Direct Support Professional

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver support per individual service/program plans, including socialization, health maintenance, medication administration, skill/behavioral development.
• Afford assistance with daily activities: personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community integration, shopping, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.

Essential Job Functions

• 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 applicable the bill of rights; practice universal precautions; assist individuals in exercising their rights.
• 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 other 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.

Employment Responsibilities

• Attend orientation and ongoing training as directed; participate in monthly staff meetings.
• Work scheduled hours; arrive for work 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; may fill in for other shifts where required without causing unapproved overtime, or in the event of emergency.
• Work together with others, value others contributions; be courteous; communicate openly; listen; and show respect to others.
• Develop and maintain a safe workplace; comply with all established safety policies, procedures, and rules; report unsafe hazards to their supervisor and participate in safety related training or activities.
• Transport individuals into the community; drive 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 immediately to supervisor or maintenance personnel.
• Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping as directed; maintain 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 as required.
• Check water temperature as required when assisting with bathing; participate in safety drills and protect persons being served in the event of emergency.