Direct Support Professional

Job Title: Direct Support Professional
Department: Supported Living Services
Reports to: Program Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

This position is responsible for providing overall support to individuals who are intellectually and/or developmentally disabled in accordance with their Person-Centered Individualized Plan (PCISP). Services may be rendered in a facility, the community, personal residence, family home, or place of employment. Direct Support Professionals will provide engaged supports that enable those served to live, work, play, and learn in ways that are most meaningful to them while promoting independence and individual choice. All services are to be delivered in such a manner that meets all federal, state, local, and accrediting entity regulatory requirements as well as Lirio policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform engaging person-centered service delivery that encourages skill development and a meaningful day.
• Provide support to individuals as outlined in their PCISP, Risk Plans, Behavior Support Plans, and other protocols that may be in place.
• Assist individuals to acquire, retain, or improve daily living skills while promoting dignity, inclusion, independence, and personal choice.
• Promote community inclusion by transporting individuals to activities of their choosing while fostering the development or maintenance of social skills in integrated settings
• Train/assist individuals in developing independent daily living skills, including but not limited to: routine housekeeping tasks, administration of medications, management of medical appointments, money management, nutrition, grocery shopping, personal hygiene, proper use of appliances and adaptive/assistive devices, home safety, first aid, emergency procedures, etc.
• Oversee the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals served as assigned. Respond to changes, unusual incidents, and concerns immediately. Ensure that proper intervention is administered when necessary to protect the welfare of all persons served.
• Demonstrate compassion, understanding, and excellent communication skills. Must be patient with the ability to actively listen to those served. Must demonstrate problem-solving skills and be able to make sound judgments in time sensitive situations.
• Manage a variable work schedule with good attendance and punctuality.
• Complete ongoing in-service and other educational trainings as required and within the established timeframe(s).
• Maintain ethical relationships with individuals, their families, guardians, and other professionals.
• Complete all required documentation in detail, accurately, and within established time frames.
• Observe, record, and report all interventions and unusual incidents as required.
• Communicate effectively with all parties.
• Look for ways to improve processes and procedures.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, 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. Must be at least 18 years of age. No criminal history involving fraudulent, neglectful, exploitative, or abusive activities related to individual. Must be willing to work non-traditional hours (as required) to meet consumer needs (evenings, weekends, holidays). Valid Driver’s license and confirmation of agency insurability as an acceptable driver (subject to position). Must maintain reliable transportation. Excellent work and personal references required.

Education And Experience

Display an interest in and empathy for persons with developmental disabilities. Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification, Core A medication training, Fire Extinguisher Training, and Emergency Procedure Training.

Language And Communication Skills

Must possess visual and auditory skills to monitor consumer activities. Reading and writing skills as needed to complete documentation. Possess interpersonal skills necessary to work productively with consumers as a team member.

Physical Demands

Be in adequate physical health to perform the job tasks required. Some heavy lifting may be required. Must be able to transfer and utilize CDC approved training when physical intervention is required. Must be able to stand, walk, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to deal with bodily fluids/functions. Must be free from communicable disease with a negative TB test or chest x-ray.

Work Environment

The noise level in this environment is moderate. In some situations the noise level could be loud.

Dress Code

When doing direct care in an individual’s home attire can be casual. Going out in community clothing should be clean, pressed, appropriate attire. Closed toe shoes are preferred. (See Personnel Manual for rules/restrictions)

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice as business needs arise.