Lead Direct Support Manager

About Pee Dee Regional Center

Pee Dee Regional Center is a residential facility of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs located in Florence, SC serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Job Responsibilities:

• Actively develops subordinate DSM/DSP III leadership and supervisory skills to enable effective training, supervision, and retention. Provides initial and ongoing on-the-job training to new DSM's, including but not limited to regulatory compliance, the interdisciplinary team process, communication with families and other service providers, and the active treatment programs.  Proactively engages employees to build relationships that creates trust, open dialogue, and establishes clear responsibilities.  Monitors staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage needs to support consumer needs. Completes monthly monitoring of Individual Support Plan trainings for staff, and provides training as needed. Reviews the Direct Support Professional staff's work performance and contributes to annual performance evaluations.  
• Ensures that each individual receives services and interventions necessary to meet identified needs in accordance with active treatment standards on a daily basis.
• Provides thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of services provided. Maintains documentation in compliance with SCDDSN written rules, regulations and policies. Ensures that programs/training are amended based on progress or newly identified needs/concerns.
• Maintains continuous communication with guardians and advocates regarding significant events including injuries/incidents, training, and health of the individuals with disabilities to include but not limited to: medical condition, hospitalizations, campus activities and other adverse events. Mentors DSMs on effective communication approaches with guardians and advocates, and assists in the resolution of services/other problems as needed.
• Monitors consistency among external/internal programs and disciplines to ensure that any discrepancies or inconsistencies between programmatic, medical, dietary, and vocational aspects of consumer’s assessments and programs are resolved.  Serves on various committees representing individuals of this agency, i.e.. Behavior Support, Medication Review, and others as deemed appropriate.
• Covers caseload(s) when a Direct Support Manager vacancy occurs as requested by the Residential Administrator. Ensures that regulatory compliance and continuity of services are maintained in the absence of an assigned DSM, including implementation, monitoring and revision of each consumers' active treatment plan; effective communication with other professionals and families.   
• Promotes a safe, orderly, neat, clean environment for consumers. Reports significant events and suspected abuse immediately per SCDDSN policy and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by leadership.

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

A Bachelor’s degree in a human services field including, but not limited to: sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, Registered Nurse licensure, or Doctorate of Medicine Osteopathy. Two years of related experience providing professional or direct services, including at least one year of experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities. Must have a valid SC Driver’s License.

Previous experience as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP).

General knowledge of intellectual disabilities. Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures relevant to the area of employment and in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF). Knowledge of basic safety practices. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to effectively manage staff. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work extended hours as necessary to ensure consumer safety and supervision various activities and/or severe weather conditions. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion. Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Physical abilities include; lifting, pushing, standing, stooping, bending, pulling, walking, and running.

About Our Agency: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and similar disability.

EEO Statement: DDSN provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex --including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; State and Federal background criminal record checks (to include FBI fingerprinting), SC Dept. of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, and CMS “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials.  We reserve the right to rescind this offer in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with DDSN consumers, a (2) step PPD testing or QuantiFERON TB Gold testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment. 
  
State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DDSN employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.
  
Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program.  You may contact Human Resource for further information.
  
Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.