Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will play a vital and positive role in helping our clients with intellectual, cognitive, or developmental disabilities achieve their fullest potential.

Reports to : Program Director

Description :

• Perform personal care tasks, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, and ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks. Fostering positive relationships between individuals served and their housemates

• Ensure client safety and maintain a safe environment 

• Assist with toileting, including bedpans, urinals, and commode chairs 

• Remind/assist client with self-administration of medications (with proper training) 

• Encourage self-help activities 

• Report changes in client's condition or family situation to the office

• Document services provided 

• Perform home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, and cleaning 

• Plan meals, shop for groceries, prepare and serve food/meals, feed and clean-up 

• Accompany clients to scheduled appointments

• Transport clients or run errands for clients

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and mental illness and related problems; good knowledge and skills needed for community living; interpersonal skills, to include the ability to empathize and demonstrate respect and patience

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; speak effectively and professionally with visitors, staff, clients, outside sources at all times; communicate in English; ability to take and give direction (from administrative staff only) and comply with minimal supervision

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instruction furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form

• Ability to walk, sit, stand, reach (shoulder height, above shoulder height and below shoulder height), pull/push (25 pounds or less, 25 to 50 pounds), carry (25 pounds or less), kneel/bend/stoop/crouch and repetitive movement.

•Familiarity with HCBS settings

Education:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED 

• Have at least one (1) year of direct care (preferred)

Specific Requirements: 

Desired: Must be 21 or older with a valid driver license. Must submit a current copy of driving record 

All applicants must have the following requirements: 

• Must complete an application on site (prior to interview) 

• Available evenings, weekends and holidays 

• Must complete a TB test 

• Must complete a background check 

• Must be available for all scheduled training initial and annually