PRN Direct Support Professional

Position Overview PRN Direct Support Professionals (also known as Direct Care staff) provide flexible, as-needed support within the Residential Program. This role is responsible for providing therapeutic interactions and supervision to youth experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. PRN staff implement treatment strategies, complete timely documentation, assist with daily living tasks, and support a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment. PRN staff play a critical role in maintaining adequate staffing levels by assisting with call-outs, scheduling gaps, and increased program needs. Duties Ability to connect with and support children and adolescents experiencing emotional challenges, fostering a therapeutic and trusting relationship Have the ability to engage in physical and recreational activities Understand and comply with all agency policy and procedures, plans, program requirements and protocol Attend and participate in meetings, committees and trainings as assigned Provide transportation for clients as needed Maintain a clean and organized living environment for clients Implement milieu schedule and program procedures consistently Work closely with the Residential Clinician and Cottage Supervisor to provide quality services Assist clients in self-administration of medications as needed Demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to serving a culturally diverse/and or special needs population Demonstrate complete familiarity with a client's treatment plan and targeted goals Actively work towards developing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with clients Teach and model life skills in all interactions with clients and co-workers Provide Medicaid compliant documentation for billable and non-billable services by the next business day Follow all mandatory reporting laws and agency policies, ensuring timely documentation and reporting of required incidents Ensure consumer confidentiality as prescribed by agency policy and federal law (HIPAA) Other duties as assigned PRN Status & Availability Expectations PRN employees are scheduled on an as-needed basis to support program operations.

PRNs are expected to:

Provide advance availability, including general availability and willingness to accept short-notice shifts Be responsive to staffing requests during their stated availability Short-Notice Coverage Expectations Staff may be contacted for same-day or short-notice shift coverage Contact will only occur during the employee's previously indicated availability When available, staff are expected to respond to staffing requests in a timely manner (generally within 1-2 hours) Weekend Availability Requirement PRN staff should be available for a minimum of two (2) weekend shifts per month Additional weekend availability is strongly encouraged

Education/Experience:

In accordance with State of Alaska residential care licensing regulation and Medicaid the Direct Support Professional must be at least twenty-one years of age. It is preferred that Direct Support Professionals have earned a Bachelor's degree, or a combination of four years of formal education. Experience working with children may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree.

Skill Requirements:

Ability to build rapport with youth and families in a therapeutic setting Strong communication and teamwork skills Ability to remain calm and professional in crisis situations Organizational skills and ability to multitask Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse populations Ability to read, write, and speak English Valid Alaska driver's license, clean driving record, and current insurance

Physical Requirements :

Direct Support Professionals must be able to: drive and transport students in agency vehicles; move quickly throughout the living unit and outdoor area in order to monitor/supervise student activities, perform emergency procedures, etc. Ability to legibly produce reports regarding students and cottage events; transport self within and possible outside of the Anchorage Borough to meet with schools, families, and other involved parties; supervise and assist students with chores; operate washer and dryer, sort, fold and store laundry; participate in the maintenance of a clean living unit and grounds; pick-up, carry and store groceries, household and program items; and supervise and participate in recreational and leisure time activities. Direct Support Professionals must have the ability to perform sedentary work as well as to be engaged in physical exercise with consumers such as running, walking, hiking, etc. They must demonstrate the ability to perform CPR and First Aid and other physical crisis interventions, as approved by the agency.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed at the Birchwood Behavioral Health, however, will include activities in the community and occasionally beyond.

Driving Requirements:

Must be able to drive, have a reliable vehicle, and have a valid certificate of insurance for driving a personal vehicle for transportation between various locations within the Anchorage area. BBH employees do not transport clients in personal vehicles.

Pay:

$19.50 - $22.50 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) Flexible schedule Paid orientation Paid time off Paid training Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person