Direct Support Professional

Non-exempt, full-time or part-time, hourly role supporting 4–6 individuals in residential settings or up to 10 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.
• 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 according to their choice/preference.
• Maintain healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians, and case managers; implement customer service standards.
• Report any instance of alleged abuse or neglect and medical, behavioral, or other incidents in accordance with policy and external requirements.
• Respect the rights of persons being served; assist individuals in exercising their rights; practice universal precautions.
• Accompany individuals to medical appointments as needed; relay orders and information to and from medical providers.
• Administer or support self-administration of medication; document delivery and promptly report errors; maintain security of medications and supplies.
• Monitor individual’s health; document health concerns; communicate with nurse or supervisor; follow health care directives; call 911 in emergencies.
• Follow procedures for medical equipment; report malfunction or disrepair.
• Prepare or support meal preparation according to planned menus and individual choice; monitor mealtime and implement dining plans.
• Attend orientation, ongoing training, and monthly staff meetings.
• Work scheduled hours; notify supervisor of absences; fill in for other shifts as required without causing unapproved overtime.
• Collaborate with team members; communicate openly and respectfully.
• Comply with safety policies, procedures, and rules; report unsafe hazards; participate in safety training and drills.
• Transport individuals safely; ensure proper use of safety equipment; report accidents immediately.
• Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping; maintain a neat, clean, and safe environment; report hazards.
• Monitor environmental safety; make minor repairs; perform yard maintenance; report equipment or facilities needing repair.
• Check water temperature when assisting with bathing; protect individuals in emergencies.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Six months of experience in human services preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Working knowledge of computers.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing; car registration and insurance if providing transportation.
• Complete all state-required training(s) and certification(s) in mandated timeframes.
• Maintain valid driver’s license and meet insurance requirements to drive for the company; comply with company MVR driving record requirements.
• Submit to drug testing prior to employment, randomly, and for cause/suspicion.
• Pass criminal background checks and be determined not disqualified by the Department of Human Services.
• Name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).
• Successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in all 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.