Direct Support Professional

Position Title: Direct Support Professional I

Status: Non- Exempt

Immediate Supervisor: Direct Support Professional IV / V

Job Summary: The Direct Support Professional I will provide support and care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a DSP, you will play a vital role in empowering individuals to live independently, participate in their communities, and achieve their goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide personalized support and care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Assist with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Support individuals with meal preparation, eating, and maintaining a healthy diet
• Encourage and support individuals in participating in community activities, social events, and recreational programs
• Assist individuals with managing their finances, medications, and appointments
• Provide emotional support and guidance to help individuals build self-esteem and confidence
• Maintain accurate records and reports on individual progress and support provided
• Collaborate with other support staff, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care

Job Preparation Guidelines (Entry level knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through, but are not limited to, the following coursework/training and/or experience.)

1. Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the incumbent to possess

the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

2. Employees who are classified as a Direct Support Professional I must acquire

and maintain all qualifications for the classification, including certification as a Certified

Nurse Aide (CNA), within the first 90 days of employment as a condition of employment

in that position.

3. Greer Center must prohibit employment of persons with a conviction or prior history of

child or consumer abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and/or who have been convicted of a

crime involving violation of moral principles.

• Required to pass health screening, including a test for Tuberculosis, performed by or under the supervision of a physician not more than one year prior or seven days after employment.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of patient information
• Effective organizational and time management skills
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently. Use hands to handle or feel. Ability to turn on the knees, back, wrist, shoulders, and grasp with both hands. Must be able to frequently lift/move up to 50lbs. and occasionally lift and move more than 50lbs.
• Must obtain and maintain current certification in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), including abdominal thrust technique. Training must be obtained through class attendance that includes hands-on instruction.
• Must obtain and maintain current certification of Professional Crisis Management training (PCM).

Schedule

This position requires a rotating shift schedule to ensure 24/7 coverage. The workweek will consist of 8-hour shifts. Typical shifts are from 6:15 AM to 3 PM, 2:15 PM to 11 PM, or 10:30 PM to 7 AM.

• Rotating Schedule: Days off rotate each week.
• Holiday Work: This role requires availability to work during holidays. Employees will be expected to work on recognized holidays based on the shift rotation
• Mandatory Overtime: Due to operational needs and to ensure client care, mandatory overtime may be required, including additional hours outside of regular shifts. Overtime pay will be provided in compliance with company and legal requirements.

Flexibility and adaptability are essential to meet the demands o

Entry Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required (Applicants will be screened for possession of these through written, oral, performance, and/or other evaluations.):

1. Knowledge of intellectual/developmental disabilities etiology, rights of consumers, and active treatment concept.

2. Skill in mathematics related to addition, subtraction, and multiplication to three digits.

3. Ability to:

a. establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, consumers, and the

clients family members/guardians;

b. lift and demonstrate a willingness to learn to lift safely, including a 2 or 3 person lift

within a weight range of 50-200 pounds to a height of 36 inches from knee to waist,

multiple times within a shift;

c. see and hear adequately to perform functions of the position;

d. read and comprehend material presented in training and on the job;

e. ambulate effectively; and

f. assimilate knowledge presented in written and lecture form.