Direct Support Professional

Supervisor: Lead Direct Support Professional or Residential Coordinator       

FLSA: Non-Exempt      

Job Summary:   

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a direct care level position at IHCOS Care Associates, Inc. with responsibilities for the direct care of ALU/Personal Support/FISS individuals. The DSP may be a full-time or part-time employee of IHCOS that includes regularly scheduled weekday and weekend positions. Additionally, the DSP is expected to attend staff meetings at least quarterly that may be scheduled outside of regular hours. On occasion, the DSP may be asked to attend other meetings and or trainings outside of regularly scheduled hours. (Every effort will be made to accommodate the scheduling needs of the staff when planning these meetings). The DSP reports directly to the personnel over their department (Residential/Personal Support/FISS) or the (Executive Director).      

Essential Functions:  

1.) Assist individuals in developing skills in personal hygiene, household routines, money management and the use of community resources.   

2.) Provide input into development of household schedule and implement the schedule as assigned, such that all individuals are involved in tasks/activities with necessary adaptations made to suit interests and skill levels.  

3.) Provide Case Manager/Program Manager with input to Individual Plan upon request and when work with individuals indicates program changes would be beneficial.   

4.) Implement and document individual IP's as outlined in the plan. Implement and document individual Behavior Change Programs.  

5.) Care for individuals' physical needs as their level of independence requires. Care for emotional needs through positive and supportive interactions. Document appropriate items and individual progress in logbooks, medical records, and individual files on a daily basis.  

6.) Monitor completion of individual chores and assist individuals as level of independence requires; follow through on housework schedule and meal preparation as assigned, report maintenance issues.   

7.) Ensure that the home environment and the activities provided are safe for individuals, staff, and visitors. Respond to emergencies as per IHCOS emergency procedures.  

8.) Perform and or assist individuals served in basic domestic duties as needed (e.g., meals preparation, feeding, meal set-up, bath, cleaning, laundry, shopping and medication administration as required.  

9.) Assists individuals with maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly home by following safety and infection control procedures; educates individuals about maintaining homes.  

10.) Participate in the development of the schedule of individual recreational, leisure, and social activities and implement scheduled activities, facilitating individual participation as assigned. Transport individuals to activities.   

11.) Assist individual participation, as assigned, in classes, medical appointment, and ancillary services, accompanying individual as their level of independence requires. Communicate information to the Program Manager/Case Manager or Executive Director in a timely manner regarding these activities and services.  

12.) Implements direct care programs in collaboration with the Executive Director, Resource Coordinator, Program Manager and Case Manager.  

13.) Reports and/or documents routine and unusual events including completing daily logs, accident and incident reports, outcome data sheets, etc. in a concise, understandable, and legible manner  

14.) Ensure that the home is properly staffed prior to leaving the site.  

15.) Maintains open communication and cooperative work effort with Lead DSP and other staff to assure quality and continuity of support to individuals served.  

16.) Ensures that individuals exercise their rights and that the individual’s rights are not restricted without due process; ensures individuals are treated with dignity and respect.  

17.) Manage and document IHCOS and individual monies in accordance with IHCOS and DDA policies and procedures.  

18.) Assist in the training of new employees in appropriate policies, procedures, and techniques.  

19.) Provide necessary instruction, care, and follow through when individuals are sick.  

20.) Take necessary action to ensure appropriate physical appearance and hygiene of individuals. (e.g., bathing, brushing teeth, shaving, nail clipping, dressing, bodily functions, and individual appearance).

21.) Take necessary action to ensure appropriate physical appearance and cleanliness of home.   

22.) Process required routine paperwork.  

23.) Carry out medical procedures as directed/instructed by designated IHCOS RN.   

24.) Maintain individual and home files in accordance with IHCOS standards for format, accuracy and timeliness.  

25.) Maintains and expands skills and knowledge relevant to providing high quality support and services. Obtains and maintains all required certifications and trainings and applies the information to support individuals served  

26.) All other duties as assigned.  

Physical Requirements  

Staff must be able to move at least 50 pounds. Staff must be able to do daily standing, bending, and lifting. Staff must be able to stand for 8 hours at a time when situation warrants.      

Requirements  

• Valid CPR and First Aid from an accredited organization; must be at least partly instructor led/in person (ex: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety and Health Institute)
• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent    
• Valid Driver's License

Other Competencies  

DSP staff must be certified to be free of communicable diseases by a physician (post-employment physical); have proof that staff received COVID-19 vaccine or have valid medical reason not to be vaccinated; have the ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others; be flexible with respect to hours of work and changing conditions; be of good moral character; have an interest in the welfare of the individuals; have training and/or interest in the field of developmental disabilities; and have a willingness/ability to communicate with and relate to individuals, parents, guardians, fellow-staff, representatives of community agencies, and company management.   

Benefits

    • Health insurance provided by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

    • Vision and Dental insurance provided by United Health Care

    • Life Insurance provided by TransAmerica 

    • Paid Time Off (PTO) hours (earn up to 14 days/year; earn up to 20 after 5 years of service)

        ○ 7 Paid Holidays

    • 401K/Retirement (after 1 year of service, Safe Harbor Match at 4%)

    • Tuition Reimbursement (after 1 year of service)