Bittersweet Farms, a residential, vocational and educational facility for individuals with autism, is seeking Direct Care/Direct Support Professionals!  We have the following positions currently available:

• Part-time, 2nd and 3rd shift in Pemberville
• Part-time, 2nd and 3rd shift in Whitehouse

You will be very involved with our residents, joining them in their daily activities ranging from vocational or education training, home care, community activities, recreation, hygiene, and a wide range of other activities and adventures. 

Philosophy: Implement the farm philosophy of MAPS (Meaningful Activity, Vigorous Physical Activity, Partnership and Structure) in every interaction with the people we serve as follows:

Meaningful Activity - Keep the participants involved and engaged in activity or interaction that has purpose at all times.  Follow the daily schedule of activities and use inititiative to fill any unscheduled time. 

Vigorous Physical Activity - Encourage participants to partake in vigorous physical activity as scheduled and join in with the activity alongside the participants.  Use initiative as needed to give the participants opportunity to be involved in positive energy.

Partnership - Foster a positive and supportive relationship of working together on all activities with the participants.

Structure - Encourage the participants to participate in the scheduled activities as prescribed.  Develop a therapeutic relationship with the participants by implementing and documenting Active Treatment continuously, consistently and competently.  Use this Active Treatment to maintain the participants' existing skills and provide opportunities for positive experiences and interactions.

Programatic:

1. Follow all programmatic and behavior programs as written

2. Follow master list of activities as given by team supervisor

3. Model quality interaction by adhering to the guiding principles

4. Implement goals as written to teach the participants skills which will increase their independence and autonomy

5. Be responsible for the safety and well being of an assigned group of participants for the entirety of the scheduled shift

6. Uphold resident rights and reports any violations immediately

Documentation:

1. Complete all required documentation accurately and within time frames requires

2. Write incident reports in a positive and professional manner

3. Report and document any medical concerns immediately

4. Use Behavior Sharping techniques to prevent aggression and to diffuse it when it occurs

Growth and Development:

1. Attend all mandatory meetings, in-services and training programs

2. Maintain a professional, positive and constructive working relationship with all other employees

3. Demonstrate reliability by adhering to attendance guidelines

4. Represent Bittersweet Farms in a positive and professional manner whether on of off the property

5. Be responsible for transportation, money, safety and dignity when with participants in the community

6. Promote communication, choice, independence, socialization and self-control for the participants in all areas of their residential, vocational and leisure programs

Communication/Teamwork:

1. Communicate professionally, positively, constructively, respectfully and openly with co-workers and supervisors

2. Convey oral/written information effectively and constructively

3. Display willingness to work as a team member to achieve common goals