Direct Support Professional Residential

Description

Title: Direct Support Professional                                          FLSA: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Residence Manager                                           Department:  Residential Services   

Job Summary: The Direct Support Professional, under the supervision of the residential manager, provides direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential andandogram settings, and assists and inspires individuals to attend to their personal daily living needs and develop the vocational, nutrition, social and personal skills necessary to achieve the highest possible level of independence in the least-restrictive environment. 

The tasks and activities performed by a Direct Support Professional depend on the abilities and needs of the individuals being served and the setting to which a position is assigned. Therefore, a Direct Support Professional may provide direct care services and support including but not limited to those described below. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Assists in developing, implementing, and evaluating service and support plans based on individuals' preferences, needs, and interests. 
• Observe and document individuals' behavior and responses to programs, support services, and treatments. 
• Participates in treatment team meetings, communicates and discusses observations, and may suggest alternative programs and services based on individuals' personal preferences. 
• Helps individuals lead richer lives, participate in community and recreation programs that strengthen life skills, and develop and maintain positive relationships with peers, family members, and others in the community. 
• Assists in teaching and reinforcing social skills and acceptable means of 
• dissipating frustration or anger and resolving conflicts and acts as a role model for positive behavior. 
• Encourages individuals to participate in social, recreational, and leisure activities; and organizes, participates in, and/or supervises such activities. 
• Transports and/or arranges for the transportation of individuals to social events and accompanies individuals to community activities. 
• Supports individuals' career, education, and/or employment goals; and may assist in developing educational and vocational skills according to service plans. 
• Helps individuals keep track of their finances and assists with banking and financial transactions. 
• Supports individuals' health wellness, and safety in everyday situations. 
• Assists and/or instructs individuals in performing personal care and hygiene tasks, such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, dental care, nutrition, and daily living activities. 
• Teaches individuals basic food preparation, safety, and sanitation skills; supervises and assists in meal planning, food selection, and preparation activities; and feeds or assists in feeding individuals who require assistance. 
• May administer medications and basic treatments as prescribed; observe and monitor individuals in the self-administration of medication; and take and record individuals' temperatures, blood pressures, pulse rates, and weight. 
• Monitors and reports significant changes in health status or concerns. 
• Accompanies individuals to medical, dental, and health-related appointments. 
• Responds to and assists in crises and emergencies following established guidelines, procedures, and first aid techniques. 
• Maintains and ensures a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for individuals.
• Performs, assists, and/or instructs individuals in routine housekeeping, cleaning, and minor maintenance tasks. 
• Monitors and maintains household supplies and inventories. 
• Teaches and reinforces fire and safety procedures to individuals; and maintains basic fire and safety equipment.

Qualifications

• High School or equivalent diploma
• Successful completion of Direct Support Professional Core Competencies training
• PROMOTE, AMAP, CPR/First Aid as well as site-specific training.
• Basic computer knowledge of all Microsoft Suite applications preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and flexibility skills required
• Valid, unrestricted NYS Driver’s License by Agency Standards
• Bi-lingual a plus but not required

Salary : $18