Direct Support Professional (6301)

About the role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in various settings, focusing on enhancing their quality of life and promoting independence.

Responsibilities

• Foster and support a person-centered thinking atmosphere.
• Individual Support:
• Provide direct care and support to individuals in accordance with their individualized service plans (ISPs).
• Accompany individuals on community outings and activities, ensuring their safety and engagement.
• Plan and implement meaningful activities and skill-building exercises in the day program setting.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of services provided, including daily logs, incident reports, and service delivery notes.
• Community and Home Services:
• Assist with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and medication administration.
• Support individuals in developing and maintaining personal relationships, social skills, and community involvement.
• Facilitate participation in community events, recreational activities, and volunteer opportunities.
• Monitor and document progress toward individual goals during day program sessions.
• Encourage individuals to express their preferences and make choices about their daily activities and future goals.
• Health and Safety:
• Ensure a safe environment by following all health and safety protocols, including emergency procedures.
• Monitor and report any health or behavioral concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Advocacy and Empowerment:
• Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals, promoting self-determination and informed decision making.
• Training and Development:
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay informed about best practices in the field of direct support.
• Implement strategies learned from training to enhance service delivery.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to maintain a positive relationship with community organizations, as well as with family members and other support service providers.
• Ability to maintain appropriate relationships with people served, families, and providers, i.e., maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, and treating them with respect and dignity.
• Ability to perform with a minimum of supervision. Uses correct judgement, initiative, and flexibility to meet job requirements.
• Ability to represent The Arc of Evansville professionally in the community by developing effective work relationships with internal and external contacts (i.e., verbally, written, attitudinal). Promotes a positive relationship and attitude among others by serving as a role model; interacts in an attentive, courteous, and timely manner.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience working with people who have intellectual/developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Must have a valid operator's license to drive Agency vehicles in the community.
• Must have and maintain an acceptable driving record (i.e., less than 3 moving violations within 3 years).
• Good computer, oral, and written communication skills.
• The incumbent must have state minimum insurance coverage amounts for all vehicles an employee may drive on Agency business.
• Maintains certifications of first aid/CPR, and Core A and B for medication administration.
• Completion of crisis intervention Mandt training upon hire.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the job.