Position Summary:
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) Provides care of people with developmental and/or physical disabilities who require 24-hour consistent care. The DSP provides supervision, protection and care of people individually and in-groups at all times. The DSP provides documentation of their progress, identification of the possible need for professional services, and communication of such findings to professional staff. This position works under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager and Administration Manager and has direct contact with individuals receiving services, their families, and community partners. DSPs must demonstrate a willingness to accept supervision and an interest in, and empathy for, individuals with developmental disabilities.
Responsibilities:
- Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime
- Implements rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs with individuals specifically related to the individual's programs.
- Teaches Activities of Daily Living (ADL's) such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene to individuals.
- Participates in the development of the individual's treatment plan.
- Observes individuals for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, reactions to medications, or other conditions which warrant medical intervention and properly documents observations.
- Reports significant changes in individual's physical condition or behavior and records information on individuals as appropriate.
- Administers first aid to individuals as appropriate.
- Attends to health-care needs of individuals under supervision of medical personnel.
- Evacuates individuals in the event of a fire, natural disaster, emergency situation, or drill.
- Prevents or manages aggressive behavior among individuals using Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI's)techniques and administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency interventions.
- Escorts individuals off grounds to activities or appointments.
- Performs direct care and support services to individuals.
- Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Minimum Qualifications (Experience and Skills):
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High School diploma or GED.
- Certification in CPR, First Aid and or ability to attain on the job.
- Experience in writing reports preferred
- A valid driver's license is required.
- One year experience in behavior programs for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities preferred.
- Dual diagnose experience preferred.
- Working with people who have mental health/intellectual developmental disabilities preferred.
- Required to complete a DSP (Direct Support Professional) 1 or 2 certification, within 6 months of hire date.
- Ability to clear Department of Justice (DOJ)/Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint and criminal record clearance.
- Ability to obtain or in possession of a current health screening and TB test as a condition of employment.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; bend; walk; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
