Direct Support Professional

Independence Support Services LLC is community based independent living group homes in Delaware County. Independence Support Services is looking for experienced, reliable, energetic Direct Care Professionals.

The Direct Care Professional reports to the Director of Health Services. The Direct Care Professional is responsible for the provision of support, personal assistance, training and quality care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in a community group home.

Essential Functions:

• Primary responsibility is to work in the residence of a person and serve as personal support, to be engaged with him/her, always actively involved and to make sure all programs and activities are carried out for the benefit of the person served, both in
• the home and in the community.
• Provides supervision and training to adults with intellectual disabilities in order to promote each person's growth toward his/her highest potential, consistently following his/her individual plan and goals.

• Shall teach and instruct people served, to do as much as possible for themselves, per program plans.
• As requested, communicates with the other program staff concerning the individual program of the person served.
• Communicates concerns related to the persons served needs to the House Manager in a timely manner.
• Utilizes approved behavior plans and intervention strategies to enhance the progress of achieving goals and objectives.
• Works hands on directly with people served to assist each person in developing independent living skills, to include, but not limited to, mobility, budgeting, personal hygiene, cleaning, bathing, toileting, nail care and oral hygiene.
• Knows whereabouts of persons served at all times. Checks all rooms at specified times to ensure safety and well-being of persons served.
• Monitors persons served with behavior or medical concerns at regular intervals.
• Is responsible for aiding persons served in the care and maintenance of his/her personal belongings and ensures these are secure and controlled by each person.
• Collects progress data relating to persons served, according to Independence Support Services policy.
• Uses approved crisis intervention techniques in emergency situations when persons served are in danger of injuring themselves or others.
• Communicates with day program staff concerning the individual's program.
• Attends team meetings and House meetings, as required.
• Writes daily progress notes and collects data in relation to Individual Service Plan goals.
• Ensures the house is personalized and individualized to each person's served preference and personality.
• Reports any household related concerns to the House Manager in a timely manner.
• Monitors and assists in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the persons served home, inside and out.
• Keeps home clean.
• Checks all outside doors consistently throughout the day, by touring the home to ensure the security of the home.
• Acts as a positive role model for persons served and organization staff.
• Is knowledgeable of routine and emergency medical procedures to include, but not limited to, CPR, vital signs, positioning, wheelchair usage, transfers, assistive devices, splints, dentures and walkers.
• Administers correct and timely medication (oral, topical, nebulizers, bowel regimens) consistent with the Physician Medical Order Form (PMOF) and the Medication Administration Record (MAR) and ensures three-way check.
• Completes appropriate records and reports, i.e. monthly reports, incident reports, seizure records, program activity logs, fire drill reports, etc.
• Completes laundry, prepares food according to approved menus, special diets and food consistencies as prescribed
• Is responsible for transporting and accompanying persons served, to appointments, activities, community outings, and religious services.
• Assumes financial responsibility for company and person served funds and documents per company policy.
• Other duties assigned by management

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Medication administration training (must be approved medication administration training)
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Effective decision-making and problem solving skills.
• Supervisory and staff development skills
• Effective management skills with an ability to plan and implement systems that are outcome oriented and ensure quality service delivery.
• Demonstrates business acumen in decision-making.
• Must be organized, flexible and dedicated to quality service delivery.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficient in technology applications.
• Allocates staff resources to maximize productivity.
• Knowledge of quality enhancement principles, systems and assessment tools.
• Ability to adapt quality assurance systems and assessment tools to regulatory standards and Agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to analyze data and recommend corrective action.
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards in job performance.
• Expertise in the individual plan development, implementation and review process.
• Effective management skills with an ability to plan and implement systems that are consumer focused, outcome oriented, and ensures quality service delivery.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards.
• Case management skills with focus on consumer advocacy and outcomes.
• Knowledge of government benefits and other resources with ability to access the same for individuals served.
• Ability to facilitate planning meetings and write individual plans that incorporate measurable goals and outcomes.
• Ability to provide guidance, direction and technical support to staff.

RequiredEducation and Experience: High school diploma; at least 1 year of working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record as determined by criteria established by Independence Support Services, the insurance carrier and company policy.