Title:                           Direct Support Professional

Classification:            Non-Exempt

Department:                          Residential

Reports to:                 Program Manager

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Support Professional (DSP) uses best practices and technology within a community based residential setting to teach people with intellectual and developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills needed to live as independently as possible.  Performs all duties necessary to meet state-approved objectives and requirements.  Maintains a high quality program in accordance with State and Company standards, policies and mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists individuals, as necessary, with daily living skills and the development of independent community skills.
• Utilizes Person Centered Plans to assess consumer’s needs and interest in the community, and to develop goals and objectives.
• Assists in the development of a weekly schedule for each consumer to maximize their time spent in the community.
• Completes training with individuals towards achieving ISP goals.
• Administers medication(s) and completes appropriate documentation.
• Accompanies individuals to and from appointments and activities.
• Builds a support network between the individuals and community members.
• Accurately completes all in-house documentation; maintains current case notes and monthly reports of individual’s progress.
• Provides reports on consumer’s progress and how it relates to their overall goals.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attends staff meetings as determined by supervisor.
• Attends conferences, seminars and training relevant to the position.
• Attends Interdisciplinary Team meetings when necessary.
• Cooperates with internal and State investigations and inspections.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• ·         The ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in a crisis situation.
• ·         The ability to interact with a wide range of people.
• ·         Ability to establish a comfortable and supportive relationship with a person receiving supports.
• ·         Ability to read and write English.
• ·         Ability to lift 50 pounds (weight of average manual wheelchair when chair is empty).

EDUCATIONAL AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma (or equivalent).

REQUIRED LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• First Aid, CPR, OSHA, Medication Certification course and any other required agency trainings within first 120 days of employment.
• State trainings as required.
• Community Options orientation.
• Valid Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record.
• Satisfactory criminal background.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent lifting, stretching and other physical exertion during positioning of consumers or equipment.
• While performing the duties of the job, employee travels by automobile, utilizing own vehicle, and is exposed to changing weather conditions.
• May transport participants in own vehicle.
• May occasionally assist with wheelchair transfer of non-ambulatory participants.
• May be exposed to various medical conditions and communicable diseases.
• Work will take place in the community and in the homes.
• Flexible schedule as determined by supervisor.

Organization Details