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: 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 and 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 according to internal and external standards; report medical, behavioral, and other incidents per policy.
• Maintain confidentiality, respect the rights of persons served, and assist individuals in exercising their rights.
• Accompany individuals to medical appointments as needed; relay orders and information to and from medical providers.
• If assigned, accurately administer or support self-administration of medication; document delivery and promptly report errors; secure controlled medications.
• Monitor individual’s health; document concerns; communicate with nurse or supervisor; follow health care directives and call 911 in emergencies.
• Correctly use and report malfunction of medical equipment.
• 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; arrive on time; stay until replacement arrives; notify supervisor of absences.
• Collaborate with team members; value contributions; communicate openly; show respect.
• Comply with safety policies and procedures; report 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; participate in safety drills.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Six months of experience in human services preferred.
• Must be 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 and certification in mandated timeframes.
• Maintain valid driver’s license and meet insurance requirements to drive for the company.
• Submit to drug testing prior to employment (if hired after 6/15/2018), randomly, and for cause/suspicion.
• Pass criminal background checks and be cleared 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).
• 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.