Are you ready to make a difference in someone life? Come work at Chandler/Gilbert Arc (CGArc) a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. At CGArc, we believe that all persons should be provided the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential and are seeking a Direct Support Professional to help us achieve that belief! Direct Support Professionals with CGArc provide support for individuals in community-based homes and are responsible for teaching them life-skills.If you are looking for a fun, rewarding career, you have come to the right place! We offer an array of benefits and love to welcome new team members to our ever-growing family. We have an ongoing need to fill our Direct Support Professional positions and have opportunities all over the east valley.
JOB SUMMARY: (Brief Statement of Purpose)
Under general direction and supervision of the Community Living House Manager, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) performs a variety of work of varying difficulty in providing support to Individuals based on individual support plans and providing personal care support to individuals with developmental disabilities. Performs related work as required.
SHIFT AVAILABILITY:
AM Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Swing Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
NOC (Night) Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Availability to work during weekends and holidays is required.
$15.15 - $15.50 per hour
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This classification is responsible for interacting with and providing a safe environment, including social and community support/activities, to the Individual being supported. This classification is distinguished from all other direct support and classifications by its responsibility to participate in daily living activities for the Individuals who are in a community residential setting.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: (illustrative only- Work assignments may vary and will be communicated to the employee by the supervisor.)
- Provides a safe environment by communicating procedures with Individual, advocates and visitors;
- Observes Individual’s behavior and reports observations; this may include use of physical management procedures;
- Communicates and interacts with Individual on an individual and group basis promoting self-determination practices;
- Assists Individuals with eating, showering, bathing, toileting, dressing, shaving, combing hair, shampooing, brushing teeth and other daily living activities;
- Encourages individual to participate in counseling, social, recreational, vocational, and other activities identified in their support plans while promoting individual choice and decision making opportunities;
- Reviews and implements approved policies, standards, support systems, procedures and, related errands
- Escorts and transports individuals to vocational, residential social activities and related errands as identified, encourages use of public transportation systems when applicable;
- Takes part in developing and implementing person-centered service plans (PCSP) for assigned Individuals and ensures directives are followed pursuant to state standards;
- Participates in staff and administrative meetings as well as in-service training;
- Administers non-prescription and prescription medication (excluding IV medication) as prescribed by licensed medical professionals;
- Maintains records, charts progress notes, records daily activities in communication logs, and may be required to write reports;
- Reports incidents on proper forms and informs appropriate staff regarding incidents involving vocational, day, social, recreational, behavioral, personal living and community support problems within required time-frames;
- Provides direct support in crisis or emergency situations;
- Observes and reports changes in Individual’s mental and physical health to enable appropriate intervention/prevention of problems;
- Operates equipment to aid in the assistance/movement of incapacitated Individuals;
- Staff assisting, performing housekeeping tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundering, making beds, yard work, and other household chores or tasks required to support the Individual;
- Shopping
- Acts as advocate in resolving problems and securing needed support for individuals as well as ensuring personal choice, freedoms, responsibility and support for Individuals;
- Develops and maintains working relationships with all team members, including Support Coordinators, family members, guardians, fiduciaries, advocates, etc;
- Working at multiple homes, locations, and departments at the discretion of the agency
- PERFORMS OTHER RELATED DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS AS REQUIRED.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
- Human behavior indicative of mental or physical disability;
- Safety precautions used in transportation, licensing requirements in the State of Arizona
- Light housekeeping, basic home health functions, nutrition, and personal hygiene techniques;
- Positive behavior support techniques/behavioral building plans and the responsibility of an advocate;
- Principles and practices related to developmental disabilities
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships;
- Interacting in a support capacity with Individuals with developmental disabilities;
- Principles and practices of self-determination, individualized supports and skill building;
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check in order to obtain a Arizona Fingerprint Clearance card
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- If position requires driving CGArc vehicle, must possess a current/valid Arizona Driver’s license and be insurable under the agency’s automobile policy.
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must have at least 3 years driving experience with a Driver’s License
- Be available by home phone, cell phone, pager, etc for easy access by agency personnel.
- Able to work flexible schedules; as determined to accommodate the needs of the individuals
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Previous experience supporting individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, behavioral health needs, or in a residential care setting.
· Proficiency with basic computer applications and electronic documentation.
· Knowledge of positive behavior support strategies and de-escalation techniques.
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to effectively communicate in English both in writing and verbally.
- Able to positively interact and develop rapport with individuals and their families, professional support staff, and various levels of staff from community agencies.
- Able to maintain a calm, non-defensive, supportive attitude at all times including crisis or potential crisis situations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
· Must be able to safely assist individuals with transfers, mobility, and positioning,
· Must be able to climb stairs and assist individuals in moving household items if necessary.
· Must be able to assist individuals with household chores (involving many physical activities, including but not limited to kneeling, reaching, stretching, bending, etc. and the use of household cleaners).
· Must be able to endure extreme outdoor temperatures and sudden temperature changes.
· Must be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:
§ Operate an agency transport vehicle, if position requires driving (if requirements are met to drive)
§ Manual dexterity to keep documentation records
§ Able to see and hear Individuals in order to monitor Individual activities
§ Perform crisis intervention techniques to prevent behavior harmful to the individual or others which may require significant physical activity
§ Assess and provide behavior management in crisis situations and call for assistance if needed
§ Be able to physically perform First Aid/CPR, and CIT
BENEFIT:
· Dental insurance
· Employee assistance program
· Health insurance
· Health savings account
· Life insurance
· Paid time off
· Tuition reimbursement
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Licenses and certificates:
- A Valid Arizona driver’s license
- Must be willing and able to attend training classes as scheduled
Special Notice Items:
- In-service training sessions are required
- Exempt status from overtime
- Due to Department of Economic Security/Division of Developmental Disabilities requirements, positions in the category are required to obtain/provide fingerprint clearance
- Department of Labor regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that this category may have a risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. Hepatitis B vaccine will be provided upon request
Pay: $15.15 - $15.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
