Training

Direct support professional certification in Maine is earned through self-directed learning and classroom instruction. The State of Maine has selected the College of Direct Support; a web-based learning management system available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for learner to improve their skills in caring for people across disabilities. By incorporating web-based learning, backed by nationally recognized curricula, the ME-CDS program is designed to promote the profession of direct support.

The Certified Residential Medication Aide will be able to demonstrate the following.

1. Legal and ethical responsibilities involved in the administration of medications to residents living in residential facilities for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities in the state of Maine
2. A basic knowledge of medications which includes drug categories, normal dosage range, and potential side effects
3. Ability through written and oral classwork and supervised clinical experience in the facility, to administer non-injectable medications in a safe, proper, and accurate manner.
4. Ability to understand required documentation procedures, report medication errors, use of common abbreviations, accountability for Controlled substances, and use of drug reference resources
5. An understanding of infection control and universal/standard precautions.

Each participant will be required to complete a mock Medication Administration Pass (supervised by the RN – registered nurse) dealing with a variety of medication types – oral, sublingual, optic, rectal, etc. Participants are encouraged to prepare through self – study or attend our Review/Refresher course, as review of the material is expressly prohibited by State regulation.

The course will test the participant’s knowledge of the following

1. Residents rights
2. State/Federal regulations regarding storage/handling of medications
3. Medical Terminology
4. Best Practice

Safety care is a training program for Direct Support Professionals who may provide services to individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors Safety Care also emphasizes the need to examine specific behaviors, and get the root cause of the behavior. The focus of Safety Care is on prevention, safety and humane, supportive, evidence-base interventions. Safety Care Trainees will learn how

1. to understand how and why crisis events happen, and how we may inadvertently contribute them.
2. Prevent crises using a variety of supportive interaction strategies.
3. Apply simple, evidence-based de-escalation strategies.
4. Respond appropriately and safely to dangerous behavior.
5. Prevent the need for restraint.
6. Intervene after a crisis to reduce the chance for reoccurrence