Direct Support Professional _1001

Non-exempt, full-time or part-time, hourly role providing direct support within a single program or unit, typically supporting 4–6 individuals in residential settings or up to 10 individuals in periodic programs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver support per individual service/program plans, including socialization, health maintenance, medication administration, skill/behavioral development.
• Assist with daily activities: personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community integration, shopping, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
• Provide direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assist with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
• Accurately document progress and activity; review records and logs to stay abreast of changes in service plans; maintain confidentiality.
• Make cost-effective and appropriate purchases within the budget of the individual served and according to their choice/preference.
• Maintain healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians, and case managers; greet family members and other visitors; implement Sevita Customer Service Standards.
• Report any instance of alleged abuse or neglect according to internal and external standards; report medical, behavioral, and other incidents in accordance with Sevita policy and external requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality, respect the rights of persons being served according to the bill of rights; practice universal precautions; assist individuals in exercising their rights.
• Accompany individuals to medical appointments as needed; relay orders and information to and from medical providers.
• If assigned, accurately administer or support self-administration of medication and document delivery of medications and treatments; promptly report administration errors; maintain appropriate security of controlled medications and supplies.
• Monitor individual’s health; document health concerns; communicate with nurse or supervisor as appropriate; call 911 in the event of emergency; follow individual health care directives.
• Correctly follow procedures in utilizing medical equipment; report malfunction or disrepair.
• Prepare or support individuals to prepare food in accordance with planned menus and individual choice; know special diets and prepare individual meals accordingly; monitor mealtime and correctly implement any dining plans.
• Attend orientation and ongoing training as directed; participate in monthly staff meetings.
• Work scheduled hours; arrive on time; stay on shift until replacement arrives; notify supervisor in advance when unable to work as scheduled or as soon as possible after the designated start time; fill in for other shifts where required without causing unapproved overtime or in the event of emergency.
• Work collaboratively with others, value contributions, communicate openly, listen, and show respect.
• Comply with all established safety policies, procedures, and rules; report unsafe hazards to supervisor; participate in safety-related training or activities.
• Transport individuals into the community safely and according to local laws; ensure proper use of safety equipment including seat belts, lifts, and wheelchair ties; report accidents to appropriate authorities immediately; report accidents and safety concerns to supervisor or maintenance personnel.
• Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping as directed; maintain a neat, clean, and safe environment; report hazards or safety concerns.
• Monitor environmental safety and make minor repairs, change light bulbs, etc.; perform yard maintenance including keeping walkways safe and snow removal; report equipment or facilities requiring repairs to supervisor or maintenance personnel.
• Check water temperature as required when assisting with bathing; participate in safety drills and protect persons being served in the event of emergency.
• Perform other duties and activities as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Six months of experience in human services preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Working knowledge of computers.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Car registration and vehicle insurance if providing transportation for individuals receiving services.
• Complete all state-required training(s) and certification(s) in mandated timeframes.
• Maintain valid driver’s license, meet all insurance requirements, and be approved by management to drive for the company. If an employee loses driving privileges by failing the company MVR driving record requirements, they will be restricted from driving on behalf of the company until their MVR report satisfies company requirements.
• Submit to drug testing prior to employment (if hired after 6/15/2018), randomly, and for cause/suspicion.
• Submit to criminal background checks and be determined not disqualified by the Department of Human Services prior to working with individuals served.
• Agree to have name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).
• Successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in all areas of required trainings.

Work Environment

Works at the program location and may accompany individuals into the community.

Physical Requirements

Heavy Work. Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.