Direct Support Professional

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Work Habits

• Has and demonstrates a passion for serving people.

• Learns and understands job and applies job knowledge.

• Demonstrates respect of clients, families, co-workers, and the Agency Mission.

• Advocates for clients and their families.

• Focuses on quality.

• Consistently follows agency rules and guidelines.

• Guards agency resources.

• Communicates effectively and positively (oral, written, body language, etc).

• Self-initiates by organizing, managing time, and prioritizing tasks.

• Maintains confidentiality of those we serve.

• Has excellent attendance.

• Operates a motor vehicle safely.

• Demonstrates effective basic computer skills (E-Mail, Word processing, Excel, HR System, Client Records System).

Customer Service

• Know the client, serve the client, and support the client

• Get to know clients’ Choices and Preferences

• Build a strong relationship with clients’ families: Communicate with them; Answer their questions; Let families know you’re here to help

• Build a strong professional relationship with and support co-workers

• Be friendly

• Be helpful

• Actively communicate

• Help solve problems

• Have fun, be creative

Person, Environment, and Activities

• Know Location of clients and what they are doing

• Know current health/safety issues

• Know potential problems

• Implement safety solutions

• Communicate any changes

• Ensure clients have clean bodies, clean teeth, clean hair, and clean clothes

• Regularly check with clients who are incontinent, ensuring they remain clean and dry and their bed remains clean and dry.

• Ensure clients: have fun leisure and learning activities; enjoy some physical fitness activities; explore activity options; are given person-centered choices, and are able to engage in activities that are integrated into the community.

• Follow meal menus and special diets for clients

• Handle food properly and always watch for choking.

Documentation

• Read each client’s Implementation Plan. Request Manager to provide any clarifications needed.

• Daily Notes, daily notes including: learning opportunities, choices, community participation, special events, new information, health concerns and follow-up.

• Incident Reports: Know what is reportable; know the difference between Incident and Critical Incident; Report incidents timely, as required.

Medication Administration, Medical Emergencies, and Safety

• Immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation by calling 1-800-96-ABUSE.

• Ensure clients are safe at all times.

• Medication Administration: Take your time, follow trained procedures and requirements, and ensure medication carts and keys are locked properly. Immediately report any medication errors.

• Medical Emergencies: Call 911; Implement Emergency Training; Ensure Safety of Others; Inform Manager; Communicate with Emergency Responders; Help other affected clients

• Driving: Never use a cell phone while driving; Keep up with vehicle safety checks; Help clients in and out of the vehicle; Remain 100% focused on driving; Obey traffic laws.

Behavior Programs

• Build positive relationships with clients

• If 1 on 1, always stay on task

• Ensure any security system is engaged

• Be familiar with target behaviors

• Know and follow behavior plans

• Be attentive

• Work as a team

• Speak calmly

• Be compassionate

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Direct care: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person