Residential Services/Family Support Services Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Description

Job Description

*We are looking for applicants who can work flexible hours. Currently we are hiring for:*

• Weekday Mornings, 6am - 10:30am and/or 7:45am - 9am
• Weekday Afternoons/Evenings, 3pm - 6pm and/or 1:30pm - 9pm 
• Weekends, shifts between the hours of 7am - 9pm

If these shifts do not work, and would prefer FT hours, please consider our FT DSP position at our day habilitation program!

Summary of Work:
• The primary responsibility of this role is to support and empower people with disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives in their homes and communities. This includes understanding and encouraging each person to follow their Overall Service Plan (OSP), while promoting personal growth, independence, and overall well-being within their residential setting.
• Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in this position are expected to build respectful relationships, uphold each person’s rights and dignity, and encourage people’s freedom of choice and safety in all areas of home life. This person-centered role requires compassion, respect, consistency, flexibility and clear communication at all times.
• This position is classified as non-exempt, making employees eligible for overtime pay.

Job Description:
• The person in this position supports people with disabilities in their home environments. A Residential DSP is a member of a team that provides high-quality support that encourages autonomy, builds daily living skills, and encourages a safe, supportive home life. Typical hours may include mornings, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays depending on the needs of the people that you will be supporting.

• Key qualities for success in this role include being compassionate, patient, respectful, dependable, energetic, fun, and having a collaborative mindset. The physical demands include moderate to high activity, lifting 50 lbs. or more, and the ability to respond quickly to a range of home-based or health-related needs. We are an equal opportunity employer and will provide reasonable accommodations.

Job Duties:
Basic Support and Agency Policies
• Encourage people with disabilities in achieving personal goals, including goals that are identified in the person's Overall Service Plan (OSP). Please note that the people you support are welcome to decline following their OSP’s. A DSP’s role is to encourage, assist/support and educate.
• Encourage and assist with routines such as waking up, meal preparation, household chores, medication, and activities of daily living.
• Encourage and/or support people to make choices about their home, schedule, meals, and social connections.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation related to services.
• Track hours via the Therap app.
• Track your mileage and submit your tracking form following the pay schedule.
• Practice and promote the values of the Grand Forks Growth and Support Center, including dignity, autonomy, and inclusion.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality inside and outside of the home setting.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation promptly. Participate in investigations as requested.
• Encourage and assist people to keep their living spaces clean, safe, and welcoming.
• Staff within GFGSC’s Residential Program must be willing and able to use their personal vehicle to assist people to places that they want/need to go. Mileage is reimbursed.

• Vehicle Safety: Personal vehicles used for driving with the people that you support must be in safe operating condition, including functioning seat belts for all passengers.
• Compliance with Laws: Staff must adhere to all applicable traffic laws and
  organizational policies when driving with the people that they support.

• Other duties as assigned.

Promoting Independence and Skills
• Encourage and support participation in daily household activities such as laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, planning and organizing.
• Promote health and wellness by encouraging and/or supporting hygiene routines, physical activity, and medical appointments.
• Support medication administration according to GFGSC protocols and ND state guidelines.
• Help the people we support develop and maintain skills that lead to greater self-direction and pride in their lives.
• Actively involve the people we support in decisions that affect their living environment, future plans and routines.

• Encourage and support people to run their personal errands (grocery shopping, picking up needed items such as medications).

Engagement and Relationship-Building
• Build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with the people you support and their support network.
• Assist people in building and maintaining meaningful relationships with friends, family, neighbors, and community members.
• Encourage people to build and maintain safe relationships.
• Engage with the people we support in a respectful, supportive manner throughout your shifts.
• Support involvement in hobbies, social activities, and community events based on each person’s interests.
• Be a positive role model at home and in the community.
• Communicate effectively with the people we support, coworkers, supervisors, and other team members to ensure consistent and safe support. Treat all people with respect and dignity.

Job Requirements:
• Must be 21+
• Clear Background check.
• Clear Child Abuse and Neglect screens.
• Completion of drug screen upon hire (arranged by GFGSC, once hired).
• Willing to use your personal vehicle to assist those we support with transportation needs.
• Up-to-date driver’s license, vehicle insurance and vehicle registration.
• Clear driving record.