Lawn Care Crew Member/Direct Support

Easterseals’ mission is to change the way the world defines and views disabilities by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day.  Easterseals endeavors to offer services and programs that assist and empower those with disability related needs.  We serve children and adults with disabilities as well as their families and caregivers.   Our staff work with individuals to help them overcome challenges, achieve personal goals and live to their fullest potential.

Under the supervision of the department Manager, Lawn Care Crew Member/Direct Support Professionals are primary implementers of our organization’s services, working on the front lines in our communities.  As our professional representatives in the field, we view their roles as particularly critical to the overall success of the programs we provide.   The Lawn Care Crew Member/Direct Support Professional provides comprehensive direct supports that empowers individuals to be as independent and successful in their vocational goals and/or life skills.  The Lawn Care Crew Member/Direct Support Professional provides hands-on support in the instruction and development of vocational and daily living skills based upon the individual’s need. 
 

The Lawn Care Crew Member/Direct Support Professional landscapes and maintains grounds of commercial properties using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: mowing, trimming, digging, raking. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Direct Support:

Works directly with our consumers in a variety of employment settings and/or program models designed to address their individual program needs and life goals.

Assumes responsibility for implementation of individualized treatment plan goals, teaching strategies, and reporting assignments. 

Represents Easterseals with our community partners in promoting our collaborations with stakeholders, employers and community organizations.

Actively participates as a member of interdisciplinary treatment teams for all assigned individuals.

Establishes, develops and maintains respectful relationships with individuals served, and facilitate functional training in vocational, domestic, recreational, leisure and community settings.

Provides on-site employment and life skills training.  Maintains on-site support to consumers and serves in a liaison role with employers.

Assists individuals in making personal choices and accessing community activities.

Develops and expand community opportunities/relationships for our consumers that provide opportunities for increased independence.

Assists individuals in accessing public and/or generic transportation (native supports); provides transportation as assigned.

Successfully completes all professional development and training requirements as identified by the vocational program, and by our organization.

Teaches and enforces safety practices.

Implements Behavior Support plan and guidelines.

Implements medical/health protocols and guidelines.

Provides vital input to the development of the individual’s Individual/Treatment Plan. 

Attends and participates in team meets as requested.

Completes all required documentation in Therap electronic documentation system and other methods of documentation as needed.

Documents daily data for the individual’s goals, ADL strategies, behavior tracking, and all other forms of documentation as requested and needed.

Responsible to maintaining and attending all required agency, state, or accreditation trainings as assigned. 

Attends and participates in supervisions and staff meetings. 

Eligible to obtain PSL based upon program needs.

Eligible to obtain to obtain DDS medication certification based upon program needs. 

Performs other related duties as required.

General Laborer:

Landscaping (mowing lawns, leaf blowing, trimming hedges, raking leaves etc.)

Hand Tools & Power Tools (use and maintain assorted power tools and hand tools, including mowers, trimmers, shovels, rakes, leaf blowers, etc.)

Off Season Responsibilities:

During off season, Lawn Care Crew Member/Direct Support Professionals would be responsible for floor specials: stripping, waxing, buffing, carpet cleaning, and window washing. 

JOB KNOWLEDGE

This position may be authorized to have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) to perform specific job duties.        

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Works with in all aspects of landscape maintenance.

Can lift 50 lbs+ on a frequent basis.

Works in extreme weather conditions, heat, cold, wind, and rain.

Excellent communication skills.

Excellent problem-solving skills.

Valid driver’s license, good driving record as deemed by the agency’s liability broker.   Will be required to drive company van as needed to transport Individuals served.

Certification of CPR & First Aid, PMT, and all other required state trainings within required timeframe. 

Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Yammer and Email. 

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

Displays and upholds Easter Seals core values of collaboration, respect, caring,

excellence and accountability.  Consistently demonstrates caring for the community we

serve, for one another, and for the organization they are part of, and contributes to

building trust, pride, and camaraderie.

Makes good sound decisions.

Collaborates effectively with a diverse group of people.

Established, develops and maintains respectful relationships and boundaries with the individuals served.

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE