Roles:
- Provide care and support for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or physical challenges.
- Assist clients in living as independently as possible.
Responsibilities:
- Help with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, eating, medication).
- Support community involvement and social interaction.
- Document care and report changes in behavior or health.
- Advocate for clients’ needs and rights.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment.
- Teach life skills like cooking, budgeting, and hygiene.
- Follow care plans and work under the supervision of a case manager or nurse.
· Provides clients with support, direction, & supervision to acquire appropriate functional life skills and to integrate successfully in the community. This includes but is not limited to, taking individuals to residential and community-based activities, encouraging relationships, & encouraging self-advocacy
· Prepare healthy meals are prepared for the person served daily.
· Assist individuals with dressing/undressing daily.
· Communicating consistently and professionally with guardians, family members and other personnel.
· Clean residence and complete laundry for Indvidual's; this includes but is not limited to, assuring that the residence will pass safety and environmental inspections, and other environmental duties as needed.
· Demonstrates knowledge of assigned individuals’ goals, Goal Plans, Supplemental Procedures, Behavior Support Plans and Nursing Plans of Care and assures they are implemented as written; maintains data as required/ specified in clients’ PCP
· Assisting with transporting individuals on appointments as needed on scheduled shifts and submitting documentation to appropriate personnel immediately after the appointment.
· Transport individuals with any transitions such as Emergency room visits, residential moves, etc.
· Assures individuals participate in all required/scheduled meetings, appointments and daily activities
· Conducts Just Community Meetings and ensures Events Calander is completed weekly
· Checking PRN medications monthly to ensure none are expired and reorder as needed along with submitting a completed report to the Residential Manager.
· Checking the disaster kit monthly to ensure each item is present and not expired.
· Assures the Residential Manager is provided with a current telephone number by which the Lead Staff can be reached expediently
· Attends meetings as scheduled or as directed by the Residential Manager or his/her designee.
· Immediately reports incidents according to Agency policy. Is available to participate in the investigation
· Must remain on shift until properly relieved by the next staff member
· Maintains current certification in all agency required trainings
· Performs other duties as directed by the Residential Manager or his/her designee
· Completes documentation thoroughly in ICARE along with reviewing documentation for accuracy completed by the Residential Counselor. Following up with each for any errors discovered
· Facilitating bi-weekly meetings as needed.
· Monitors inventory to ensure necessary supplies are available, & Ensuring household shopping is completed.
· Providing appropriate feedback to the Residential Manager on Residential Counselors' performance.
· Completing cycle medication check monthly along with reviewing MARs and PMOF’s for accuracy.
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides essential support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, assisting them in daily activities and promoting their independence.Key Responsibilities
- Direct Care: Provide personal care to individuals, including assistance with hygiene, grooming, feeding, and mobility.
- Health Monitoring: Monitor health conditions and assist with medication administration as trained.
- Support Activities: Encourage self-help activities and foster positive relationships between clients and caregivers.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of services provided and report any changes in clients' conditions to supervisors.
- Home Management: Perform light housekeeping tasks, meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation.
- Transportation: Accompany clients to appointments and assist with errands as needed.
Qualifications and Skills
- Education: A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is typically required; further education in social work or a related field can be beneficial.
- Certifications: Some employers may require specific certifications related to direct support or caregiving.
- Skills: Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills are essential. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is also important.
Work Environment
- DSPs often work in various settings, including clients' homes, community centers, or residential facilities. Flexibility in work hours may be required, and benefits can vary by employer.
Pay: $18.50 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
