PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

A Direct Support Professional provides direct care for Art Academy participants of all abilities. A Direct Support Professional also aids the Inclusive Art Education Specialist to deliver Art Academy classes/instruction for the people served during Art Academy Classes. This employee assists in the implementation of the personal plans developed for each person requiring support or assistance; contributes to the development of opportunities for inclusion; and establishes effective interpersonal relationships with the person being assisted, co-workers, parents and/or guardians, and other members of the treatment team.  Work involves responsibility for providing necessary assistance to the individual needing support, observing and reporting information related to the goals created by the student receiving support. This team member will also work with Community Education to promote and educate the community about Art Academy using social media and verbal presentation.  Close supervision or direction is received from the Inclusive Art Education Specialist or other staff members who reviews work through reports and direct observation. Evenings and weekends possibly required.

This description may not include all the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Provide a supported environment for individuals with and without disabilities to participate in a variety of arts including theater, visual arts, pre-employment classes and additional creative arts programs that may also be developed as needed.
• Understands and provides services in accordance with each Individual Support Plan (ISP) and behavioral support plans (BSP) as needed. Provides appropriate levels of supervision and support as indicated in the plan (s).
• Provides support on an individual basis in making informed choices, growing self-esteem, personal dignity, and achieving community networking and participation.
• Provide an opportunity for individuals to develop communication, social, and motor skills.
• Provide support regarding positive behavior supports and how the program uses these techniques to develop social, physical, and emotional development skills.
• Completes all required documentation, including electronic documentation, according to program requirements.
• Completes Event Reports according to agency policy and state rules and regulations.
• Keeps all individual records confidential and secure.
• Ensures the health and safety of all individuals through support in areas of personal care if needed.
• Participate in community Awareness about Community Connect and Abilities First when delegated.
• Attend and participate in community performances or events as needed.
• As delegated by the Inclusive Arts Education Specialist collaborate with other community groups to provide opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in other community programs.
• Encourage skill development that can be used for future professional career development.
• Receive general supervision from the Inclusive Art Education Specialist.
• Assist the Inclusive Art Educator Specialist with completing daily documentation related to Individual Support Plan meeting all Medicaid and Department of Mental Health guidelines. This is completed through observations and then reporting information related to the goals created by the individual receiving support related back to the individual’s goals in the Individual Support Plan.
• Be involved in planning long- or short-term program objectives.
• Attending all relevant training and in-services as required by Abilities First, Southwest Missouri Autism Project Services and Department of Mental Health.
• Follow and adhere to all Department of Mental Health Medicaid Waiver Guidelines.
• Follow and adhere to all Southwest Missouri Autism Project Guidelines.
• Attending staff meetings concerning new or revised policies and procedures and implementing new information accordingly.
• Light lifting required. Extensive sitting.
• Perform other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic knowledge of arts programming and activities.
• Basic knowledge of positive behavior supports.
• Ability to represent Abilities First in a professional manner at community events.
• Basic knowledge of various developmental disabilities.
• Ability to identify potential abuse and neglect situations and follow protocol according to all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Ability to bend, sit, stand, stoop, and lift to 25 pounds
• Demonstrates professional work ethic.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Core competencies align with the Abilities First Core Values – OATH

1. One Team One Mission
   • Contributing to Team Success – Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
   • Engagement Readiness – Demonstrating a willingness to commit to one’s work and to invest one’s time, talent and best efforts in accomplishing organizational goals.
2. Accountable, respectful service
   • Continuous Improvement – Originating action to improve existing conditions and processes, identifying improvements opportunities, generating ideas, and implementing solutions.
   • Quality Orientation – Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
   • Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills – Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related area, keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertise.
3. Transparent stewardship
   • Decision Making – Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
   • Planning and Organizing – Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed effectively.
4. Hold the rope
   • Adaptability – Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
   • Leadership Disposition – Demonstrating the traits, inclinations, and dispositions that characterize successful leaders; exhibiting behavior styles that meet the demands of the leader role.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Must have prior experience with:

• Challenging behaviors
• Positive behavior supports
• Creative teaching methods
• Arts programming
• Working in a team and leading a team
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities including autism

Must also have:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be at least 18 years of age

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid Missouri driver’s license, reliable transportation, an acceptable driving record, and auto liability insurance that meet the requirements set by Abilities First.
• Must have secure and reliable high-speed internet to work remotely.
• Must be able to drive for work-related assignments.
• Must be able to pass a background screening.  
• Evenings and weekends possibly required. 

PHYSICAL CONTEXT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Created 4/28/2016.  Reviewed 4-25-17; Revised 3-18-18; 10-05-20; 12-8-20; 08-03-21; 07-14-2022; 12-19-24; 1-7-25