Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $10-$12
DSP) DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL are people who work directly with individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities with the aim of assisting the individual to become integrated into his/her community in the least restrictive environment. A DSP also acts as an advocate for the disabled individual, in communicating their needs, self-expression and goals.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB
- Ability to perform First Aid/CPR.
- Ability to observe and assess the needs of individuals.
- Ability to maintain information in a confidential manner.
- Ability to speak clearly and express oneself effectively in English.
- Ability to read and comprehend instructions written in English.
- Ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task work assignments.
- Ability to learn and apply positive methods to modify behavior.
- Ability to facilitate groups and/ provide individual skill instruction.
- Ability to write legibly in English in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
- Ability to understand and relate to persons with intellectual disabilities.
- Ability to apply the principles of Everyday Lives and Self Determination.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in field location assignments.
- Ability to maintain professional and respectful interaction with individuals and co-workers.
- Knowledge and the ability to utilize good listening skills & comprehend verbal instructions given in English.
- Knowledge of acceptable social, work, and interpersonal behavior.
- Knowledge of basic computer skills required.
DUTIES OF DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF include, but are not limited to:
- Provides personal care and protective oversight andsupervision.
- Provide services, supports, care and treatment and/or supervision asrequired.
- Participates in the development and implementation of each (ISP) Individuals Support Plan.
- Provides supervision as determined in the (ISP) Individuals Support Plans.
- Adheres to Department of Human Resources Office of Regulatory Services, requirements.
- Responsible for individuals work related personal and financial transactions.
- Ensures that the facility or home is safe, comfortable, well maintained, and free from hazards.
- Provides coverage in emergency situations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Assesses and documents instructional needs initially and on an ongoing basis.
- Ensures individuals health, safety and welfare, enhances the quality of individuals lives, andsupports communityinclusion.
- Provides direct assistance to the participant in self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills training, retention andimprovement.
- Implements the behavioral support plans of participants to reduce inappropriate and/or maladaptive behaviors and to acquire alternative adaptive skills andbehaviors.
- Provides assistance and training on independent community living skills, such as personal hygiene, light housework, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, grocery shopping, using the telephone, and medication and money management.
- Provides direct assistance in teaching such concepts as rule compliance, attendance, task completion, problem solving, endurance, work speed, work accuracy, increased attention span, motor skills, and safety to groups ofparticipants.
- Provides direct assistance in training appropriate social interaction skills required in the workplace to groups ofparticipants.
- Provides participant-specific assistance, such as assistance with personal care and self-administration of medications.
- Implements the behavioral support plans of participants to reduce inappropriate and/or maladaptive behaviors and to acquire alternative adaptive skills andbehaviors.
- Participates in the implementing of all program plans designed to enhance the individuals social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and independent living skills.
- Completes and updates all daily, weekly and monthly records, reports, logs, casework notes, administrative paperwork, fiscal reports, and medical records in an accurate, timely, and professional manner.
- Collaborates and cooperates with involved agencies, family members, and other service providers; participates in meetings and provides relevant information.
- Transports individuals in personal and/or company vehicle for community outings or scheduled appointments.
- Provides support and assistance to individuals in arranging for medical care when responsible to do so and follows health care recommendations.
- Utilizes community resources to promote community integration, independence, and interdependence.
COMPETENCY[Education, Credentials, and Experience]
- High school diploma or General Education Development (GED).
- Professional License ifapplicable.
- Pass State PCA CompetencyTest if diploma is unavailable.
- The knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the functions of this position.
EXPECTATIONS
- Must be able to drive passenger vehicle if applicable.
- Must have an annual Negative test results for TB Skin Test.
- Must have the ability to obtain clearances as defined by regulations.
- Must be able to work flexible hours to meet individuals and programs needs.
- Must be able to travel to trainings/meetings upon request of program director.
- Must have a valid drivers license, good driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle to attend trainings, meetings, and/or transport individual to appointments.
- Must be able to accompany individuals into the community and provide support and assistance in interactions in the community while maintaining sensitivity to the rights and dignity of the individual.
- Must have an annual (Physical) health examination with signed statement from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that you are free of communicable disease.