What are the responsibilities and job description for the ADS Direct Support Professional position at United Cerebral Palsy Heartland?
If you enjoy making the lives of those with differing abilities extraordinary, UCP Heartland is looking for you- for our Adult Day Services Program in North County!
You are involved in the Individualized Support Plans (ISP) process by implementing and monitoring outcome objectives as specified in the client’s ISP. Responsible for scheduling and implementing daily activities including activities to maintain or improve independent living skills, meal planning and preparation, recreational and leisure, social, physical wellness, service to the community, and hygiene. (Responsibilities include providing direct support and care to the clients including accessing the community.)
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Adult Day Services reports to the assigned Training Supervisor or Manager of Community Services for programmatic supervision and guidance of the day-to-day operations and client support needs.
The Primary focus is to support clients with achieving greater independence and self-sufficiency. It is further expected that the Direct Support Professional will actively work towards improving the quality of services offered. Possess creativity to ensure that clients are engaged in meaningful age-appropriate activities that support their outcome objectives. You will be a member of the support team ensuring the clients served remain a top priority. Confidentiality must always be maintained.
The Direct Support Professional is required to maintain cooperative professional working relationships with clients, employees, supervisors, guardians, external providers, and families. The Direct Support Professional must consistently display appropriate conduct as a role model for clients. Interactions with families, primary caretakers and others may be limited, but professionalism is always expected.
The Direct Support Professional in Adult Day Services provides supports to clients with ratios fluctuating between 1:1 and 1:6.
All requisitions for supplies, maintenance work requests, solicitation for donations, Incident/Seizure Reports, etc., must be submitted through recognized administrative channels and standard operating procedures in a timely manner.
Flexibility is expected, as the Direct Support Professional may be required to substitute in other program groups and/or locations when needed.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Actively participate as a member of a team in goal development utilizing client support plans.
- Support clients to establish self-determination, advocacy and security.
- Plan, prepare for, and implement individual and small group daily activities that are meaningful, age appropriate and support each client’s program plan.
- Support clients with daily life activities including meals, toileting, dressing, and other personal care.
- Ensure the Health and Safety of clients and client Rights remains a priority.
- Provide center based or home based and community-based services in accordance with the client’s plan.
- Ensure all clients are actively engaged and supervised by providing support to client to achieve their individualized goals.
- Support peers and supervisor in a collaborative effort to ensure client’s needs are met.
- Complete all required reporting accurately, in a timely manner and in accordance with guidelines established by the Agency’s EHR policy and other Regulatory Entities including but not limited to service documentation, medication administration, incident reports and activity records.
- Remain in compliance with all program regulatory codes and requirements (i.e., Medicaid, DMH, SB40 Boards).
- Ensure that CARF standards, Agency and departmental policies and procedures are consistently followed.
- Maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality.
- Perform heavy physical work as needed to assist in the care of clients. Heavy work involves exerting force to lift, carry, push, pull, and otherwise move individuals and objects who may weigh more than 150 pounds and, involves bending, squatting, reaching, and moving about most of the time.
- Use proper transfer techniques and/or mechanical lifts.
- Demonstrates excellent defensive driving skills, able to operate agency vehicles varying in size from a standard van to a large ADA custom van and a driving record that meets agency policy requirements.
- Safeguard and assure proper care and maintenance of clients and Agency property including but not limited to adaptive equipment, lifts, and Agency vehicles.
- Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
- Promptly communicate any problems or concerns that may arise.
- Comprehension and proficiency with all agency software used for program.
- Secure and maintain training/certification in CPR/First Aid, CPI, abuse and neglect, bloodborne pathogens, HIPAA, and all other certifications or trainings as required by the Agency.
- Use the EHR (Electronic Health Records) system to complete all documentation.
- Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
- High School diploma or its equivalent (GED).
- Valid Drivers’ license
- Clean Driving Record and successfully completes and maintains assigned drivers training
- Experience supporting individuals with disabilities or in a customer service field
- Ability to take direction and work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to consistently work in a professional, cooperative manner with all Agency clients and personnel.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Computer proficiency
PREFERRED EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
- Associate degree in a human service field.
- Two years’ experience supporting individuals with developmental and physical disabilities.
- Knowledge of and experience with adaptive equipment and assistive technology devices for adults with developmental disabilities.
- Knowledge of and experience with Electronic Health Records system.
