Residential Direct Support Professional

Description

Position Summary:

Provide day-to-day teaching and support to clients in residential settings, including medication administration, meal planning and preparation, training, transportation, shopping for necessities, and assisting with clients’ spending accounts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day services and support to clients in residential settings.
• Correctly maintain individual house documentation and files.
• Assist clients in maintaining their budgets; document on financial logs; and ensure that receipts are maintained correctly.
• Maintain the health and safety at assigned sites and participate in developing safety plans. Conduct emergency drills and document results monthly. Report unsafe environmental and equipment issues to landlord or supervisor as appropriate. Maintain emergency equipment at sites, reporting deficiencies to supervisor e.g. fire extinguishers, first aid, blood borne pathogens kit, etc.
• Report changes in health status of clients to nurse. Report medication errors and concerns to the nurse. Carry out specific health care duties under the direction of the Nurse. Provide medication oversight. Document medication administration on daily basis.
• Ensure nutritional standards and individual dietary needs are met for clients. Assist clients in developing menus that meet their choice and follow dietary plans. Assist clients in, selecting and purchasing nutritional foods. Oversee safe preparation and storage of food.
• Administer medications and other treatments prescribed by physician under the direction of RN.
• Assist in loading and unloading clients from agency vehicles, ensure tie-downs and seatbelts are properly secured, and provide transportation in agency vehicles as assigned.
• Ensure client safety.
• Educate clients about daily and world events; lead leisure activities.
• Oversee and respond to Person-Centered Support Plans (PCSPs). Understand clients and recommend objectives to help meet their personal goals; complete assessments as requested and identify client strengths and needs.
• Read and sign current PCSP or addendum prior to working with clients on caseload. Complete PCSP and daily outcomes data entry.
• Ensure that PCSPs are carried out as needed. Document objectives in PCSP. Understand and carry out PCSP for each individual responding to personal choice statements in the document.
• Ensure safety and hygiene of clients by helping them to the restroom, oversee hand washing.
• Clean up residential site when there are accidents; keep the area neat and clean doing tasks such as mopping, sweeping, dusting and doing client laundry.
• Report accidents and incidents immediately, including suspected cases of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation in accordance with FSI policy.
• Communicate all issues and concerns to supervisor in a professional and timely manner, following the proper chain of command.
• Assist clients in participating in community activities, community work sites and identify community resources. Coordinate with supervisor to ensure community integration and educational activities are offered.
• Ensure the rights, dignity, and respect of all clients.
• Represent FSI to clients, parents, guardians and other stakeholders in a professional, positive manner.
• Engage in regular and periodic reviews with supervisor. Accepts direction with a positive attitude.
• Complete required training prior to due dates.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Minimum education and experience required:

• High school diploma or GED

Preferred education and experience:

• n/a

Minimum licensure or registration required:

• Hold and maintain a valid driver’s license including no more than three violations or a major infraction such as a DUI or reckless/careless driving within the last 36 months.
• Hold and retain automobile liability insurance as required by the State of Kansas.

Preferred licensure, registration, certification:

• n/a

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where some guidance and standardization exists.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend instructions and basic correspondence.
• Basic computer skills required, including ability to accurately input data into database software in a timely manner.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and employees.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out detailed written and oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact positively with clients.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

• One year experience in providing direct service to individuals with developmental disabilities

Physical & Mental Requirements:

The incumbent must have mental stability and emotional intelligence that enables coping with the stresses of the position, including working with persons with mental and physical disabilities, while continuing to meet all the requirements and qualifications of the position. See attached chart - Physical and Mental Essential Functions – for further requirements.