implementation of Individual Action Plans of those that are assigned by involving person served, significant others as identified by the person served, and all identified natural supports and collateral providers; through direct observation of the person served; full knowledge of the person served history; and engagement with the person served in order to assist them in learning the necessary skills to live successfully in the community; and ensure that plans are agreed upon by obtaining person served or LAR signature.
- Assist Persons with obtaining and maintaining benefits and entitlements. Supervise and/or assist persons served in managing personal money on a day-to-day basis, which may also include handling person served money.
- Educate persons served regarding transportation options to increase independence. Transport Persons to all necessary appointments and activities.
- Assist persons served in development of independent living skills, such as personal hygiene, cooking, housekeeping, clothing maintenance, and nutrition by utilizing motivational interviewing skills and counseling techniques, role modeling and/or other individualized or group best practices to promote person served growth.
- Assist persons served in planning, purchasing and/or preparing meals as needed. Ensure persons served are assessed for and obtain hygiene supplies and clothing as needed.
- Provide an oral shift report to at least one member of the oncoming shift; reading and writing all pertinent information in the vital log and communication with the person in charge all required and necessary information to facilitate communication and provide for continuity of care. Notify supervisor of any pertinent information including documentation of incidents to ensure quality person served care. Complete and submit audits of assigned medical records within prescribed timelines in order to assure all necessary documentation is present.
- Adheres to MAP policies and maintains certification.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English to communicate effectively with a diverse group of employees, supervisors, clients, expressing thoughts clearly and developing ideas in logical sequence.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain harmonious working relationships.
- Ability to remain calm, rational and react quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
- Ability to work as a member of a team.
- Ability to work with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress and exercise patience, empathy and understanding.
- Ability to establish rapport and deal tactfully with persons from varied ethnic, cultural or economic backgrounds.
- Ability to receive and respond appropriately to supervision.
- Experience and/or knowledge of human services
Special Requirements:
- Please note in accordance with an agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health and AFSCME/Council 93, employees assigned to a work unit where the Medication Administration Program (MAP) is used are required to pass MAP certification within 6 months of entering the position or 3 examination opportunities, whichever comes first. Employees are required to maintain MAP certification as long as you are working in said program.
- Possession of a current and valid class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license required for this function.
Working Conditions:
- While performing the duties of this position, incumbents work under stressful situations and under time pressures.
- Applicants may be exposed to verbal and/or physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.
- Incumbents will work weekends and holidays and may work extended hours.
About the On Grounds Program:
On Grounds Program is part of the Taunton/Attleboro Site that transitions clients from an inpatient setting to a more independent community living setting. The Program is staffed 24 hours a day/7 day a week. In all we always aspire to create an environment which promotes growth and independence for patients, families, and employees alike.
Learn more about our important work: Southeast Area | Mass.gov
DMH Vision and Mission:
The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.
Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at (800) 510-4122, Option 4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience providing direct care service to the mentally ill, emotionally or physically handicapped and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
II. A Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in psychology, human services, mental health or retardation may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.
NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.