Sr. Direct Support Professional

About the role

Under general supervision, is responsible for devoting his/her attention to the care and development of the residents in one of the Agency's residential facilities. Interacts in a manner which fosters dignity and learning in a way that helps lead to greater independence. Helps create a homelike atmosphere for residents in an agency facility.

Responsibilities

• Provides care and assists with personal development and independence of residents.
• Ensures that all measures for safety and well-being are maintained at highest level.
• Trains residents in activities of daily living and in development of self-help and social skills.
• Maintains a personalized, homelike atmosphere in residence facility.
• Attends weekly staff meetings as well as any other assigned meetings and in-service training.
• Prepares concise written reports including Incident Reports, Residents Progress Notes and other reports as assigned.
• Responds to crisis situations and medical emergencies, including accidents by taking quick and decisive action.
• Ensures actions are conducted in a manner that prevents abuse and reports observations of co-workers who may be abusive in accordance with established procedures.
• Administers appropriate first aid based on visible symptoms and resident history in accordance with established guidelines and accepted first aid practices.
• Summons police, fire, ambulance or other emergency personnel if situation warrants it.
• If emergency has caused resident to exhibit behavior that is threatening or dangerous, in accordance with OPWDD approved Behavior Management guidelines, may have to restrain that resident.
• Transports residents in agency vehicles to and from work, shopping, programs, restaurants, movies, doctors appointments, etc.
• Assists with meal planning and preparation as well as with purchasing of food and supplies.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and implements behavioral programs.
• Participates fully as a member of interdisciplinary plan.
• Maintains an ongoing informal exchange of information.
• Maintains written logs for recording daily activities.
• Performs housekeeping, cooking, laundry, light maintenance and light preventative maintenance duties as needed in order to maintain a safe and homelike environment.
• Supervises any other activities as may be necessary in order to maintain quality of program.
• Dispenses prescribed medications to residents after successful completion of medication administration course and in line with Agency protocol.
• AMAPs are supervised by residence nurse in all areas related to medication administration.
• Completes all activities related to skill buildings as outlined in individual program plans.
• Attends to personal hygiene needs of residents i.e. toileting, bathing and changing as situation warrants.

Requirements

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with coworkers, employees, residents and their families
• Ability to analyze problems and determine corrective measures

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Six months of related experience is preferred but not required
• Salaried employees must be approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) at time of hire or within six months of date of hire in salaried status