Direct Support Professional

Responsibilities

• Develop a rapport with residents and cultivate a safe and supportive relationship
• Provide support and guidance for members during skills building activities
• Implement individual treatment plans and positive support plans for members
• Encourage self-help skill building by supporting members with daily living activities including preparing meals, maintaining a clean and healthy environment and assisting with personal hygiene
• Mentor healthy eating choices, activities that enhance physical fitness, and overall health and wellness choices
• Transport residents in approved vehicles as activities and/or medical appointments require
• Exercise sound judgment to ensure the safety and welfare of members
• Notify House Manager of any situation developing or occurring in the home which could have a negative impact on the home's operation or member's welfare and safety
• Respect each member's right to privacy and confidentiality
• Ensure that all medications are passed in a safe manner
• Manage member funds by accurately recording expenditures
• Collect accurate and timely data including updates to member ISP progress notes, treatment plans, and positive support plans daily, or more often, as outlined in the plan and as required to track progress towards established goals, objectives, and outcomes
• Follow work schedule, demonstrate consistent attendance, and accurately record hours worked
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist in all residential settings as needed
• Independently initiate household maintenance and upkeep as necessary
• Alert House Manager to safety and/or maintenance needs by following the internal protocols regarding the Maintenance Department
• Follow all agency safety standards and procedures
• Follow all transportation policies including identifying any maintenance concerns with vehicles

Qualifications

• Position experience not required, but must have the desire to work with, learn about, and support individuals with intellectual and other complex disabilities
• A willingness to implement positive behavior support and structured activities
• Excellent communication with members, families, coworkers and other professionals
• Highest High School Diploma or GED
• Must become DSP, CRMA and Safety Care certified as a primary responsibility of the DSP position
• Must have a valid driver's license from state of residence and clean driving record
• Must be proficient in speaking, reading and writing English
• The ability to learn beginner level Information Technology skills
• Normal degree of flexibility, and ability to raise hands above head
• Ability to stand, walk, run, shuffle, and stoop for several minutes
• Ability to kneel on one and two knees, and then stand up
• Ability to bend 45 degrees at the trunk, and twist to either side
• Ability to grasp firmly
• Ability to push and pull personal care equipment, and lift up to 50 pounds independently, using safe body mechanics
• The ability to implement Safety Care techniques to escort and/or establish member safety in an emergency and/or per the support plan