Direct Support Professional

Position Description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a non-supervisory position with the primary function of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their homes and communities throughout King County. The DSP is responsible for daily implementation of client service plans including required documentation.

Organizational Reporting Relationships

Department: Supported Living Program
Supervisor: Supported Living Program Coordinator
Other key relationships: Senior Lead DSP, Lead DSP

JOB SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides one-to-one support to participants within our Supported Living Program (SLP) that fosters inclusion and independence. The DSP is responsible for daily notations and other required documentation. The support provided should be reflective of The Arc of King County's mission, the Residential Guidelines, and the Washington Administrative Codes (WAC). The DSP will meaningfully advocate on behalf of participants on various levels.

Essential Functions

• Assist participants with community inclusion and social integration.
• Attend appointments with participants (medical, housing, Individual Service Plans [ISPs]).
• Complete quarterly safety logs.
• Absorb and assist participant in setting and meeting goals and meeting ISP objectives.
• Absorb and assist participant in housing reviews and finding housing.
• Complete required documentation and daily narratives.
• Absorb and assist participant in managing their finances as directed by their Independent Financial Plan (IFP).
• Absorb and assist participant in home support (cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc.).
• Absorb and assist participant in goals and approaches as directed by medical professionals.
• Perform delegated medication administration as needed.
• Absorb and assist participant in personal care tasks as needed.
• Provide the Human Resources (HR) Department with state-required documentation of training and certifications to maintain employment as a DSP.
• Absorb and accurately document participant appointments in Therap.
• Strategize and collaborate with SLP Leads in meeting participant support needs.
• Absorb and assist with orientation of new staff by being an exemplary example and providing information relevant to participant supports to new staff during the shadowing phase.

Physical and Other Requirements

• Driver license or ability to navigate public transportation.
• Ability and willingness to work at locations throughout the King County region.
• Ability to work flexible hours and days is required.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is an hourly non-exempt position with the opportunity to work full-time or part-time. Benefits available to employees per the rules of each benefit.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum Qualifications: Effective communication skills to provide feedback to all levels of management. Experience and basic understanding of MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Therap. Ability to effectively work both independently and with the Coordinator Team and the Health Advocate Professional. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse economic, ethnic and social backgrounds. Ability to prioritize work and or to ask for support in doing so from Supervisors and Coordinator.