RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM WORKER                                           L0786

Definition:

This is a journeyman level work of a guidance nature in working with program clients in a county Human Services Residential Program.

An employee in this class guides and assists program clients in learning to live and function as independently as possible in the community. Important aspects of the work include participating in the development and implementation of individual service plans, coordinating and arranging for the provision of specialized services, counseling program clients on simple problems, and performing public contact work as required. An employee may function as a lead worker in training and guiding Residential Program Trainees. Work is performed under the general direction of a Residential Program Director or Residential Program Supervisor who reviews work for effectiveness and adherence to program policies and procedures through conferences and reports.

Examples of Work Performed:

Participates in the development and implementation of individual service plans designed to improve the social and self-care skills of program clients.

Assists in coordinating and arranging for the provision of specialized services such as speech therapy, psychotherapy, medical and dental care.

Counsels program clients to help them more effectively deal with matters such as personal problems, personal values, and job responsibilities.

Assists in the training and guidance of Residential Program Trainees.

Supervises social and recreational activities.

Responds appropriately to emergency situations.

Assists in maintaining the residential unit in a clean, safe and secure manner.

Prepares program client progress reports, and other reports as required.

Attends staff meetings, conferences and learning sessions.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledges, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of pertinent community resources and facilities.

Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of rehabilitation for the program clients.

Knowledge of basic behavior management and program planning principles.

Knowledge of applicable health and safety measures.

Ability to develop and maintain a sympathetic and understanding attitude when working with program clients.

Ability to make sound judgments regarding the health and welfare of program clients and respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Ability to take directions as well as direct others.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Minimum Experience and Training:

Six months of experience as a Residential Program Trainee;

or

One year of experience in a Human Services Agency working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, the elderly, or children and youth;

or

Two years of college which includes courses appropriate to the Human Services field;

or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Date Established or Last Revised

Class Specification - August 1979

Evaluation Guide - July 1996

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST03