Direct Support Professional

DSP Residential-Danville

DANVILLE, PA 17821

Overview

Position Type Full Time

Description

The Direct Support Professional-Residential, under the supervision of the Home Coordinator, Residential Services, is responsible for assisting individuals with developmental disabilities or other special needs in a residential environment. This role supports clients in their daily living activities, including personal care, household tasks, and community involvement, while fostering an environment of safety, respect, and empowerment.

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position consist of the ability to perform basic math functions, write, read, and comprehend what is read. Expressive and receptive language skills are also required in the execution of the responsibilities below. Patience, compassion, and empathy with strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. The ability to transfer and lift individuals with or without assistance and to occasionally push/pull may also be required. Twisting, bending, and other physical movements may be required at varying degrees. Position requires being physically present at each home in which assigned individuals live. Position also requires wearing suitable attire (clothing and footwear) that is respectful, practical, and conducive to providing high-quality care in residential and community settings. All the above may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Duties

• Be a primary advocate for individuals served by ensuring health, safety, and welfare at all times.
• Honor and respect individuals and their personal rights in all aspects of the individual's lives.
• Comply with Hope's confidentiality policy and all applicable HIPAA regulations.
• Function as an appropriate role model and present an acceptable appearance and image when representing the agency.
• Exercise common sense and good judgment in all decision making
• Implement behavior management plans, provide guidance, and use positive reinforcement techniques to support individuals in managing behaviors.
• Support and encourage individuals to participate in recreational, educational, and social activities both within the home and in the community.
• Monitor and assist with medical needs, including medication administration and appropriate documentation, and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals.
• Report any health or behavioral changes/concerns to supervisors.
• Manage challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques.
• Follow behavior intervention plans (if applicable)
• Assist with household chores such as meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, and maintaining a clean-living environment.
• Maintain a safe environment and address potential risks.
• Assist with transportation to appointments, work, and/or social activities.
• Maintain accurate records of the individuals' activities, such as behavior, health status, and progress in daily logs and reports.
• Effectively communicate with individuals, families, and staff. Report any incidents, concerns, or updates regarding individuals' well-being or behavior.
• Support clients in developing life skills and promoting independence in daily routines, social interactions, and personal decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with other staff members to ensure a coordinated approach to care and support for individuals. Ensure full compliance with Integration, Everyday Lives, Hope Enterprises, Inc. Policy and Procedures and current ODP practices and philosophies.
• Notify and consult with supervisor when additional support is needed. Utilize the On-Call System as appropriate.

Other Duties

• Accept temporary work assignments.
• Attend and participate in scheduled training and meetings.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Hours: This is a non-exempt position, requiring 2040+ hours per week (depending on the role). Work hours may vary based on program needs and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Immediate Supervisor: Home Coordinator

Positions Supervised: None

Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Certificate.
• Experience in human services is preferred, or an equivalent combination of experience and training is acceptable.
• All staff must be at least 18 years-of-age.
• A valid driver's license is required unless programmatic circumstances permit.