Advocate

Direct Support Professionals at Community Support Services provide high quality, person centered, hands on support to individuals with a variety of developmental and/or physical disabilities. Hands-on support includes assistance in all activities of daily living as identified by an individual’s habilitation team. These supports may include, but are not limited to, daily cleaning responsibilities, meal preparation, maintenance and administration of medications, transportation, assistance with personal hygiene and companionship. At CSS we believe that we exist to ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to live a life defined by their potential.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Review and Implementation of the Individualized Plan (ISP) and Behavior Support Plan (BSP).  

2. Provide support while demonstrating respect and dignity of the individual served by interacting with individuals served in a positive, person centered manner. 

3. Commitment to providing quality services to individuals and their families.

4. Monitoring of individual physical and emotional health.

5. Follow operational policies and procedures developed by the Agency for all areas of individual care.  

6. Submit all required documentation by the required deadlines.

7. Maintain open, positive, person centered communication with Supervisor(s) and stakeholders. 

8. Attend all required trainings as scheduled

9. Adhere to staffing rotation expectations as established by CSS policy and program processes.

MINIMUM REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Confidence in interaction with individuals of all ages and with a variety of disabilities.   

2. Good written and verbal communication skills

3. Be able to work independently and within a team atmosphere

4. Ability to be flexible in all areas 

5. Resourceful in accomplishing tasks and directives

6. Provide support without fostering dependence 

7. Make defendable, common sense decisions

8. Pass CPI Association requirements for physical intervention, CPR, First Aid Training and Medication Administration in accordance with CSS policy.

QUALIFICATIONS: Position must have a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency. 

• Meet driver-approved standards as described in the Vehicle Usage Policy.  A valid driver’s license and good driving record, as well as proof of current auto insurance is required. It is required to have dependable transportation with functioning heat and air conditioning systems and functioning seat belts for safety for transporting individuals served.  

• Prefer one (1) year experience working with individuals with disabilities. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Heavy lifting (over 50 lbs.) on a repeated basis required for care of individuals for performing job functions such as transferring.  Also required to operate equipment requiring full hand dexterity, traverse unsteady terrain, ascend/descend stairs, bend, twist, stoop and kneel to perform the essential functions of the Behavior Support Professional position. Must be able to move objects, and use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue. Constant movement and use of limbs; this position requires good manual dexterity, coordination and stamina.

As a routine part of this position it may be necessary to work in other facilities, work additional hours and may also be required to adjust schedules to meet the documented staffing needs of the individual(s) served. May be required to perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor to accomplish Agency goals and meet the needs of the individual(s) served. This position requires driving for business and transportation of individuals served.  It is required to have dependable transportation with functioning heat and air conditioning systems and functioning seat belts for safety.