What are the responsibilities and job description for the Caregiver / Direct Support Professional position at Sevita?
Job Title
Direct Support Professional, Residential
Summary
The Direct Support Professional, Residential provides direct support within a single program or unit within a program, typically supporting 4 - 6 individuals in residential settings, or up to 10 individuals in periodic programs.
The Direct Support Professional, Residential provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans that may include socialization, health maintenance, medication administration and skill or behavioral development.
The Direct Support Professional, Residential assists with day-to-day activities including personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community integration, shopping, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
Essential Job Functions
- Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
- Accurately documents progress and activity; reviews records and logs to stay abreast of changes in service plans; maintains confidentiality; accurately and timely completes billing documentation as applicable.
- Assists with money management, as assigned, and assures safety of individuals' funds and property.
- Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and case managers; greets family members and other visitors; implements Sevita Customer Service Standards.
- Reports any instance of alleged abuse or neglect according to internal and external standards; reports medical, behavioral and other incidents in accordance with Sevita policy and external requirements.
- Maintains confidentiality, respects the rights of persons being served, according to applicable the bill of rights; practices universal precautions; assists individuals in exercising their rights.
Health Care
- May accompany individuals to medical appointments; relays orders and information to and from medical providers as required.
- If assigned, accurately administers and documents delivery of medications and treatments; promptly reports administration errors; maintains appropriate security of controlled medications and other medications and supplies.
- Monitors individual's health; documents health concerns; communicates with nurse or supervisor as appropriate; calls 911 in the event of emergency; follows individual health care directives.
- Correctly follows procedures in utilizing medical equipment; reports malfunction or disrepair.
- Prepares or supports individuals to prepare food in accordance with planned menus and individual choice; knows special diets and prepares individual meals accordingly; monitors mealtime and correctly implements any dining plans.
Employment Responsibilities
- Attends orientation and on-going training as directed; participates in monthly staff meetings.
- Works scheduled hours; arrives for work on time; stays on shift until replacement arrives; notifies supervisor in advance when unable to work as scheduled or as soon as possible after the designated start time; may fill in for other shifts where required without causing unapproved overtime, or in the event of emergency.
- Works together with others, values others contributions; is courteous; communicates openly; listens; and shows respect to others.
- Every employee plays a role in developing and maintaining a safe workplace; complies with all established safety policies, procedures, and rules; reports unsafe hazards to their supervisor and participates in safety related training or activities
Maintenance
- May transport individuals into the community; drives safely and according to local laws; assures proper use of safety equipment including seat belts, lifts and wheelchair ties; reports accidents to appropriate authorities immediately; reports accidents and safety concerns immediately to supervisor or maintenance personnel.
- Performs daily and seasonal housekeeping as directed; maintains neat, clean and safe environment; reports hazards or safety concerns.
- Monitors environmental safety and may make minor repairs, change light bulbs, etc.; may perform yard maintenance including keeping walkways safe and snow removal; reports equipment or facilities requiring repairs to supervisor or maintenance personnel as required.
- Checks water temperature as required when assisting with bathing; participates in safety drills and protects persons being served in the event of emergency.
Other
- Performs other related duties and activities as required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None
Minimum Knowledge and Skills Required by the Job
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required to perform the job
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Six months of experience in human services preferred.
- Must be 18 years of age.
Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations Required:
- Valid driver's license in good standing.
- Car registration and vehicle insurance if providing transportation for individuals receiving services.
- All state-required training and certification completed in mandated timeframes.
Physical Requirements:
- Heavy work. Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
For Tennessee Only:
- Maintain valid driver's license, meet all insurance requirements and be approved by management to be a driver for the company. If an employee is determined to have lost their driving privileges by failing the company MVR driving record requirements per company policy, the employee will be required to sign a Non-Driver form and restricted from driving on behalf of the company until their MVR report satisfies the company requirements for a good driving record.
Job Description Addendum for CS New Jersey
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.
- Must have a valid driver's license in good standing in The State of New Jersey; however, in the event the person lives in another state and is commuting, they must have a valid driver's license in good standing for the state in which they live.
- At minimum, a High School Diploma/Equivalent is required
- All employees hired after 6/15/2018 shall submit to drug testing prior to employment. All employees shall submit to drug testing randomly and for cause/suspicion.
- Employees must submit to criminal background checks, and be determined not to be disqualified by the Department of Human Services prior to working with individuals served. In addition to this, it is a requirement that all employees agree to have their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, as well as completing an application to have their name checked against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).
- Employees must successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in all areas of required trainings.
- Shall be at least 18 years of age.