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; 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.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties and activities as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Minimum Knowledge and Skills Required for the Job

• Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent preferred; six months of experience in human services preferred.
• Age Requirement: Must be 18 years of age.
• Knowledge and Skills: Working knowledge of computers.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Valid driver’s license in good standing in The State of New Jersey.
• Valid driver’s license, meet all insurance requirements, and be approved by management to be a driver for the company.
• All state-required training(s) and certification(s) completed in mandated timeframes.
• Must submit to drug testing prior to employment.
• Must submit to criminal background checks and be determined not to be disqualified by the Department of Human Services.
• Must agree to have their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, as well as completing an application to have their name checked against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).
• Must successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in all areas of required trainings.