CASUAL

$500 Sign On Bonus after 90 days of employment!

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
The DSP worker provides a wide variety of services and supports to individuals who are living in their own houses, apartments, or are transitioning to a community based living environment. He or she will complete the required training that includes Gentle Teaching Working with People as well as participate in in-services or additional training as needed to meet the needs of individuals or their households. The DSP worker will assist with personal care and activities of daily living as well as teaching the skills needed to maintain ones own home. The DSP worker must have good judgment, be a positive role model and be able to communicate respectfully and effectively with the people served and their support team. The worker will help support and guide individuals as they make relevant choices and will support and encourage their movement toward a more independent, integrated lifestyle. The worker will continually evaluate and help individuals develop natural supports and positive community friendships. The worker will transport individuals, support them in community activities, at medical appointments, shopping and leisure; will provide safe and accurate medication assistance; provide physical assistance and use assistive devices for transferring individuals, according to individual program plans and individual Plan of Service. DSP worker will support participants in learning about and using community resources and facilities; provide for the safety and wellbeing of individuals while supporting them to learn and apply safety skills within their own households as well as in the community. The worker will provide support to assist and teach the individual how to plan meals, shop for
ingredients, and prepare nutritious low-cost meals. Will accurately complete and maintain data collection, providing verbal and written reports and communication as required.

Rate of pay: $16.74

FLSA: Non-Exempt/Casual

Reports To: Supported Independence Program Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: High School diploma or GED preferred.
Experience: Knowledge of developmental disabilities and of people with developmental disabilities desirable. Lived experience with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders valued.
Other: Good communication skills—both verbal and written—are required. Must be able to understand and follow oral instructions and read, comprehend, and follow written instructions, medication orders and individual program plans. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment, i.e., knowing when to ask for guidance, is essential. Must be at least 18 years old. Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record (as determined by the agency). Must have the availability to work a varied schedule. Ability to work within a team setting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. The ability to embrace and practice the philosophies and tools of gentle teaching.
2. Demonstrate the ability to promote integration into the community for the individual that adheres to “person centered planning”.
3. Demonstrate effective collaboration and coordination with community resources.
4. Must successfully complete the Gentle Teaching –Working with People class and the SIP curriculum training offered by the agency.
5. Attend meetings as required or requested by the supervisor.
6. Work cooperatively and communicate effectively with staff, families, the individuals served, and a wide range of people in the community.
7. Provides an environment which promotes individual choice in all areas including selection of community activities, staffing, home environment etc.
8. Demonstrates knowledge of universal precautions, emergency protocol, and standards of practice including but not limited to confidentiality and recipient rights, and emergency protocol.
9. Must remain composed under pressure and possess the ability to react calmly to situations involving challenging behaviors and crisis.
10. Nurtures, comforts, and assures available opportunity for open communication and interdependence between the person served and staff.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Performs other related duties as required.
2. May be requested to be involved in the Board’s continuous quality improvement program.
3. May be required to provide transportation while performing agency-related duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to walk, bend, stand, sit, lift up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance, stretch/reach, hear, see hand/finger dexterity and drive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with applicable laws.