VA Medical Direct Support Professional

Description

To be considered for any SJCS careers all applicants must apply using this link SJCS Careers

About St. John’s Community Services

As one of the oldest non-profit organizations founded in the District of Columbia, St. John’s Community Services (SJCS) is committed to supporting and advocating for people of all abilities. SJCS works to cultivate caring communities to ensure that all people have the opportunity to thrive, and no one is left behind.  We support individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as adults and children experiencing hunger and homelessness in 4 states and the District of Columbia.

At SJCS, we pride ourselves in meeting every person we support where they are, learning who they are, and affirming their individuality, unique strengths, and hopes. It’s why we exist.  Advancing inclusive communities where every person, regardless of circumstances, has the right and opportunity to live their best life is our mission, and our mission is what drives us and is at the heart of our services and programs.

What are we looking for?

The Medical Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides one on one medical support to individuals with disabilities who have specialized medical needs requiring licensed personnel.  Provides support in developing and/or maintaining skills that will enhance the quality of their lives in the community; maintain health status, assist with personal care, household tasks and daily routines; performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Your overall essential responsibilities will be the following:

• Observe and respond to individuals’ physical, social, behavioral and personal needs.
• Provide adequate supervision to individuals to facilitate their health and safety.
• Dispense physician’s prescribed medication during program hours as directed by physicians’ orders following standard nursing practices
• Transport consumers to and from appointments, community sites, etc.
• Document consumer responses to programming and maintain health records, including daily shift notes/summaries.
• Routinely screen for blood pressure, weight, and other specific concerns as noted by individual’s plan of care.
• Work with the program’s Registered Nurse for health deficit identification.
• Administer special protocols related to feeding and special diet protocols.
• Assist individuals prepare for their appointments, community activities, employment.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of individual’s daily activities.
• Prepare meals or assist with the preparation of meals.
• Assist with the daily household chores, to include but not limited to laundry, meal preparation and cleaning up.
• Attend and participate in all relevant staff meetings, agency events, workshops, and training.
• Ensure responsible usage of individual and agency resources, e.g. vehicles, buildings, finances.

This list of responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this position is not in its entirety as other duties may be assigned and are expected to be followed.

The hiring range for this position ranges from $20.00 to $22.00.

Other benefits include the following:

• Medical, dental, vision, STD, and other benefits and company contributions
• Retirement plans
• Company paid LTD.
• Connectivity reimbursements (some employees)
• PTO, Vacation, and sick time off.
• Flexibility
• Family culture
• Helping other people live their best life!

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Do you think that you are a great fit for this position? We are waiting for you to join our team! Apply today on our company website SJCS Careers to be considered.

Qualifications

You will catch our eye if you have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to gain working knowledge of St. John’s Community Services policies and procedures.
• Ability to act as a representative of St. John’s Community Services to the public.
• Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with other staff members and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Knowledge of acceptable food preparation and safety practices and procedures; and
• Skilled in the operation of relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines.

Extra credit will be given if you have the following experience, education, and requirements:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Current CNA license in Virginia or a license from state which Virgina has reciprocity, required.
• One or more years related experience working with persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities preferred; experience in community-based programs preferred.
• Reliable means of transportation required.

All SJCS employees must:

• Obtain a valid health certificate to meet SJCS or current funding authority requirements.
• Meet SJCS and the funding authority requirement of criminal background and record checks.

Physical and environmental conditions include:

• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds with help
• Work environment involves risks or discomforts, which require special safety precaution
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, exposure to aggressive human behavior.
• Work environment involves risks or discomforts that require special safety precautions

Salary : $20 - $22