Direct Support Professional (DSP)

JOB FUNCTION: The Arc of San Antonio Adult Life Enrichment Program (ALE) serves a vulnerable population; therefore, we must be flexible and adapt program design, policies, and procedures to an ever-changing environment. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, so will our means of service delivery. All Direct Support Professionals will be expected to maintain a flexible and professional demeanor as we all adapt to changing community needs

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: ALE Site Manager

PRIMARY WORK HOURS: M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, with some schedule flexing as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. • Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License and proof of liability insurance. • Must have current CPR/First Aid certification. • Must be willing to be trained on and drive a shuttle bus. • Must be at least 18 years of age. • Experience working with individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities is preferred. • Must have good verbal and written communication skills. • Must have a working knowledge of computer use for accessing email, using the internet, and creating basic Word documents. • Position requires ability to assist in lifting and supporting participants; must be physically able to lift up to 100 pounds, bend, squat, move heavy objects by pushing or pulling the item; move quickly in case an individual runs; be on feet for extended periods of time; and be able to walk a great deal during the day. • Must have the ability to assist individuals with daily living and possibly all personal care needs. • Must be able to work harmoniously with others to encourage and enhance the team process. • Must be able to meet deadlines.

DUTIES: • Provide opportunities geared toward attainment of individual’s goals and objectives reflected in their Person Directed Plan (PDP) or Individual Support Plan (ISP). 06/05/2024 • Provide accurate and timely documentation, for state mandated recording, noting the status of each individual’s progress toward completion of goals and objectives. • Provide support to co-workers toward implementation of activities to allow for a consistent, team approach in implementation of activities of all kinds. • Provide needed assistance for each individual, no matter where they are located in the building, through a person-centered approach to facilitate active participation in all activities occurring. • Plan activities and gather materials prior to the day of implementation. • Implement planned activities and adapt them as needed to best suit the individual’s needs and level of understanding, and to successfully engage as many individuals being served as possible. • Document and notify program manager about unusual occurrences to facilitate adequate, thorough information sharing with the residential provider or family (seizures, maladaptive behaviors, incidents/accidents, etc.) through phone calls from the nurse or medical staff on duty. • Document incidents and accidents on appropriate forms for specific residential agencies and reporting agencies by close of business each day. • Provide information to program manager regarding the status of each individual and to assist in the development of habilitation goals and objectives. Provide written input on appropriate form to facilitate development of goals and objectives along with strategies best suited for the individual. • Provide information to program manager regarding improvement or decline in activities, behavior, and physical or mental status to ensure health and safety of the individual as well as level of success in activities, socialization and items of their choice. • Maintain confidentiality of information pertaining to the individuals in the program. • Assist individuals served with personal hygiene and toileting needs as necessary. May be required to pass medications, perform tube feedings, and perform light suctioning of individuals served. The Arc will provide training by a nurse for these functions to assure proficiency as required under RN delegation rules of the State of Texas. • Complete all tasks related to maintaining a safe and sanitary environment according to CDC and Arc of San Antonio published guidelines. Each staff is responsible for maintaining his/her assigned room and other program areas as designated • Approach each individual in a manner that allows him/her to maintain his/her self-respect and dignity. • Perform any duty which, in the opinion of the program manager, is integral to the function of the program as a whole and can be reasonably accomplished by the person in this position. • Abide by all policies and procedures of The Arc of San Antonio per the Employee Handbook and any program-specific Policies and Procedures Manuals.

BENEFITS: Group medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance plans; paid holidays and PTO (paid vacation/sick leave); supportive work environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• San Antonio, TX 78216 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• San Antonio, TX 78216: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person