DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Location: 122 Point West Blvd, St. Charles, MO 63301

Pay: $18/hr

About the role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a member of the clinical team that provides compassionate care and assistance to individuals who struggle with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges and require assistance to achieve their fullest potential. The DSP provides the assistance necessary to allow the clients we serve to live independently and ensure their wellness, health, and safety. The DSP, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, provides a wide range of services to meet the environmental, physical, psychosocial, and personal needs of the individuals in our care. The DSP embraces the mission of the organization by fostering a culture of compassion, hope, service, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the circles of support to assist with the development and implementation of outcomes that are agreed on by the circle of support. Documents the Person Served progress toward their vision in the daily participation logs, using techniques identified by the support plan.
• Completes all State and agency-related training and implements training goals assigned at the Persons Served circle of support.
• Keeps an accurate account of each Persons Served progress on all ISP goals by recording responses to training sessions on Daily Participation Log forms to be routed to the Program Specialist/QIDP for review, and then to the Agency Case Manager.
• Assists and ensures that the Person Served with all daily living skills are protected from harm.
• Attends all scheduled staff and agency meetings, and training for recertification, and others as assigned; does not bring children or relatives to the meetings.
• Provides data collection and implements Behavior Supports Plan developed by the Behavior Specialist or Analyst.
• Completes orientation to pass all State and agency requirements for training at 80%; and completes any future training assigned by the supervisor or as a result of periodic job evaluations.
• Maintains a current driver's license (Class D) to transport Persons Served, and provides the agency with documentation of personal vehicle maintenance, and proof of vehicle insurance for any outside or agency vehicle used for community participation or other activities.
• Transports Persons Served to social, recreational, and religious activities as scheduled on the posted monthly activity schedule. Does not transport Persons Served to personal home without the approval of the Director.
• Assists in the maintenance and care of the home, supplies, and equipment (including keeping vehicles clean and the vehicle log up to date), and is accountable for the use and inventory of equipment, supplies, and appliances purchased for the Person Served. Does not smoke, eat, or drink in agency vehicles.
• When assigned, dispenses routine oral medication as prescribed according to agency policies and procedures, as per instructions for medication administration training for unlicensed personnel.
• Completes required incident reports and calls in reportable incidents within the required timeframe of discovery or witnessing any abuse, neglect, exploitation, or reportable staff misconduct; notifies family/guardians, ISC of any incidents within the required time frame.
• Makes accurate and complete entries in the home's daily log according to policies and procedures to assure 24-hour logs are present and accurate.
• Ensures passengers and self are safely secured in seat belts before moving vans or other vehicles from a parked position. Assists all Persons Served on and off all vehicles.
• Reports for duty at the scheduled time, properly utilizing the time and attendance system currently in place.
• Goes off duty when appropriately relieved.
• Accounts for the whereabouts of all Persons Served during on-duty hours.
• Demonstrates respect for all agency Persons Served, families, neighbors, and co-workers daily.
• Reports and documents via the worker’s compensation First Report of Injury and other forms all staff injuries within 24 hours of occurrence to the supervisor and to Human Resources.
• Is aware of agency on-call procedures to report emergencies related to residents, facility, or vehicle after office hours, and on weekends or holidays.
• Assists with personal care needs of the Person Served, including but not limited to bathing, feeding, ironing, laundry, personal grooming, and other activities of daily living.
• Assists with the preparation of well-balanced and culinary diverse meals to meet nutritional needs as outlined in the approved meal plan.
• Assists the Program Specialist/QIDP with quality inspections of the facility to ensure that the Person Served home meets sanitary and safety compliance.
• Assists Persons Served in the preparation of belongings for travel (e.g., home visits, overnight visits with friends, vacations, etc.).
• Documents the Person Served expenses monthly via a cash expenditure envelope and forwards all receipts to the Financial Case Manager.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate (required).
• Associate or bachelor's degree (preferred).
• Minimum 6 months to one (1) year direct experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities or in the human services field.
• 3-year clean motor vehicle record and valid driver’s license.
• ART experience preferred.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy, experience with Microsoft Office, email, time-recording, and other applications.
• Knowledge of trauma, trauma-informed care, and the creation of trauma-informed environments.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with developmentally disabled individuals.
• Excellent documentation and financial/mathematical skills.
• Strong judgment, problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with individuals with disabilities, families, co-workers, staff, supervisors, funding sources, and other social service agency personnel.
• Physical ability to fulfill job duties and requirements.
• Ability to supervise and/or assist individuals served in the Residential program.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Schedule flexibility.
• Stress tolerance: recognize crisis situations and react calmly and maturely; accept criticism and deal effectively with high-stress situations; ability to identify, react to, and report security concerns.
• Completion of all required training including but not limited to CPR and First-Aid.