NVCLC - Aurora - Direct Support Professional (Mon 2P-10P, Thurs & Fri 3P-11P, Sat & Sun 7A-3P) (68464)

About the Role

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) support individuals enrolled in programs and living in homes operated by Volunteers of America Chesapeake (VOAC). DSPs teach independent living skills, provide support with daily living activities, facilitate community integration, maintain safety and well-being, and contribute to the upkeep of program environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to ensure needs identified by the Inter-Disciplinary Team (IDT) are met.
• Communicate with families, IDT members, day programs, and other service providers as necessary.
• Instruct, support, and participate in household tasks such as cleaning, meal preparation, and grocery shopping as outlined in the Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
• Assist individuals in developing daily living skills, including social, environmental, and healthcare needs.
• Support daily grooming and personal care routines.
• Implement Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention responses as trained and specified in the Behavior Support Plan and ISP.
• Respond to emergency medical situations as trained.
• Perform crisis intervention and provide assistance as needed.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in social activities and community outings.
• Transport individuals and/or provide mobility training for appointments, community programs, and errands.
• Document activities and behaviors in designated files, data sheets, log books, and electronic records.
• Prepare food according to menus, dietary preferences, and prescribed diets.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and program meetings as directed.
• Ensure compliance with VOAC program requirements, home-specific rules, and regulations from monitoring entities.
• Inspect home/program environments and report needed repairs and maintenance.
• Ensure fire and safety procedures are followed, including participation in drills.
• Monitor sanitation and security conditions within the home/program environment.
• Notify supervisor and monitor activities of visitors to the home.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of VOAC policies and procedures.
• Understand role as a mandated reporter of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma, GED, and/or IEP.
• One year of experience working in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities (exceptions may be made with enhanced supervision).
• Medication Administration Certification preferred, but may be required by the end of the introductory period.
• Must pass all state-required trainings and new hire orientation classes.
• Must maintain current certifications and trainings required by CMS or relevant governmental entities.
• Computer skills required for documentation.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Must pass relevant local and state background checks and drug testing requirements.
• Bilingual in any language is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a residential setting serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or other special needs populations (e.g., rehabilitation settings, nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, behavioral health settings).
• Experience working with individuals who are medically fragile and/or have physical limitations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, individuals, and program supplies.
• Ability to operate office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movement.
• Ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods.
• Physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, and hear.
• Ability to perform basic and light home maintenance activities and operate office equipment.
• Ability to move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds (e.g., mail, supplies, files, equipment).
• Ability to lift, transfer, carry, push, or pull individuals as required for routine assistance or during emergencies.