Direct Support Professional

Definition:
Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Direct Support Professionals, (DSP) provide individualized services in the facility, community, and vocational settings. DSPs collect data and summarize data on observable client behaviors.

Essential Job Functions:
Essential functions may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts daily facility and community sessions

• Direct staff will be part of a team, that works through a tailored program that addresses the client’s specific strengths and weaknesses for the following areas: communication, life skills, community safety skills, vocational training, job coaching, self-help, and social interactions

• Collects data and records client’s progress notes

• Reviews data with Program Director and reports concerns

• Attends staff meetings to discuss new protocols facility functions

• Teaches language and communication skills through behavior modification and positive reinforcement techniques

• Receives ongoing training through regular overlaps with the case Program Director

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma
• Must have CA Driver's License and willingness to drive as needed
• Ability to work full time 30 hours per week between, 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday
• Experience with adults or children with developmental or intellectual disabilities

Knowledge, Skills and Other Characteristics:

• Ability to work with adults diagnosed with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

• Ability to work with a variety of computer software programs

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Ability to work with enthusiasm and professionalism

• Ability to demonstrate a patient, receptive, and understanding attitude toward clients, remaining calm under stressful conditions.

• Experience working with adults diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities is a plus

• Experience teaching functional communication and social skills is a plus

• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information

Work Environment:
This position will require staff to work in the community, vocational, and facility environments; routinely takes paper data and uses office equipment such as computers, tablets, phones. The position also includes the use of kitchen equipment and assisting client at a vocational location.

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.

Direct Support Professionals work both indoors and outdoors, in direct contact with clients, the public, and with minimum guidance from supervisor.

• Walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, stooping, crouching, twisting, reaching above the head, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Work may involve using public transportation
• Diligently attending to the safety of the clients and surroundings is required
• Quick and sudden movements may be required
• Sustained physical exertion may be required.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Direct Support Professional’s 30 hours per week between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday.