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RESIDENTIAL UNIT SPECIALIST - 67013425

Florida Department of Financial Services, Gainesville, FL, United States


Working for the State of Florida
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

Health insurance (over 90% employer paid)

$25,000 life insurance policy (100% employer paid)

Dental, vision and supplemental insurances available at state rates

State of Florida retirement package

Generous vacation and sick leave

10 paid holidays a year

Tuition waiver for state college/university courses

Training opportunities

For additional benefit information available to State of Florida employees, go to

mybenefits.myflorida.com

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) works in partnership with local communities to support people with developmental disabilities in living, learning, and working in their communities. APD provides critical services and support for customers with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential. The Agency serves people with spina bifida, autism, Down syndrome, children ages 3‑5 at high risk of developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, Prader‑Willi syndrome, Phelan‑McDermid syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. There is no charge or co‑payment for services provided through the Agency.

apdcares.org

Join APD’s TACACHALE and be part of the team that MAKES A DIFFERENCE – NOT JUST A LIVING, impacting the lives of developmentally disabled adults!

Salary Range
$34,760.00 - $38,236.00 Annually ($1,366.92 - $1,470.62 Biweekly). The hiring salary may exceed the maximum posted salary.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
The primary function of this position is to provide direct support and services to residents in the implementation of their individualized active treatment plans as prescribed by their Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) while maintaining their overall safety and well‑being. Responsibilities include:

Implement approved and scheduled active treatment and skill acquisition programs for residents daily and consistently.

Utilize approved policies and procedures, protocols and training modules to ensure residents’ safety and privacy.

Provide supervision and training for residents across all settings.

Maintain reports and suggest improvements as appropriate.

Transport and/or escort residents, ensuring their safety and well‑being.

Provide care for residents during overnight stays in hospital (until admitted), as directed.

Follow approved individualized behavior support plans utilizing approved intervention strategies.

Follow occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy programs and profiles as prescribed.

Implement appropriate recreation and leisure activities for residents.

Communicate with staff during shift change regarding significant resident related information.

Accurately document resident information, provide valuable input, make suggestions for improvements and participate in meetings and discussions concerning residents’ needs, goals and objectives.

Ensure residents’ clothing and personal possessions are checked daily.

Complete residents’ Personal Possession Inventory accurately and monthly as assigned.

Perform appropriate first aid for residents’ injuries and illnesses as the situation warrants.

Accurately complete Incident Reports and document illnesses and injuries within one (1) hour of occurrence and maintain compliance with policies and procedures related to reporting resident injuries.

Remain on duty at the end of the shift until proper staffing is in place for the oncoming shift, or until released by supervisory or management staff.

Attend mandatory and in‑service training as required, and other staff meetings as necessary.

Complete annual health screening.

Position Requirements

If hired with an out‑of‑state license, a valid Florida State driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days.

Corrective lenses restricted license are acceptable provided the driver wears the corrective lenses while operating a state vehicle.

Must be willing to perform essential services before, during, and after an emergency.

Must be willing to work beyond the normal work schedule to maintain minimum coverage levels and meet the needs of the Agency.

Must maintain certification in Prevention and Safety Strategies, CPR and Direct Care In‑Service.

Must be able to physically operate all equipment necessary to do job tasks.

Must be willing and able to provide hands‑on assistance to residents with activities of daily living to include personal hygiene and grooming, such as bathing, toileting, and dressing.

Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.

Must be able to work 16‑hour shifts as needed.

Must be able to assist with evacuation of residents during an emergency.

Must be able to work around cleaning supplies.

Must be able to bend, twist, turn, kneel, stoop, squat, push, pull, lift and walk extended distances.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:

Using appropriate safety techniques in personal hygiene, grooming, and other activities of daily living.

Understanding and applying the methods and practices used in medical, psychiatric, nursing, or childcare or working with developmentally disabled persons.

Ability to:

Understand procedures and complete reports.

Read, teach and implement residents’ support plans, formal and informal programs/interventions.

Follow instructions and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Utilize problem‑solving techniques.

Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Work in a home‑like setting.

Implement prescribed treatment plans including behavior modification activities.

Instruct others in recreational activities.

Special Requirements
Applicants must undergo Level 2 employment screening as required by Florida Statutes. The position requires a background investigation, including fingerprinting. APD only hires U.S. citizens and those legally authorized to work in the U.S.

You may be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.

Veterans’ Preference
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A‑7, Florida Administrative Code.

Drug-Free Workplace
The State of Florida is a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.

EEO Statement
Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.

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