Direct Support Professional NFT (62000)

Overview Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are responsible for supporting activities of people enrolled in VOAC programs and living in VOAC-operated homes. DSPs teach independent living skills and provide support with activities of daily living. They facilitate community integration, maintain safety and well-being in accordance with the Scope of Work and VOAC policies and procedures, and contribute to the upkeep of program environments. Principle Activities Provides support for people as necessary to ensure needs identified by the Inter-Disciplinary Team (IDT) are met. Communicates with families, IDT members, the person’s day program, and other providers of services and supports as necessary and appropriate. Instructs, supports, and participates in performing household tasks with people, such as cleaning, preparing meals, and food shopping, as identified in the ISP. Assists people in developing daily living skills by identifying and meeting social, environmental, and health care needs. Assists people in daily grooming and personal care routines. Implements Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention responses as trained and specified in the person’s Behavior Support Plan and ISP. Responds, as trained and instructed, in emergency medical situations. Performs crisis intervention as trained and provides assistance as needed. Plans, coordinates, and participates with people in social activities including frequent community outings. Transports people or provides mobility training to assist them to attend appointments, community rehabilitation programs, grocery shopping, etc. Documents activities and behaviors of people in files as designated, on data sheets, in log books, and various other forms as required (this may include the use of electronic records). Prepares food according to developed menus, menu protocols, individuals’ likes and dislikes, and prescribed diets. Attends staff meetings, training in-services, house and program meetings as directed. Ensures compliance with VOAC program requirements and environment-specific rules, as well as regulations from all monitoring entities. Inspects the home/program environments and reports repairs and maintenance as needed. Ensures fire and other safety procedures are carried out as directed, including participation in routine fire drills and emergency drills. Checks for proper sanitation and security conditions within the home/program environment. Notifies supervisor and monitors activities of visitors to the home/program environment. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of VOAC policies and procedures. Understands role as a mandated reporter of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Qualifications Minimum of a high school diploma, GED, and/or IEP. One (1) year of experience working in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities; exceptions may be made for less than 1 year experience to include enhanced supervision by the Qualified Professional until the year is obtained. Medication Administration Certification is preferred, but may be required by the end of the introductory period. Must pass all state-required trainings and new hire orientation classes. Must maintain current certifications and trainings required by CMS or relevant governmental entities. Computer skills required for documentation. Written and verbal communication skills must be clear and professional. Problem solving abilities. Pass relevant local and state background checks and drug testing requirements. Bilingual abilities are a plus. Preferred Selection May Be Given To Persons Who Have Experience in a residential setting serving people with intellectual/developmental disabilities or other special needs (rehabilitation settings, nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, behavioral health settings, etc.). Experience working with people who are medically fragile and/or have physical limitations. Note: All employees must maintain ongoing training, certifications, and be in good standing with all program requirements as a condition of continued employment. Physical Requirements The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential duties. The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, people, and program supplies as necessary. The ability to operate office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movement. The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time. The ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear, and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment. The physical ability to move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment. The physical ability to lift, transfer, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The physical ability to lift, transfer, carry, push, pull a person served when required through routine assistance or during an emergency. Effect On End Result To ensure the needs of persons served as identified by the IDT are met and the person’s satisfaction is achieved. To ensure that the program is operated in compliance with the Scope of Work, VOAC policies and procedures, and licensing and all Medicaid (ICF, Waiver, and other) regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas