The Support Aide III is responsible to help serve as advocate to the mentally ill participants; help determine their needs, assist in providing responsible solutions and help to enable the participants to function as independently as possible.  This person is also responsible for the health and welfare of the participants.

 Credentials, and Experience, and Abilities

• A Bachelor’s degree or High School Diploma and 2 years’ experience with special needs population.

• Fulfill credentialing requirements per agency policy. In programs billing Medicaid services, all Support Aides will obtain and maintain FCB CBHT certification.

• Ability to assist participants with mastering life skills which will result in self sufficiency.

• Ability to observe and define participant’s needs before they become problems.

• Compassion and ability to assist participants to succeed in the program.

• Administrative self-sufficiency including basic computer proficiency.

• Possess valid driver’s license with safe driving record. Must meet insurability standards in order to drive.

 Essential Functions

• Participate in a team approach to develop and implement Treatment/Life Plans based upon assessment of participant’s identified needs that promote progress towards independent living and self sufficiency.Help formulate goals that are measurable and easily attainable.

• Organize and facilitate individual and group sessions.Plan and conduct recreational activities.Ensure delivery of quality services.

• Provide or arrange for transportation of participants and escort them, when needed, for medical, recreational or other services.

• Support participants in mastering independent living and social skills including hands on assistance and training in apartment and money management, meal planning and preparation, shopping assistance, use of public transportation.

• Coordinate efforts with family and other staff as needed.

• Maintain a normalized environment for participants and model normal social development.

• Prepare and/or monitor meals as needed.

• Maintain the facility in acceptance with licensing, fire regulations and agency standards; perform preventive and corrective maintenance; and identify and report maintenance problems.

• Maintain the facility and its furnishings in an attractive, sanitary, comfortable and safe manner. Assist participants in maintaining a clean environment. Monitor supplies and inform supervisor of household needs.

• Monitor participant’s health needs by checking medications and medical services, inform supervisor of needed prescription refills. Monitor participant’s medication ingestion as needed.

• Provide counseling and crisis management as needed. Contact supervisor for direction. Maintain accurate records of all incidents and accidents.

• Coordinate follow-up of consultants’ recommendations.

• Document face to face and telephone contacts with participants according to agency guidelines.

• Complete and submit all documentation and reports as required in a timely manner.

• Ensure participant confidentiality.

• Function as a team member; take a proactive interest in professional development.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with caseworkers, agencies, neighbors and participant’s families.

• Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.

• Implement and comply with agency policy and procedures as well as pertinent federal, state and county regulations.

   Normal Working Hours and Conditions

• 40 hour work week.

• Weekends or evenings as required.

• Some travel may be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills.

Rate of Pay:
This is an hourly position with an entry level rate of 11.00 per hour.

Company Benefits:
Generous benefits package including vacation, sick and holiday pay, Section 125 plan, 403b plan, health, dental, vision, life, disability and supplemental insurance products available.

It is the policy of Volunteers of America of Florida, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, to recruit, hire and promote to all job classifications without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or any other protected class.

We are a drug-free workplace.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.