Direct Support Professional (DSP) Code of Ethics

The following Code of Ethics has been adopted by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, a national association representing direct support professionals across the country. Why is a code of ethics necessary? Doing the right thing when nobody is watching is an important value that is critical to the successful delivery of supports by a DSP to people with disabilities. The code has nine key points:
• Person Centered Supports:

As a DSP, my first allegiance is to the person I support; all other activities and functions I perform flow from this allegiance.

• Promoting physical and emotional well-being:

As a DSP, I am responsible for supporting the emotional, physical and personal well-being of the individuals receiving support. I will encourage growth and recognize the autonomy of the individuals receiving support while being attentive and energetic in reducing their risk of harm.

• Integrity and responsibility:

As a DSP, I will support the mission and vitality of my profession to assist people in leading self-directed lives and to foster a spirit of partnership with the people I support, other professionals and the community.

• Confidentiality:

As a DSP, I will safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of the people I support.

• Justice, fairness and equity:

As a DSP, I will promote and practice justice, fairness and equity for the people I support and the community as a whole. I will affirm the human rights, civil rights and responsibilities of the people I support.

• Respect:

As a DSP, I will respect the human dignity and uniqueness of the people I support. I will recognize each person I support as valuable and help others understand their value.

• Relationships:

As a DSP, I will assist the people I support to develop and maintain relationships.

• Self-Determination:

As a DSP, I will assist the people I support to direct the course of their own lives.

• Advocacy:

As a DSP, I will advocate with the people I support for justice, inclusion and full community participation.

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Friendship, Inc.’s 3rd Annual Praise on the Prairie Event at the Fargodome

Friendship, Inc.’s 3rd Annual Praise on the Prairie Event at the Fargodome
It’s Official Friendship’s 3rd Annual
Praise on the Prairie, local Praise Band event is scheduled
April 21, 2013 at 7 p.m. upstairs at the Fargodome
Tickets $15.00 

Friendship is currently seeking financial sponsors.  Sponsorship levels are: 
$100 – Logo displayed on the video screens during the show 10 times or more
$100 – Business card ad advertised in program
$200 – Business promotion on Friendship, INc. website for one year
$300 – 8X10 display area for business promotion the night of the event
$400 – Advertising on the back of 800 tickets
$2000 – Major presenting donor:
         Event parking courtsey of your business
         Front of ticket advertising
         Special recognition in program
         Special recognition and advertising in all promotions

100% of contributed dollars are used directly to impact the people that we serve.  Friendship donations are used for covering costs of unallowable items (as determined by the state) such as rent deposits, furniture, household appliances, vacation assistance, medical devices or supplies not authorized by Medicaid/Medicare, etc. 

 Friendship supports people to become active, contributing members of their communities through work, volunteerism and community leadership.  We appreciate your support!

  For more information please contact Don Brunette at (701) 293-2947.

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Friendship, Inc.’s15th Annual Golf Tournament

15th Annual Golf Tournament  Oxbow Country Club
July23, 2012

Help us reach our goal of raising $25,000!

Since 1974, Friendship, Inc. has been serving adults and children who are developmentally and physically challenged. We are recognized as a leader in our industry. The people we serve live  in small group homes or apartment settings, allowing for individualized attention and support.  We are committed to the people we serve.  This commitment challenges us to raise funds to not only sustain our outstanding supports, but to provide creative and innovative programs and services.

Friendship seeks to bridge where government-funded programs leave off and “living life” begins for the people we support. We rely on the generosity of businesses and individuals to help the people we serve achieve independence and realize their dreams.

By participating in this tournament as a golfer, sponsor or both – you will be allowing our friends with disabilities to live full, dignified, meaningful lives!

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Registration
11:30 am
* * *

Shotgun Start 1:00 pm

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Battle of the Bands Competition April 28, 2012

Prairie Heights Community Church will be defending their title as best

logo 276x300 Battle of the Bands Competition April 28, 2012

Battle of the Bands Fargo Theatre April 28, 2012

 praise band in the Fargo-Moorhead area April 28 at the Fargo Theatre during Friendship, Inc.’s second annual Battle of the Praise Bands event. 

The committee has selected four area churches; Beautiful Savior Church, St. John’s Lutheran, Peace Lutheran and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church that will perform along with Prairie Heights Church.  Kathy Coyle and Dan Michaels will be emceeing the event that raised more than $11,000 for Friendship last year. Celebrity judges include Margie Bailly, Deb Jenkins, Kathie Brekke and Kevin Wallevand.

Web 1 Battle of the Bands Competition April 28, 2012

Battle of the Bands 2011

Recording artist, Matt Houska, from Grafton North Dakota will also play a few tunes the evening of the event.  Matt, born with Down’s Syndrome, plays five musical instruments and has cut two CD’s.  Matt performs across the region at social events, conferences, etc. 

 Tickets for the event are now available via Internet at www.tickets300.com , phone (701‐205‐3182) and at the “Tickets300” box office at 300 Broadway, M-F, noon–6pm. 

 Friendship is currently seeking financial sponsors.  Sponsorship levels are: Gold-($2,500+), Silver-($1,000-$2,499) and Bronze-($250-$999).  Please know any donation is greatly appreciated!

Web 2 Battle of the Bands Competition April 28, 2012

Battle of the Bands 2011

 100% of contributed dollars are used directly to impact the people that we serve.  Friendship donations are used for covering costs of unallowable items (as determined by the state) such as rent deposits, furniture, household appliances, vacation assistance, medical devices or supplies not authorized by Medicaid/Medicare, etc. 

 Friendship supports people to become active, contributing members of their communities through work, volunteerism and community leadership.  We appreciate your support!

  For more information please contact Don Brunette at (701) 293-2947.

Posted in News | Comments Off

2012 Friendship’s 15th Annual Golf Tournament

15th Annual Golf Tournament  Oxbow Country Club
July23, 2012

Help us reach our goal of raising $25,000!

Since 1974, Friendship, Inc. has been serving adults and children who are developmentally and physically challenged. We are recognized as a leader in our industry. The people we serve live  in small group homes or apartment settings, allowing for individualized attention and support.  We are committed to the people we serve.  This commitment challenges us to raise funds to not only sustain our outstanding supports, but to provide creative and innovative programs and services.

Friendship seeks to bridge where government-funded programs leave off and “living life” begins for the people we support. We rely on the generosity of businesses and individuals to help the people we serve achieve independence and realize their dreams.

By participating in this tournament as a golfer, sponsor or both – you will be allowing our friends with disabilities to live full, dignified, meaningful lives!

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Registration
11:30 am
* * *

Shotgun Start 1:00 pm
* * *

Awards & Celebration following golf
* * *

$85 Entry Fee Includes:
– Green Fee
– Cart
– Range Balls
– Lunch

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

GOLD Sponsor – $1,000
–  Four complementary golfers
–  GOLD Sponsorship Signage
–  Recognition in advertising

SILVER Sponsor – $500
–  Two complementary golfers
–  SILVER Sponsorship Signage
–  Recognition in advertising

BRONZE Sponsor – $250
–  One complementary golfer
–  BRONZE Sponsorship Signage
–  Recognition in advertising

HOLE Sponsor – $100
–  Signage
–  Recognition in advertising

Posted in Donations, Events, Volunteer Opportunities | Comments Off

Winter 2011

“We’re Just Fishing” By Dori Leslie, Chief Operating OfficerWebsite Friendship WI12 Page 11 231x300 Winter 2011

 Dreams come true for everyone but for Ward, it really did.  On August 9th Ward had a dream come true that he will always remember.  On that Tuesday afternoon, he had the opportunity to spend time with some special people.  Five sailors, dressed in their blue-and-gray Navy working uniforms, made a special visit to Ward’s condominium to scrub, wax and vacuum his pride and joy: a 1979, baby-blue Larson boat. They also checked out the boat’s 45 Mercury motor to make sure it was in ship-shape. The sailors performed this community service as part of Fargo Navy Week, a week-long event designed to raise awareness of that military branch and its contributions to the home front. When the sailors were with Ward he was able to hang out with the naval officers, show off his boat and practice casting his fishing rod. Ward’s love of fishing and people in uniform may be a remembrance of his late father, who served in the Navy during World War II and later worked for the Minnesota Highway Department.

When this opportunity was announced, staff who work with Ward knew that he would just love to do this.  They applied for the Sailors to help Ward and once it was granted, the plans started to come together.  Ward and staff arranged all the items that they would need with the most important being a camera.  Ward was so excited and proud to have help cleaning his boat, especially with these sailors.

 Also this summer Ward has been able to take the boat out on the lake a few times, including once for a friend’s birthday party.  When he can’t be on his boat, he’ll still fish from the shore.  Ward just loves fishing and hanging out with his friends.  He is a man’s man! 

 To see Ward so happy and proud was so special to everyone who was involved.  We are so blessed to have Ward and all the people we support in our lives.  We continue to learn through this opportunity and many others that dreams really do come true for people.  Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others and support them to make their dreams come true!

To see the entire Friendship COnnection Newsletter click here: Newsletter-Friendship_W12

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Supervisor (Vocational)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

All employees of Friendship take pride in learning about what is most important in the lives of people receiving services and providing and/or developing supports to help them achieve their personal priorities. We are responsible for working with people to develop and implement their Individualized Program Plan (IPP) by demonstrating the values outlined in Friendship’s Mission Statement and Corporate Culture.

CORE VALUES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

It is the firm conviction of the Board and Management of Friendship, Inc. and of our sponsoring organization, Catholic Health Initiatives, that one of the principal responsibilities of each employee is to actively contribute to a workplace environment clearly and explicitly based on the Christian values of willing service, kindness and respect for those we serve. This includes an insistence on the worth and dignity of each person and a readiness to actively commit to a job performance style based on these values. To that end we pledge ourselves to a behavioral style based on the core values of Compassion, Reverence, Integrity and Excellence as an integral element of the quality of performance we expect and require of one another.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LEARNING ABOUT THE PERSON SERVED

  • Use the Personal Outcome Measures, Outcomes Biography Assessment, Personal Profile, etc. to learn about each person’s goals and dreams.
  • Identify and establish services and supports needed to assist the person to achieve his/her goals and dreams.
  • Learn about the life experiences (work, residential, social, etc.) of the person and assist him/her to expand his/her experiences through education and a variety of community experiences.
  • Learn what barriers hinder the accomplishment of the person’s goals and dreams. Utilize current services and supports and/or advocate for additional services and supports as needed to overcome the barriers.
  • Identify the person’s strengths for achieving his/her priorities and assist the person to use his/her strengths to achieve his/her goals and dreams.

INTEGRATION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

  • Learn about people’s vocational, community and social interests and provide the necessary support to assist the person to develop his/her interest in an integrated environment.
  • Support and assist people to remain connected to their natural supports (family, close friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.).
  • Support and assist people to develop and maintain a network of friends/relationships.
  • Support and assist people to be active members of the community (i.e., volunteer work, belonging to clubs/organizations, participating in church activities, etc.) by emphasizing choices and options.

SYSTEM ADVOCACY

  • Support and assist people to direct their services and make informed choices in all aspects of their life.
  • Be an advocate for people and teach members of the community to treat people we support with dignity and respect by modeling positive attitudes and respectful communication and interactions.
  • Assist people to become personal advocates.
  • Advocate with employers, service coordinators, families and other stakeholders to develop needed supports and services for people we support.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE PERSON SERVED

Assist and support people:

  • To have a safe environment in which to live and work, free of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
  • To look their best by providing needed assistance to complete hygiene, grooming and clothing care tasks.
  • To learn to maintain a clean living/work environment.
  • To learn about nutritional recommendations through meal planning and preparation.
  • To learn about and practice safety awareness in all of their environments (living, work/daytime and leisure activities).
  • To learn about their personal finances and budgeting skills.
  • To learn about and exercise their rights.
  • To learn about fair treatment and to understand due process if s/he feels that treatment is not fair.
  • To learn about and become involved in their personal health needs.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Employees of Friendship, Inc. perform a variety of duties that assist and support people to become more involved in the community. While some people require very little assistance or support, others may require more. The level of need varies for each person; the list of duties below is a partial list. Additional duties will be identified as services and supports are discovered/learned about through each person’s Individualized Program Plan (IPP) and/or Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

 Job development (Day Supports only):

  • Assist with job development per each person’s interests.
  • Supervise people served at job sites.
  • Complete duties at job sites as necessary (i.e., holidays, person served absent, etc.).

Development, implementation and monitoring of Program Plans:

  • Attend team meetings as needed.
  • Complete/assist with assessments as requested.
  • Develop training/support methods following IPP/team meeting.
  • Coordinate IPP training with Manager/Director.
  • Complete monthly reviews as assigned.
  • Accurately and timely enter written information in the records, charts and files of people served.
  • Provide/arrange transportation of people served as needed.

Health care supports:

  • Learn about the best possible health needs (including physical and mental health) for the person you are supporting, including knowledge of medications taken by the person and the effects of the medications.
  • Monitor medication passes as assigned.

Departmental enhancement:

  • Attend departmental meetings.
  • Conduct/assist with department meetings as requested.
  • Follow established call-in and leave request procedures per department policy.
  • Maintain confidentiality of information about people served, customers, records, personal practices, internal practices, co-workers and Friendship’s business affairs.
  • Participate in organizational activities as desired (i.e., action teams, standing committees, Mission Integration, etc.).
  • Accurately and timely complete time sheets.
  • Participate in reviews for accreditation and licensure

Staff supervision and development:

  • Provide direct supervision of Coordinator positions.
  • Assist with the employee selection process as requested.
  • Conduct on-site orientation process with new employees.
  • Coach employees to facilitate performance improvement.
  • Conduct Coordinators performance evaluations on time.
  • Develop/monitor area schedule.
  • Monitor employees’ training.
  • Review Coordinators time sheets for accuracy.
  • Monitor training requirements (modules, in-services, etc.) of Coordinators.

Financial management:

  • Request/manage petty cash and personal spending money.

ONGOING EDUCATION AND TRAINING

  • Successfully complete module training as required.
  • Attendance at and successful completion of all required employee orientation and training requirements.
  • Maintain current CPR, First Aid and Confrontation Avoidance certification.
  • Certification for medication administration and administering according to established procedures may be required.
  • Attend training activities for professional development as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • One-year experience working in program(s) serving people with disabilities.
  • Current valid driver’s license may be required.
  • Access to a licensed vehicle and proof of motor vehicle liability insurance may be required.
  • Meet the requirements of a background check.
  • Completion of a health clearance within the first 40 hours of orientation for new employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Lifting and/or moving people/supplies weighing 50-100 pounds using proper lifting procedures may be required. This may include repetitive lifting and/or moving.
  • Ability to operate a variety of different sized vehicles may be required.
  • Driving in all weather conditions and safe operation of a vehicle is expected, including the use of seat belts.
  • May be exposed to common household cleaning chemicals.
  • May be exposed to blood and bodily fluids. (See Safety Manual for exposure risk.)
  • Providing physical assistance to people served. Duties may include, but are not limited to, lifting, assisting at meals, toileting, transferring to and from wheelchairs, beds, etc.
  • Physical intervention with people with challenging behaviors may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS

We realize that Friendship, Inc. exists primarily for the benefit of those served and, whenever necessary, personal satisfaction will be held second to that. This may mean, from time to time, willingly accepting extra assignments, additional hours, temporary position transfers, a change in vacation plans, etc. in order to meet the needs of those we serve.

  • Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR)

Four or more people live in a group situation and receive 24-hour staffing levels. Each person receives a continuous active treatment program that includes training, health services and other related services to help the person achieve as much self-determination and independence as possible.

  • Minimally Supervised Living Arrangement (MSLA)

People live in their own homes/apartments with a roommate and share 24-hour staffing levels with another home/apartment setting that is close by. Each person receives a continuous active treatment program that includes training, health services and other related services to help the person achieve as much self-determination and independence as possible.

  • Family and Community Living (ISLA, Respite, Family Support)

ISLA (Individualized Supported Living Arrangement): Supports people who choose to live independently in apartments or their own homes. People may receive as little as five hours of support per week or as much as 24 hours per day.

Respite and Family Support: Support families with children who have special needs and continue to live in the family home.

  • Vocational Services (Adult Day and Day Supports)

Adult Day: Supports people who want to focus on recreation and leisure activities versus employment.

Day Supports: Supports people who want to increase their vocational skills and prepare for having a job in the community. This is accomplished through community job sites and in-house contracts.

  • Supported Employment/Extended Services (SEP/ES)

Supported Employment: Focuses on the placement of a person into a competitive, community-based job of their choice with on-the-job training.

Extended Services: Once a person has obtained some independence on the job, this service provides ongoing supports to both the employer and the employee to insure continued success.

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Supervisor(ICFs/MR)

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • One year experience working in program(s) serving people with disabilities or a degree in special education or other human service field.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and organizational skills.
  • Current valid driver’s license.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Supervisor provides leadership to the staff utilizing a team approach. Friendship, Inc. follows the Personal Outcome Measures set by The Council on Quality and Leadership in Supports for People with Disabilities. Each person employed in our company enhances the lives of the people served by embracing these outcomes. Everyone’s supports are individualized for their needs and desires. This position is essential in achieving outcomes for people. The position is responsible for assisting the Manager in staff development and evaluation by providing on-site supervision and observation of programs. The Supervisor is also required to implement training programs for identified persons. The employee in this position is expected to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the mission of Friendship, Inc. by conducting one’s self in a professional and respectful manner. The values of collaboration and confidentiality must be enthusiastically pursued. This position is expected to adhere to and, when appropriate, apply all of the policies and procedures of Friendship, Inc. A true commitment to mission should be further demonstrated by willing and active participation in meetings and training activities, by pursuing continuous quality improvement and by, from time to time, readily accepting other assignments and responsibilities as may be required.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Implements the Personal Outcome Measures.

  1. Establishes a working knowledge of the outcomes.
  2. Understands the seven different support areas.
  3. Documents in the appropriate section in the chart notes.

B. Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of Individual Program Plans (IPP).

  1. Assists in completion of assessments for identified individuals.
  2. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings.
  3. Carries out Individual Program Plan (IPP) implementation and training of staff
  4. Compiles monthly data.
  5. Completes monthly progress reports.
  6. Lifting and/or moving 50-100 pounds may be required.
  7. Physical intervention with individuals with challenging behaviors may be re

C. Participates in departmental enhancement.

  1. Attends department staff meetings.
  2. Assists in identifying areas for improvement.
  3. Participates in organizational activities as requested.
  4. Attends training activities for professional development.

D. Provides staff supervision and development.

  1. Assists in employee selection process.
  2. Conducts orientation process at department site.
  3. Coaches staff to facilitate performance improvement.
  4. Conducts performance evaluations in a timely manner and identifies employee development needs
  5. Monitors departmental schedules on a daily basis.
  6. Assists in routine staff meetings.
  7. Assists in and monitors staff training.
  8. Participates in the on-call system.

E. Coordinates the daily operations of designated program(s)

  1. Ensures a clean and safe environment.
  2. Provides for the daily routine needs of people served.
  3. Certification for medication administrating according to established procedures may be required.
  4. Ensures transportation is available per individual need.
  5. Ensures individuals obtain an apartment of choice as requested.
  6. Monitors and completes documentation on appropriate records.
  7. Monitors and requests funds (individual and departmental).
  8. Maintains inventory of household supplies.
Posted in Job Openings | Comments Off

Winter 2012

Website Friendship WI12 Page 1 231x300 Winter 2012

“We’re Just Fishing”
By Dori Leslie, Chief Operating Officer

 Dreams come true for everyone but for Ward, it really did.  On August 9th Ward had a dream come true that he will always remember.  On that Tuesday afternoon, he had the opportunity to spend time with some special people.  Five sailors, dressed in their blue-and-gray Navy working uniforms, made a special visit to Ward’s condominium to scrub, wax and vacuum his pride and joy: a 1979, baby-blue Larson boat. They also checked out the boat’s 45 Mercury motor to make sure it was in ship-shape. The sailors performed this community service as part of Fargo Navy Week, a week-long event designed to raise awareness of that military branch and its contributions to the home front. When the sailors were with Ward he was able to hang out with the naval officers, show off his boat and practice casting his fishing rod. Ward’s love of fishing and people in uniform may be a remembrance of his late father, who served in the Navy during World War II and later worked for the Minnesota Highway Department.

When this opportunity was announced, staff who work with Ward knew that he would just love to do this.  They applied for the Sailors to help Ward and once it was granted, the plans started to come together.  Ward and staff arranged all the items that they would need with the most important being a camera.  Ward was so excited and proud to have help cleaning his boat, especially with these sailors.

Also this summer Ward has been able to take the boat out on the lake a few times, including once for a friend’s birthday party.  When he can’t be on his boat, he’ll still fish from the shore.  Ward just loves fishing and hanging out with his friends.  He is a man’s man! 

To see Ward so happy and proud was so special to everyone who was involved.  We are so blessed to have Ward and all the people we support in our lives.  We continue to learn through this opportunity and many others that dreams really do come true for people.  Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others and support them to make their dreams come true! 

To view the entire Friendship Connection Newsletter click here.

Posted in Newsletter | Comments Off

Coordinator (Family and Community Living)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

All employees of Friendship take pride in learning about what is most important in the lives of people receiving services and providing and/or developing supports to help them achieve their personal priorities. We are responsible for working with people to develop and implement their Individualized Program Plan (IPP) by demonstrating the values outlined in Friendship’s Mission Statement and Corporate Culture.

CORE VALUES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

It is the firm conviction of the Board and Management of Friendship, Inc. and of our sponsoring organization, Catholic Health Initiatives, that one of the principal responsibilities of each employee is to actively contribute to a workplace environment clearly and explicitly based on the Christian values of willing service, kindness and respect for those we serve. This includes an insistence on the worth and dignity of each person, and a readiness to actively commit to a job performance style based on these values. To that end we pledge ourselves to a behavioral style based on the core values of Compassion, Reverence, Integrity and Excellence as an integral element of the quality of performance we expect and require of one another.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LEARNING ABOUT THE PERSON SERVED

  • Use the Personal Outcome Measures, Outcomes Biography Assessment, Personal Profile, etc. to learn about each person’s goals and dreams.
  • Identify and establish services and supports needed to assist the person to achieve his/her goals and dreams.
  • Learn about the life experiences (work, residential, social, etc.) of the person and assist him/her to expand his/her experiences through education and a variety of community experiences.
  • Learn what barriers hinder the accomplishment of the person’s goals and dreams. Utilize current services and supports and/or advocate for additional services and supports as needed to overcome the barriers.
  • Identify the person’s strengths for achieving his/her priorities and assist the person to use his/her strengths to achieve his/her goals and dreams.

INTEGRATION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

  • Learn about people’s vocational, community and social interests and provide the necessary support to assist the person to develop his/her interest in an integrated environment.
  • Support and assist people to remain connected to their natural supports (family, close friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.).
  • Support and assist people to develop and maintain a network of friends/relationships.
  • Support and assist people to be active members of the community (i.e., volunteer work, belonging to clubs/organizations, participating in church activities, etc.) by emphasizing choices and options.

SYSTEM ADVOCACY

  • Support and assist people to direct their services and make informed choices in all aspects of their life.
  • Be an advocate for people and teach members of the community to treat people we support with dignity and respect by modeling positive attitudes and respectful communication and interactions.
  • Assist people to become personal advocates.
  • Advocate with employers, service coordinators, families and other stakeholders to develop needed supports and services for people we support.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE PERSON SERVED

Assist and support people:

  • To have a safe environment in which to live and work, free of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
  • To look their best by providing needed assistance to complete hygiene, grooming and clothing care tasks.
  • To learn to maintain a clean living/work environment.
  • To learn about nutritional recommendations through meal planning and preparation.
  • To learn about and practice safety awareness in all of their environments (living, work/daytime and leisure activities).
  • To learn about their personal finances and budgeting skills.
  • To learn about and exercise their rights.
  • To learn about fair treatment and to understand due process if s/he feels that treatment is not fair.
  • To learn about and become involved in their personal health needs.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Employees of Friendship, Inc. perform a variety of duties that assist and support people to become more involved in the community. While some people require very little assistance or support, others may require more. The level of need varies for each person; the list of duties below is a partial list. Additional duties will be identified as services and supports are discovered/learned about through each person’s Individualized Program Plan (IPP) and Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Development, implementation and monitoring of Program Plans:

  • Attend team meetings as needed.
  • Complete/assist with assessments as requested.
  • Complete monthly reviews as assigned.
  • Accurately and timely enter written information in the records, charts and files of people served.
  • Provide/arrange transportation for people served as needed.

Health care supports:

  • Learn about the best possible health needs (including physical and mental health) for the person you are supporting, including knowledge of medications taken by the person and the effects of the medications.
  • Accompany people to medical appointments and provide support during medical procedures as needed.
  • Complete follow-up recommendations (i.e., order medications, complete medical forms, update Medication Administration Records) as per department policy.

Financial supports:

  • Ensure monthly bills are paid on time (i.e., rent, cable, recipient liability, etc.).
  • Ensure peoples’ checking and savings accounts are accurately documented in and balanced per department’s requirements.
  • Accurately complete monthly financial updates as assigned.

Departmental enhancement:

  • Follow established call-in and leave request procedures per department policy.
  • Maintain confidentiality of information about people served, customers, records, personal practices, internal practices, co-workers and Friendship’s business affairs.
  • Attend departmental meetings.
  • Participate in organizational activities as desired (i.e., action teams, standing committees, Mission Integration, etc.).
  • Accurately and timely complete time sheets.
  • Participate in reviews for accreditation.

ONGOING EDUCATION AND TRAINING

  • Successfully complete module training as required.
  • Attendance at and successful completion of all required employee orientation and training requirements.
  • Maintain current CPR, First Aid and Confrontation Avoidance certification.
  • Certification for medication administration and administering according to established procedures may be required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Current valid driver’s license may be required.
  • Access to a licensed vehicle and proof of motor vehicle liability insurance may be required.
  • Meet the requirements of a background check.
  • Completion of a health clearance within the first 40 hours of orientation for new employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Lifting and/or moving people/supplies weighing 50-100 pounds using proper lifting procedures may be required. This may include repetitive lifting and/or moving.
  • Ability to operate a variety of different sized vehicles may be required.
  • Driving in all weather conditions and safe operation of a vehicle is expected, including the use of seat belts.
  • May be exposed to common household cleaning chemicals.
  • May be exposed to blood and bodily fluids (see Safety Manual for exposure risk).
  • Providing physical assistance to people served. Duties may include, but are not limited to, lifting, assisting at meals, toileting, transferring to and from wheelchairs, beds, etc.
  • Physical intervention with people with challenging behaviors may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS

We realize that Friendship, Inc. exists primarily for the benefit of those served and, whenever necessary, personal satisfaction will be held second to that. This may mean, from time to time, willingly accepting extra assignments, additional hours, temporary position transfers, a change in vacation plans, etc. in order to meet the needs of those we serve.

  • Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR)

Four or more people live in a group situation and receive 24-hour staffing levels. Each person receives a continuous active treatment program that includes training, health services and other related services to help the person achieve as much self-determination and independence as possible.

  • Minimally Supervised Living Arrangement (MSLA)

People live in their own homes/apartments with a roommate and share 24-hour staffing levels with another home/apartment setting that is close by. Each person receives a continuous active treatment program that includes training, health services and other related services to help the person achieve as much self-determination and independence as possible.

  • Family and Community Living (ISLA, Respite, Family Support)

ISLA (Individualized Supported Living Arrangement): Supports people who choose to live independently in apartments or their own homes. People may receive as little as five hours of support per week or as much as 24 hours per day.

Respite and Family Support: Supports families with children who have special needs and continue to live in the family home.

  • Vocational Services (Adult Day and Day Supports)

Adult Day: Supports people who want to focus on recreation and leisure activities versus employment.

Day Supports: Supports people who want to increase their vocational skills and prepare for having a job in the community. This is accomplished through community job sites and in-house contracts.

  • Supported Employment/Extended Services (SEP/ES)

Supported Employment: Focuses on the placement of a person into a competitive, community-based job of their choice with on-the-job training.

Extended Services: Once a person has obtained some independence on the job, this service provides ongoing supports to both the employer and the employee to insure continued success.

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