JOB SUMMARY : The Direct Support Professional supports individuals with developmental disabilities to have a quality of life. To promote the health, safety and well-being of individuals. A Direct Support Professional serves as an advocate for individuals in communicating their needs and goals.

Knowledge : Knowledge of state and federal laws, Department of Developmental Services, and State Council on Developmental Disabilities, knowledge of Title 17 and 22, knowledge of dual diagnosis, individual program plans, knowledge of client service needs, knowledge of medication administration protocol, knowledge of emergency disaster protocol, knowledge of abuse reporting protocol, and knowledge of behavior plans.

Skills : Organization skills, time management skills, analytical skills, good written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, multi-tasking skills, critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension, teamwork, interpretation, problem-solving, teaching, comparing, classifying, analyzing, coordinating, innovating and strategizing.

Abilities : Ability to interact effectively with management, social perceptiveness, maintain confidentiality, detail-oriented, flexibility, adaptability, prioritize, ability to work with a diverse population, ability to work with clients with behaviors, ability to administer medications and treatments, positive attitude, work ethic, responsibility, self-discipline, creativity, multi-cultural awareness, empathy and concentration.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE :

Education : Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent. Must obtain DSP I certificate within 6 months of employment in accordance with Title 17 Requirements.

Preferred Experience : one-year experience professional or personal experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses with challenging behaviors. Must maintain active First Aid and CPR certification and must obtain Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certification within 30 days of employment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attend to the needs of each resident, including assisting them with grooming, bathing, hygiene, toileting to include incontinence, feeding and communicating other individual needs they may have

• Support the needs and goals of each resident by taking them to medical appointments, to visit family and friends, to preferred leisure/recreational activities, and encouraging them to socialize with peers

• Follow all physicians’ orders, including administration of medication

• Ensure all court orders and proper reporting procedures are followed

• Schedule annual medical and dental appointments as needed per medical professional, Individual Program Plan (IPP) and/or Individual Service Plan (ISP)

• Implement approved emergency procedures in the event of a fire, earthquake, or other natural disasters

• Participate in the development of the IPP/ISP goals

• Provide training to residents as outlined in the IPP/ISP to meet their goals

• Maintain records of medical/dental visits, current weight, medication (dosage, frequency and times of administration, reasons for medications, side effects, illnesses, injuries, special incidents, Personal and Incidental (P&I) funds and personal possessions

• Ensure meals are prepared in accordance with posted menus

• Ensure house rules are followed

• Assist residents in the purchase of food and supplies

• Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment by cleaning the home, informing the Administrator/House Manager about any broken/inoperable items, locking up medication and toxic chemicals, and reporting any problems that could cause injuries or illness

• Report special incidents and suspected resident abuse according to applicable laws and regulations to include completing Special Incident Report (SIR) forms and report to the Administrator

• Attend staff meetings and participate in continuing education

• Maintain daily notes in accordance with Title 17 and Title 22, and any other daily data collection as outlined in the home’s Program Design

• Report ANY unusual occurrences/activities and health & safety issues to the Administrator/House Manager in a timely manner

• Perform other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

The Direct Support Professional position will typically work in an office environment with occasional work outside and in small, enclosed spaces. Frequent sitting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. Occasional bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, standing, crawling, reaching, walking, driving, traveling, kneeling and crouching.