DSP Training Program - (Direct Support Professional) - Swann Special Care Center

Paid Direct Support Professional (DSP) certification training provided.

Swann Special Care Center, a non-profit organization located in Champaign, Illinois, provides compassionate care for persons with severe and profound intellectual disabilities through our residential nursing care program, adult day training program and our accredited non-public school.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Other duties as assigned.

1. Provides daily direct care and support to clients at the level identified in his/her individualized care and/or educational plan. This includes but is not limited to: bathing, dressing and grooming; food consumption; transferring and ambulating. Provision of care also includes: providing comfort to clients by creating a positive home-like environment; helping the clients develop trust; offering emotional support; assisting with daily routines, working with clients’ families; and communicating and actively listening.
2. Monitors and reports to Charge Nurse and/or case management change in client physical condition, changes and/or problems in training programs and other relevant matter(s).
3. Provides for the clients’ health needs, including but not limited to: determining measurements accurately as assigned (vital signs, intake, output and food consumption, etc.); ensuring proper documentation is maintained; assisting the nurses during treatments, medical procedures and emergencies; recording accurate, legible information about client care and condition per facility practices; and responding to any call light or emergency alarm timely.
4. Provides supports and active treatment to clients by assisting in the development and implementation of all Support Plans, including spiritual life supports, assisting clients in achieving their personal goals and desires, providing interaction and choices for activities that support a meaningful day, and supporting clients to be independent in activities of daily living; exercise, communication, socialization, leisure and home maintenance skills.
5. Maintains employee and client safety. Duties including but are not limited to: following infection control practices; maintaining a clean and safe environment; reporting safety problems immediately; performing procedures correctly; timely reporting injuries to Charge Nurse; participating in fire and disaster drills. In an emergency, carries out assigned duties to assure client and employee safety.
6. Assists with the planning, implementation and evaluation of plans of care for assigned clients and reports information and suggested approaches to Charge Nurse and/or QIDP.
7. As directed, performs quality assessment and assurance functions.
8. As directed, assists with survey processes.
9. This position requires the ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.10. Must speak, understand and read the English language  to the extent necessary to safely and properly care for clients.
10. Maintains proper documentation as directed.
11. As directed, assists with updating and implementing policies and procedures to reflect the philosophy of the facility, professional standards, and legal requirements.
12. Maintains and updates current skills and knowledge through continuing education and in-service programs.
13. Carries out responsibilities in compliance with federal, state, local laws and regulations, and with company philosophy, policies and procedures.
14. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills with high level of energy and enthusiasm.  Ability to organize, document, and implement detailed programs. Good verbal and written communication skills.
15. This position requires standing, sitting, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting up to 50 pounds or more, bending, climbing, twisting upper body, walking, running, carrying, listening, talking, use of telephone, and exposure to medical equipment and persons with risk of illness.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED).  Meets state and federal requirements.