Direct Support Professional I

Job Description

Job Description

Summary:  The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides support to individuals with IDD. DSPs must be energetic, adapt easily to changing daily schedules, work well in a team and demonstrate creative problem-solving skills. The DSP will work closely with service recipients and the Manager to plan daily activities and support. The DSP will support individuals served with activities of daily living to maximize physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual growth. 

Experience & Education:  This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent education (GED). Experience or training in mental health, special education, behavior support, or another human services field is preferred.  Previous experience is strongly preferred. Must be at least 18 years of age. This position also requires the ability to demonstrate emotional maturity and patience necessary to understand and support the social, psychological, behavioral, and emotional needs of individuals with I/DD and the ability to nurture self-sufficiency and quality of life of individuals served. Must have an acceptable driving record and valid driver’s license. Must demonstrate the ability to represent the agency in the community in a positive manner.

Work Schedule:  This position is scheduled for full-time (at least 30 hours per week), part-time (regular schedule, 29 or less hours per week), and part-time as needed. The DSP may work extra hours and/or different shifts as needed due to staff illness, no shows, vacations, and open positions to maintain building coverage and operations. At times this schedule adjustment may be mandatory. The schedule may require overnight, holiday, and/or weekend coverage. Part-time as needed (PRN) is fulfilled by working at least 4 shifts per month. The PRN schedule is based on the needs of the program . The DSP is assigned to a primary location but may be required to work at other locations (group homes and/or community-based services such as community engagement or coaching) at any location within the immediate geographic area. Travel for training or meetings may be required infrequently. 

Essential duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Essential Job Duties

• Provides day-to-day organization and implementation of activities that promote an organized and positive environment for individuals served. Carries out duties in methods that are person-centered, organized, non-reactive, and promotes independence. Models and coordinates least restrictive supports that promote inclusion and community integrated philosophies, including 1:1 work with individuals as needed. 
• In partnership with supervisor, has working knowledge of 12VAC35-105; 12VAC35-115; and 12VAC35-122. This includes promoting rights, reporting serious incidents in a timely manner and compliance with all regulations, DDM Policies/Procedures, and HTFS Employee Handbook.
• Participates in an active circle of support, including the individual, AR, family members, and staff that work closest with the individual to collaborate and advocate annually and as needed to develop independence and services in the least restrictive environment. Ensuring communication as needed within the circle of support and with supervisor. Communicates professionally and effectively with family members, community partners, and other service providers. 
• Completes all required documentation including progress of measurable goals and methods to achieve goals, completion of quarterly reviews as assigned by manager, required daily/weekly/monthly progress notes and accurate support services records.
• Support individuals with a variety of needs including but not limited to physical hygiene, routine housekeeping activities, emotional regulation, behavior support, and following through with medical care instructions provided by medical professionals.
• Maintains the program location, ensuring each home, center, or office is clean, safe, and maintained in good condition. Reports maintenance needs in a timely manner. Performs routine housekeeping and maintenance that may include but is not limited to use of a small step-ladder including changing low light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, and air filters. 
  Conducts and documents emergency drills, home and vehicle inspection documentation, monthly inspection of fire extinguishers, routine audits of emergency preparedness supplies, and other location-related audits.
• Participates in an environment that promotes health and safety through medication administration assistance, medication administration audits; documentation of changes in medical condition and needed supports; and communication with supervisors regarding any medical needs or services rendered.
• Applies skills learned during medication administration training. This includes, but is not limited to, privacy during medication administration, a process free of medication errors, and completion of related documentation. 
• Demonstrates working knowledge of and complies with DDM policy on Handling Participant’s Funds and Business Office Procedures; DDM System to Prevent Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation; and DDM Code of Ethics. This includes reporting any known, suspected, or witnessed abuse of an individual supporting two members of DDM leadership immediately, per policy and as a Mandated Reporter. 
• Demonstrates the ability to coach, teach and mentor individuals in all aspects of home management and personal independence. This includes actively teaching and promoting individual rights and self-advocacy. Engage individuals supported in monthly development of activity calendars and menus (as applicable) in order to foster choice and autonomy.
• Attends monthly team meetings and bi-weekly one-to-one coaching to ensure consistent and pertinent communication regarding services and supports provided. 
• Independently monitors and completes all required training as assigned through the online learning management system. 
• Responsible for maintaining work schedule, including arrival to work on time, notification to supervisor of absences, tardies, or early dismissals per HTFS Attendance policy, coordinating coverage with fellow team members and supervisor as needed. Consistent attendance is required. Monitors and manages PTO usage and overtime. Documents time worked accurately. 
• Acknowledges and commits to providing supervision as identified. This includes understanding and recognizing that leaving individuals without supervision rises to the definition of neglect. Recognition while in this position requires coordination of coverage with supervisor in cases of emergency, natural disasters, staff shortages, or other circumstances in which leaving the location is not possible.