Direct Support Professional (DSP)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides individual focused, interactive and supportive supervision and instruction to persons served in various environments to assist them to achieve their desired goals. Areas of support include, but are not limited to life skills, personal development, community access and integration, and independent living.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide interactive supervision and support to individuals in desired activities to foster independence and the achievement of their goals

2. Understand and implement the strategies and goals identified in the Individual Support Plan (ISP) which may include goals related to community and volunteer activities, home skills, meal preparation, budget and money management, personal care, and social interaction skills.

3. Record data on the implementation of goals to evaluate progress in accordance with their ISP.

4. Utilize and encourage the use of the individual’s personal adaptive equipment and/or identified strategies to support the person to participate in desired activities.

5. Assist individuals with daily personal care tasks (toileting, bathing, etc.) in a manner that is respectful and timely to their respective needs.

6. Use personal vehicle to provide transportation to support the individual in accessing community activities.

7. Facilitate and support networking opportunities for the individual that encourage inclusion, community engagement and progress toward the achievement of their desired goals.

8. Understand & implement the strategies, and record data, as outlined in the individual’s Behavior Support Plans (BSP’s).

9. Understand and ensure all health & safety precautions are followed and documented as identified in the individual’s Risk Plan(s).

10. Administer medication as prescribed by the person’s health care provider and document according to the company’s medication administration procedures. 11. As directed by the supervisor, participate in person centered plan meetings for the individuals you support.

COMMUNICATION, REPORTING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Monitor the home and community environments for general cleanliness and potential safety hazards and provide appropriate training & support for emergencies (evacuations, seat belt use, smoke alarms, etc.).

2. As directed by the supervisor and/or Nurse, assist designated persons served with scheduling and

attending medical appointments, ensuring appropriate documentation is obtained and filed.

3. As directed by the supervisor, assist in the oversight of the individual’s expenditures/purchases, ensuring receipts are obtained, recorded and submitted according to company guidelines.

4. Maintain confidential information in accordance with HIPAA & regulatory guidelines.

5. Use various means of communication (verbal, written and electronic) to complete work and effectively interact with internal and external customers.

6. Ensure that all communication is professional and consistently reflects dignity and respect for

people with disabilities.

7. Actively participate in meetings as directed, taking action and following up on assigned items.

8. Actively support a safe and healthy environment, monitoring for hazards and safety concerns of the individuals served.

9. Immediately alert supervisor of any critical or potentially critical issue or crisis situation.

10. Prepare reports according to timelines and in adherence with company and regulatory guidelines (ISP & BSP data, daily documentation, incident reports, timesheets, mileage reimbursement, etc.)

11. Network with customers and other professionals to develop and maintain positive, supportive and collaborative relationships to support the company’s mission and initiatives.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure hours worked are recorded accurately and submitted within designated timelines. 2. Regularly check email and other forms of electronic messaging and respond to communications within 48 hours or immediately in urgent/time sensitive situations.

2. Provide mentoring, support and/or assistance to colleagues as necessary or as directed. REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

3. Must be 18 years of age or older.

4. Must have hoyer lift experience.

5. Must have a High School Diploma, G.E.D, or H.S.E. Diploma.

6. 6 months experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or experience in a human services field beneficial.

7. Home Health Aide, CNA, or NADSP Credential and/or training beneficial.

BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

1. Must have and/or develop working knowledge and proficiency in Person Centered Planning and Positive Behavior Supports.

2. Ability to apply general understanding and knowledge to carry out instructions in written, verbal or schedule form.

3. Ability to handle and carry out multiple tasks.

4. Basic computer skills with the ability to learn and effectively utilize identified computer software applications to accomplish tasks.

5. Ability to read, comprehend, interpret and apply information from general procedures, safety rules, instructions, data and reports.

6. Ability to use Basic English grammatical skills to write routine reports and general correspondence.

7. Organizational skills and ability to accurately document data and maintain records.

8. Must be able to operate a hoyer lift.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTION SKILLS

1. Verbal and written skills to effectively communicate information to various audiences and

customers.

2. Ability to effectively work as a team member and promote a positive work culture.

SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS

1. Ability to maintain regular attendance as scheduled, be punctual & maintain accurate record of hours worked.

2. Ability to organize self and work activities, and take initiative to accomplish tasks.

3. Demonstrate cooperative attitude and tolerance for stress when confronted with critical situations.

4. Ability to maintain confidentiality, integrity and accountability within the scope of responsibilities.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Must have ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include days, evenings, weekends, and/or

overnight shifts.

2. Must provide own transportation, have valid driver’s license, properly registered vehicle, and driving record must meet insurability requirements.

3. Must maintain and provide documentation of auto insurance.

4. Must have ability to lift/move/transfer individuals or materials weighing up to 75 lbs. periodically.

5. Must have ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend frequently.

6. Must have manual dexterity sufficient to reach, handle items, work with the fingers, and perceive attributes of objects and materials (such as medication, first aid supplies, with meal preparation

and household tasks).

7. Must maintain CPR and First Aid certification, and must stay current on all other training as defined by Indiana state guidelines, industry accreditation standards and company guidelines.

8. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic and caustic chemicals, and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Work Location: In person