Direct Support Professional

About the role

ResCare Community Living, a part of the Sevita family, provides quality services that empower individuals, enhance independence, and help people live well. Since 1974, we’ve supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live more independently at home and in their community. This position is responsible for 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.

Pay

$15.50 per hour

Schedule

Non-exempt, full-time or part-time, hourly role.

Responsibilities

Services and supports

• 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
• Manage individuals’ assets: make cost-effective and appropriate purchases within the individual’s budget and according to their choice/preference
• Maintain healthy, professional relationships with individuals, families, guardians, and case managers; greet visitors; implement Sevita Customer Service Standards
• Report any instance of alleged abuse or neglect per internal and external standards; report medical, behavioral, and other incidents per Sevita policy and external requirements
• Maintain confidentiality, respect rights of persons served per applicable bill of rights; practice universal precautions; assist individuals in exercising their rights

Health care

• Accompany individuals to medical appointments as needed; relay orders and information to/from medical providers
• If assigned, accurately administer or support self-administration of medication and document delivery; promptly report administration errors; maintain security of controlled medications and supplies
• Monitor individuals’ health; document health concerns; communicate with nurse or supervisor as appropriate; call 911 in emergencies; follow individual health care directives
• Correctly follow procedures for medical equipment; report malfunction or disrepair
• Prepare or support individuals to prepare food per planned menus and individual choice; know special diets and prepare meals accordingly; monitor mealtime and implement dining plans

Employment responsibilities

• 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 or as soon as possible after start time; may fill in for other shifts without causing unapproved overtime or in emergencies
• Work collaboratively, value others’ contributions, communicate openly, listen, and show respect
• Comply with all safety policies, procedures, and rules; report unsafe hazards; participate in safety training and activities

Maintenance and transportation

• Transport individuals into the community; drive safely per local laws; ensure proper use of safety equipment (seat belts, lifts, wheelchair ties); report accidents to authorities and supervisor immediately
• Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping; maintain neat, clean, safe environment; report hazards or safety concerns
• Monitor environmental safety; make minor repairs (change light bulbs, etc.); perform yard maintenance including safe walkways and snow removal; report equipment/facility repair needs
• Check water temperature when assisting with bathing; participate in safety drills; protect persons served in emergencies

Other

• Perform other duties and activities as required
• MPA = Mobile Punch Authorized for timekeeping

Requirements

Education and experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Six months of experience in human services preferred
• Must be 18 years of age
• Working knowledge of computers

Certificates, licenses, and registrations

• Valid driver’s license in good standing
• Car registration and vehicle insurance if providing transportation for individuals receiving services
• All state-required training(s) and certification(s) completed in mandated timeframes
• Maintain valid driver’s license, meet all insurance requirements, and be approved by management as a company driver
• If driving privileges are lost per company MVR policy, employee must sign a Non-Driver form and is restricted from driving on behalf of the company until MVR satisfies company requirements

Work environment & physical requirements

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.

New Jersey addendum

• Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation
• Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing in the State of New Jersey; if commuting from another state, must have a valid license in good standing for the state of residence
• At minimum, a High School Diploma/Equivalent is required
• All employees hired after 6/15/2018 shall submit to drug testing prior to employment; all employees shall submit to drug testing randomly and for cause/suspicion
• Employees must submit to criminal background checks and be determined not disqualified by the Department of Human Services prior to working with individuals served
• Employees must agree to have their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and complete an application for the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI) check
• Employees must successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in all areas of required trainings
• Shall be at least 18 years of age