Direct Support Professional

Overview

For more than 30 years, Head Injury Rehabilitation and Referral Services, Inc. (HIRRS) has been serving individuals with brain injury and other neurological impairments through our comprehensive community-based program in Rockville, Maryland. The mission of the organization is dedicated to maximizing recovery, promoting access to healthcare and other resources, and enhancing community integration for individuals receiving our services. Our unique program combines clinical expertise, community connections, and customized programming to ensure that individuals seeking services are heard, their goals are identified, and comprehensive plans are executed to achieve success.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Head Injury Rehabilitation and Referral Services (HIRRS) provides direct care support services in both group format and on a one-to-one basis. Support provided focuses on assisting individuals to carry out their vision of a meaningful life. This may include, but is not limited to, assistance with instructional programs and activities, community engagement, activities of daily living, and educational or vocational support for individuals served by HIRRS. Support services will be delivered in various settings based on an individual’s person-centered plan, including the HIRRS Day Program, community settings, volunteer sites, or the individual’s home. On a frequent basis, the start and end location will be in the community. The DSP will report to the supervisor of the service setting and will be specified in their hire letter. The DSP is expected to support the philosophy and programs of HIRRS.

Qualifications

It is preferred that the candidate have some experience working with individuals with disabilities; however, entry-level candidates with limited experience who demonstrate aptitude and potential to complete tasks with the required training provided by HIRRS will be considered for the position.

Requirements:

• Obtain Certified Medication Technician (CMT) certification (after hire).
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete reading and math aptitude tests as required by the Board of Nursing (before hire).
• Demonstrate sensitivity, maturity, warmth and compassion to adults with disabilities while retaining appropriate professionalism.
• Confirm ability to walk or stand for an extended period in order to help individuals engage in various activities and access the community.
• Transport and transfer individuals with mobility needs.
• Drive to and from various locations in the community, and at times transporting participants in a personal or agency vehicle. For this reason, the DSP will maintain personal automobile insurance to at least the required Maryland minimums of $20,000 bodily injury, $40,000 combined bodily injury, and $10,000 property damage. It is the responsibility of the DSP to provide HIRRS with proof of coverage.

Responsibilities

1. Provide direct care, support, and instruction to individuals participating in Meaningful Day services.

2. Provide support and supervision during selected activities identified in the individual’s person-centered plan, including but not limited to cognitive retraining, educational pursuits, pre-employment skills, independent living skills, social skills, and recreational activities.

3. Provide support in a variety of settings, such as the day program, in the community, volunteer or employment sites, home, or other locations. The DSP will be required to be out daily in the community, and they may start and end their day in the community.

4. Using iCare software, provide documentation of progress towards individuals’ goals. Provide information and documentation to team members and medical personnel in the community regarding individuals’ status, progress, strengths, and needs.

5. Maintain a positive and supportive environment to achieve positive group interactions and develop individuals’ skills.

6. Regularly review the Service Implementation Plan (SIP) to ensure awareness of goals, activities, progress, and choices of individuals serviced.

7. Participate in the development, modification, and successful implementation of individuals’ person-centered plans.

8. Assist in the development and implementation of behavior plans and strategies.

9. Provide transportation for individuals as approved by the supervisors. Operate vehicles safely and without distraction from cell phone calls, texting, eating, or drinking. Ensure seat belts are always worn by all occupants of vehicles. Ensure that individuals are safe entering, riding within, and exiting vehicles.

10. Help individuals use other means of transportation to access their community, including MetroAccess, the bus, or the Metro.

11. Administer medications as prescribed according to MTTP, Board of Nursing, DDA, or State of Maryland guidelines.

12. Accompany and/or transport individuals to medical appointments. The DSP will communicate with the HIRRS medical coordinator and/or the agency nurse as needed to ensure an individual’s medical needs are met as per the nursing care plan.

13. Assist in emergency situations such transporting an individual to an urgent care center or the hospital.

14. Immediately report any issues of concern regarding the individual’s health or safety to the supervisor on duty

15. Exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of individuals.

16. Implement other program duties as assigned by the supervisor.

The employer reserves the right to modify the duties of this position without notification to the employee.

In addition to your resume/CV, please include a cover letter.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave

Schedule

• Day Shift (hourly)
• Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Pay: $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Work Location: In person