Direct Care Specialist
The Company
Alsana is an eating disorder recovery community with 9 locations nationwide plus our virtual program. We provide superior and committed care to help those on their journey to a healthy and successful recovery. From the Latin roots meaning “all” or “total health,” Alsana offers a new philosophy of care centered on our clients’ full well-being. We address the aspects of eating disorders that often go untreated in traditional recovery programs. Our culture creates a working environment of communication, collaboration, compassion, and integrity—all of which are necessary to craft unique treatment plans tailored to our clients’ needs and outcomes.
The Role
As a Direct Care Specialist at Alsana, you will be an integral part of an inter-disciplinary mental health environment that supports our therapists, dietitians, and nurses in achieving their discipline specific treatment plans.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Always maintains each client’s physical and psychological safety including assigned tasks, e.g., taking and recording vital signs, weights, recording meal, restroom observation and reporting results to nursing and/or the physician.
- Completes accurate documentation of observations and notifies supervisor/nurse or therapist of any unusual findings, e.g., change in vital signs, unusual weight change, refusing meals, etc.
- Dispenses medication and administers First Aid according to facility policy, including all appropriate follow-up documentation.
- Must eat meals with clients as prepared and provided for by the kitchen and dietary staff. This is critical to the wellbeing and recovery of the clients.
- Documents patient progress per procedure.
- Provides one-on-one assistance to clients in crisis as directed by the nurse or therapist and the client’s plan of care.
- Assists clients with nutritional and dietary needs as indicated by the facility’s nutritionist and interdisciplinary plan.
- Keeps clients and significant others informed. Assists with family concerns in a pleasant and efficient manner. Seeks assistance from licensed staff when needed.
- Maintains and communicates the level system with clients. Advises licensed staff of issues related to level system compliance.
- Demonstrates professional conduct, concern, respect, and compassion toward all clients, families, co-workers, and the public as a representative of Alsana.
- Displays professional appearance in accordance with facility dress code.
- When necessary, performs appropriate housekeeping duties to maintain a clean appearance and hygienic conditions of the facility.
- Leads/Co-leads and facilitates groups for Residential/ Partial Hospital/Intensive Outpatient Clients. Participates in an evening and weekend group rotation.
QUALIFICATIONS
• High School Diploma required.
• One year of experience in the field of behavioral health
• Current valid Class E Driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Must have current CPR certification, preferably through the American Heart Association
• Knowledge regarding supervision of others
• Physically able to perform most household duties which may include lifting up to 20 pounds and engaging in basic recreational activities such as walking, etc.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Benefits for full time staff
- Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Time Off and Holidays
- Company Paid Life and Disability Insurance
- 401k Plan (Pre and Post Tax)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- LifeMart Employee Discounts
- Tuition Discount Program
- Free EAP services
- Free meals and snacks (position specific)