Direct Support Professional – Lovingston, PT, 24 hours

The Community Living Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for the implementation of the Individual Support Plans through skill building and support to assure each individual’s independence, personal autonomy, and access to community resources. The Community Living DSP is also responsible for creating a safe, nurturing home environment for individuals living in residential programs.

JOB DUTIES:

• Implements the Individual Support Plans by effectively supporting individuals in building skills, health and safety and community engagement as outlined in each plan. Applies positive, non-aversive approaches to providing support.
• Observes individual participation and progress in achieving outcomes. Assists the individual and Residential Manager in the person-centered development and/or revision of ISPs to better meet individual’s needs, preferences, and goals.
• Assures a caring, supportive home environment in all day-to-day home activities to the furthest extent possible for each individual.
• Maintains daily and other regularly scheduled documentation and reports regarding individual activities, programs, and their progress. Maintains and completes documentation as required and within required timeframes. Uses professional, person-centered language in the completion of all documentation.
• Assists individuals with medication administration while assuring accuracy. Monitors individuals to assess medication effectiveness and side effects; and reports observations to Residential Manager for follow up. Notes and reports errors in medication administration.
• May involve, as required, personal care that may include toileting, changing briefs, bathing, and feeding.
• Supports individuals to plan and initiate a variety of in-home and community-based recreational activities that incorporate individual preferences, skills, financial resources as well as concepts self-determination, community integration.
• Understands, demonstrates competency, and assures the rights of individuals in accordance with DBHDS Office of Human Rights to include protecting individuals from harm, abuse, and exploitation. Immediately reports any concerns or observations of potential harm, abuse, or exploitation.
• Assures and promotes the rights of individuals in accordance with HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) to include integration and full access to the community, individual rights of privacy, dignity, respect, and freedom from coercion and restraint, individual autonomy, and independence in making life choices and facilitates individual choice in services and supports.
• Maintains the home in accordance to DBHDS Licensing regulations, which includes routine cleaning and general home maintenance and other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Responds to medical or behavioral health emergencies safely, swiftly, and appropriately.
• Assures the home is safe and secure, reports immediately any identified safety concerns and takes action to address and/or protect the program individuals including contacting emergency services and/or police as needed.
• Provides transportation to individuals for daily commuting, healthcare needs, and community activities as requested.
• Utilizes necessary equipment to assure the safe transfer of the individuals, as well as protecting oneself from personal injury (i.e., training and use of the Hoyer Lifts.)
• Attends at least one staff meeting per month; attends other required trainings and meetings to maintain knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For overnight staff/positions: Staff must remain awake for the entirety of their shift(s).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: intellectual and developmental disabilities, concepts and principles of barrier-free environments, person-centered principles, community integration, independent living needs of individuals with disabilities.

Skills: Safe operation of passenger vehicles as evidenced by a valid Virginia driving license and an acceptable Department of Motor Vehicle driving record, CPR/First Aid procedures, crisis prevention and intervention and emergency responses, documentation.

Ability: to lift and transfer at least 50 pounds and, for transfers of the individuals we support, utilizes appropriate equipment (i.e. Hoyer Lift) to prevent personal injury, or injury to the individual being supported. Must work independently; follow directions; communicate verbally and in writing; interact effectively and courteously with a variety of individuals; teach effectively; and provide personal assistance.

SUGGESTED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED) or any combination of training and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Successful completion of The Arc of the Piedmont’s staff certification program.

Relief positions are also available, working on an as needed basis.