Direct Support Staff

Job Description: Caregiver for a 22-year-old female with Autism in Riverdale, GA

Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate caregiver for a 22-year-old young adult with autism and moderate developmental delay. This individual will assist with daily living tasks, personal care, schoolwork, and community involvement while maintaining a safe and respectful environment. The ideal candidate should have experience with autism, demonstrate patience, and possess the skills necessary to support the individual's functional independence.

Key Responsibilities:

Personal Care & Hygiene:

• Assist with bathing, grooming, and other personal hygiene tasks.
• Ensure the individual maintains proper hygiene and cleanliness, including dressing and grooming appropriately.
• Help the individual with daily hygiene routines (e.g., brushing teeth, hair care).
• Ensure her room and living space remain clean, organized, and comfortable.

Meal Preparation & Nutrition:

• Prepare healthy meals according to the individual's preferences and dietary needs.
• Encourage her to eat balanced meals and ensure she does not rely on unhealthy options such as sugar-rich foods.
• Help the individual with meal planning and teach her basic meal preparation skills, ensuring safety in the kitchen (due to safety concerns with stove use).

Medication Management:

• Assist the individual with taking her medications on schedule.
• Maintain proper records of medication usage and communicate any concerns about her health or reactions to medications.

Schoolwork & Cognitive Engagement:

• Assist with her IXL and ABC Mouse activities, ensuring she remains engaged in schoolwork and learning.
• Encourage and support her educational activities, providing positive reinforcement and assistance with tasks as needed.

Behavior Management & Emotional Support:

• Provide guidance and emotional support during behavioral episodes, ensuring she feels heard and respected.
• Remain calm and patient, offering reassurance during times of frustration or stress.
• Communicate in a positive, supportive manner, making her feel respected as an individual.

Community Outings:

• Take her on community outings to engage in social and recreational activities.
• Encourage the individual to participate in social interactions and develop her independence in various settings.

Health and Medical Appointments

• Accompany the individual to medical and therapy appointments, ensuring she gets the care she needs.
• Provide support during appointments, ensuring the individual is comfortable and understands the process.

Household Tasks:

• Assist with household chores such as cleaning, laundry, and organizing, teaching her how to manage these tasks.
• If she cannot complete the tasks during behavioral episodes, the caregiver will take on these responsibilities.

Respect for Household Rules:

• Respect the household rules and boundaries, ensuring the caregiver maintains a harmonious living environment.
• Keep common areas clean and organized, respecting the personal space of both the individual and the household.

Other Duties as Needed:

• Perform any other duties as necessary to ensure the individual's well-being and the smooth running of her daily life.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with individuals with autism and developmental delays is preferred.
• Patience, empathy, and understanding of behavioral challenges associated with autism.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and calmly with the individual.
• Ability to prepare meals and manage household tasks independently.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community outings and medical appointments.
• Ability to provide emotional support and behavior management when needed.
• Must respect household rules and boundaries, maintaining professionalism and respect for the family's home.

Schedule:

• Full-time or part-time availability depends on the candidate's preference and the individual's schedule.
• Flexibility in assisting with the individual's needs is required.