Direct Support Professional

Description

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) directly assist individuals to realize their full potential and to pursue  their wishes, needs, and interests. DSPs promote and advocate independence and happiness in all  aspects of life such as employment, home care, personal supports, safety, healthy living, needs for social  roles and supports, citizenship, recreation, and other areas of importance. DSPs are trained caregivers  that demonstrate a broad range of skills across all environments for the people they serve.   

POSITION PROFILE

• Enthusiastically embraces and promotes the mission and values of the organization through all actions
• Actively engages in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment specific to each client
• Discovers and fosters activities that promote a meaningful day
• Initiates effective communication with all team members
• Completes all documentation in a professional, accurate and timely manner that meets all agency standards

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Consumer Service 

• Responsible for understanding and implementing Individual Support Plans (ISP). ISPs may include, but are not limited to teaching, assisting, facilitating and building on the individual strengths in the areas of:

1. Meal planning and food preparation
2. Shopping for groceries, clothing, personal necessities
3. budgeting and bill payment
4. housing keeping and laundry
5. personal hygiene
6. recreation
7. socialization
8. health and safety
9. self-advocacy
10. employment

• Responsible for understanding and implementing Behavior Support Plans (BSP) if applicable.
• Responsible for understanding and implementing all medical High Risk Plans (HRP) if applicable.
• Responsible for providing consumers with opportunities to make informed and thoughtful choices throughout their day. 
• Responsible for teaching consumers how to appropriately advocate for themselves.
• Responsible for assisting consumers in being an active member of their community through participation in activities of their choice.
• Assists consumers in the development of meaningful connections by acting as a “bridge builder” to establish greater ties to the community and to support the development of friendships.
• Encourages and assists the consumers as needed in maintaining communication with parents, family and friends. 
• Engages the consumer throughout the day, whether through participation in activities or in discussions regarding areas of interest, desires or goals.
• Responsible for teaching consumers to utilize community transportation services or if needed, provide transportation using personal and agency vehicles. (Must maintain drivers insurability as outlined in Minimum Job Qualifications).
• Responsible for lifting and transferring consumers as necessary. (Must maintain ability to perform job as outlined in Minimum Job Qualifications under working conditions).

Required Skills/Abilities
Education: 

• High school diploma or G.E.D. 

Work Experience:  

• Experience in a human service field and/or experience with individuals with developmental or other disabilities preferred.

 General Requirements: 

• Must be 18 years of age or older, must have a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, meet agency’s driver insurability requirements, reliable vehicle, and up to date automobile insurance.  If position involves driving agency vehicles, must be 21 years of age.  Must have basic computer skills. 

Training Requirements during Employment: 

• Must maintain CPR and first aid certification.  
• Must pass Medication Administration and must stay current on all other training as defined by state, accreditation body or agency guidelines.

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires significant bending, lifting and stooping.    
• Alternating periods of sitting or standing as dictated by client needs. 
• Must be able to lift/transfer individuals and physically assist clients with movement and care.
• Ability to lift up a minimum of 35 pounds.  • Repetitive physical activity.  

Benefits: 

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• 401 (k) Plan 
• Group Life Insurance 
• Health Savings Account 
• Tuition Reimbursement Program 
• Employee Discount Program 
• Paid Time Off and Sick Time