Seven Counties Services·Louisville, Kentucky
The specialist teaches and coaches individuals with disabilities in activities of daily living and facilitates community integration. They provide personal care, transportation, and behavior management to maintain a safe therapeutic environment.
Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) (e. g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal-setting, nutrition needs); monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback.
Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e. g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies).
Plans and facilitates community-based activities (e. g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation/socialization); facilitates access to community resources (e. g., AA/NA meetings, school, job placement).
Contributes to safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques.
Serves as “ambassador” of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS’s services and programming.
Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e. g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer).
Provides transportation (e. g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e. g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats); teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.
Provides personal care, as needed (e. g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques).
Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed.
Supervises self-administered medication, depending on the specific clinical program’s protocols.
Experience
Zero to one year full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition.
Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities.
Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals.
Good interpersonal skills.
Teaching skills.
Patience and empathy.
Maturity and judgment.
Physical demands/Requirements
Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
May include frequent lifting of patients.
18 years of age or older.
Valid driver’s license.
Proof of automobile liability insurance.
Positive driving record.
Time Type: Full time
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license with liability insurance. Zero to one year of experience working with individuals with mental health or intellectual disabilities is required.
Market context
Direct Support Specialist roles in Kentucky typically see steady demand because providers need staff who can support individuals with mental health, substance use, or intellectual disabilities in daily routines. These jobs can be competitive when employers want candidates with a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license with insurance, and some related experience. On this platform, the job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original posting, helping you review details faster; before applying, confirm your driving documentation and highlight any hands-on support experience.
