Direct Support Professional (DSP) must live in York, PA

PU’s Intellectual Disability Department provides services to promote and support independence for individuals with intellectual disabilities, enabling them to live full, quality lives as integrated members of their community.

About the role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the residential program provides high-quality direct services to individuals with intellectual disabilities (and possibly mental health issues) to help them live in the community, achieve a quality life, and live as independently as possible. The DSP handles day-to-day duties necessary for smooth residential program operations, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This role involves implementing and documenting individuals’ goal and intervention plans, and may require lifting based on individual needs.

It is essential that the DSP believes in and implements the agency’s philosophy, delivering programs that are viable and tailored to each individual’s needs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Safety of Staff and Individuals:
  • Observe and address safety issues promptly, correcting what you can and reporting what you cannot to the DSPS or Senior DSP.
  • Inspect the site regularly for safety compliance.
  • Ensure hot water temperature is below 120°F.
  • Closely supervise individuals in the community as per their ISP and annual assessment.
  • Follow universal precautions.
  • Report all allegations or suspicions of abuse to the Incident Manager via the IM cell phone.
  • Conduct monthly fire drills and fire safety checks.
  • Assess individuals’ safety needs and provide services to maximize their safety.
  • Follow ISPs, annual assessments, behavioral support plans, SEEN plans, medical education plans, and other implemented plans as written.
  • Ensure smoke alarms, radon (when applicable), and CO2 detectors are fully functional.
  • Ensure seat belts are worn in vehicles.
  • Keep all exits free of ice, snow, and debris to the designated fire emergency meeting location.
  • Report maintenance issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure the Individual’s Needs are Met:
  • Provide individualized services based on each person’s needs.
  • Ensure the Program Coordinator has all necessary information for annual assessments.
  • Develop services based on individuals’ interests and desires (e.g., individual choice).
  • Implement goal plans to help individuals attain higher levels of independence.
  • Teach skills and allow individuals to complete tasks as independently as possible.
  • Implement ISPs and all support plans as written.
  • Monitor individuals’ finances by reviewing house accounts and spending.
  • Encourage and support individuals to become involved members of their community.
  • Assist with activities of daily living (e.g., personal hygiene, dressing, dental care).
  • Transport individuals to appointments, activities, and programs.
  • Administer medications in accordance with Medication Administration Training.
  • Ensure an adequate supply of medications is available in the home.
  • Prepare and serve nutritious meals following posted menus, dietary guidelines, and individual preferences.
  • Provide recreational activities based on individual interests.
  • Adjust work schedules to meet the changing needs of individuals.
• Ensure all Household Operations Maintain a High Level of Quality:
  • Monitor the home to ensure it is clean and in good repair.
  • Perform general household cleaning.
  • Maintain the exterior of homes and adjoining properties (e.g., mowing grass, trimming hedges, weeding, painting) and submit maintenance requests as needed.
  • Monitor assigned vehicles to ensure they are clean, in good repair, and well-maintained.
  • Assist individuals in making purchases.
  • Conserve utilities (e.g., heat, water).
• Communicates With Others:
  • Represent Bell Socialization Services professionally in all interactions.
  • Interact appropriately and positively with individuals, parents, coworkers, outside agencies, medical professionals, and others.
  • Report incidents in accordance with state regulations.
  • Stay informed about agency information, policies, and procedures.
  • Keep up-to-date on program operations and personnel issues.
  • Follow directives from supervisory personnel.
  • Submit time sheets, billings, check requests, expense requests, grocery receipts, and other paperwork correctly and on time.
  • Document and report medication errors to the Incident Manager via the IM cell phone.
  • Complete all required paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Use the On Call system according to policy (e.g., calling off sick).
  • Request permission from the DSPS to make changes in the weekly schedule.
  • Report important information to supervisors and coworkers to ensure consistent communication.
  • Attend mandatory monthly house meetings.
• Ensure the Program Site is in Compliance with All Regulations:
  • Stay informed about all applicable regulations, bulletins, and health alerts.
  • Monitor the site for compliance with regulations.
  • Ensure personnel records contain all required information and are filed appropriately.
  • Complete all medical appointments within regulatory time frames and ensure paperwork is accurate and complete.
  • Ensure medication logs are accurate, match pharmacy labels, and are documented correctly.
  • Complete medication questionnaires for each medication, signed by a physician and pharmacist.
  • Count and document controlled medications daily, storing them in a double-locked area.
  • Ensure individuals review and sign their rights form annually.
  • Correct and/or report all areas of non-compliance to supervisory personnel.
• Ensure Programs Offer Services Consistent with Bell’s Philosophies:
  • Familiarize yourself with Bell’s Policy and Procedures Manual and philosophical beliefs.
  • Ensure services align with agency policies, procedures, and philosophies, including individual-directed services, person-centered planning, positive approaches, normalization, everyday lives philosophies, and behavioral psychology.
  • Maintain Bell’s Policy and Procedures Manual.
  • Encourage involvement of individuals’ families.
  • Support individuals’ choices and advocate for their rights.
• Additional Elements:
  • Support other programs in the Intellectual Disability Department.
  • Attend mandatory meetings and trainings.
  • Develop positive relations with neighbors and the community.
  • Network with Bell support staff.
  • Complete assigned tasks on time.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Residential Program Coordinator or RPS.
  • Obtain 24 hours of training annually.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Current driver’s license, insurable driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Current physical and Mantoux (TB) test, free from contagious disease.
• Act 33 clearance and PA State Police Background check.

Pay

$18.25 hourly wage.