Direct Support Professional (DSP) (LGBTQIA+ Shelter)

Job Description

Job Description

General Description : The Direct Support Professional will serve as a Shelter Assistant (SA)/Security in our newly approved Low Barrier Shelter serving the greater LGTBQ+ community.  DSP/Shelter Assistant will provide essential 24-hour awake coverage and supervision of the shelter. This position is responsible for the welfare, safety and comfort, as well as daily support to the shelter guests. The SA will provide crisis intervention to callers seeking shelter, advice or referrals. The incumbent is expected to stay awake at all times during shift. All employees are expected to demonstrate the organizational values and sensitivity to the diversity of the organization’s client base.

In conjunction with our commitment to public safety and the requirements of many contracts, KBEC  has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy which requires all employees to be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccination and booster in accordance with applicable law. Medical or religious accommodations may be requested but must be approved by the DC Department of Health.  Those approved for such exemption, must demonstrate a negative COVID-19 official test results weekly and as requested by KBEC.

Essential Job Duties:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with known disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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  Work in partnership with the Shelter Coordinator, Case Managers and other staff to:
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    Ensure a comprehensive initial screening process to determine guest eligibility for program services, providing assessments, intakes, and enrollment where appropriate.
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  Ensure the safety and security of residents, volunteers, visitors and staff by communicating guest expectations and conducting internal and external perimeter checks during shift.
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  Conduct room and personal property inspections during shift.
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  Follow agency and shelter protocols for reporting incidents.
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  Promptly and effectively respond to potential emergencies which may occur at the shelter by following agency and shelter protocols, including the immediate evacuation of the facility as needed.
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  Conduct new resident orientation to ensure understanding of resident expectations, policies and procedures.
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  Understand and effectively respond to residents' needs.
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  Must be Food Safety Manager Certified (ServSafe and DC Department of Health) and provide meal service to residents during the shift.
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  Participate in regular supervision with Shelter Coordinator by providing regular updates.
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  Maintain guest files and manage data in accordance with program requirements and KBEC Group, Inc. guidelines.
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  Maintain current level of knowledge on program software and other information on shelter programs.
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  Work collaboratively with volunteers, contractors, and donors.
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  Assist residents and cleaning staff to maintain cleanliness and good upkeep of shelter and grounds; this includes sweeping, mopping, laundry, and cleaning the shelter, including supporting the maintenance team.
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  May be required to drive agency van to transport residents to appointments and other services as needed.

Key Duties:   This position serves as the front-line of contact to support each guest’s basic living and community skills (e.g., social, domestic, transportation, vocation, and hygiene) through instruction and encouragement using a person-centered process of providing services to the person served.

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  Develop and maintain a positive and effective relationship with residents, staff, administration, case managers, and other service providers and assist in coordinating with any and all their needs regarding securing permanent housing.
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  Perform or assist residents in basic domestic duties as needed (e.g., cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping).
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  Maintain records and complete paperwork as required by organization (e.g., attendance sheets, activity logs, behavior logs, medication logs, person progress, visitor logs, Incident Reports and goal data).
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  Maintain a safe environment for all residents; prevent harm to person, self, and others. Report any safety concerns to management in a timely manner.
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  Monitor, track and report incidents in accordance with DHS and KBEC policies.
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  Work collaboratively with organization’s management, clinicians and case managers in developing, implementing and monitoring services.
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  Other duties as assigned.

Qualification and Additional Requirements:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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  Must have one of the following:
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    High school diploma or equivalent, with at least one (1) year of related work experience
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  Prefer some work experience in  any of the following areas:
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    customer service
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    Direct Support Professional (DSP) with the elderly or developmentally disabled
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    hospitality services such as hotel/front desk duties
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    residential services
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    daycare, childcare or teaching
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    security or safety
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    LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency
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  Oral and written fluency in English required; bilingual skills in client languages (such as Spanish, Creole, and Farsi) preferred
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  CPR/1st Aid certification preferred; if not certified, must be willing and able to obtain certification through KBEC Group Inc.provided training
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  Ability to work a flexible schedule including overnight and weekend shifts as a part of a 24 hour on-call system
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  Must stay awake at all times during work hours
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  Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
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  Ability to respond to physical emergencies, including immediate evacuation of campus buildings and potential client medical and behavior situations
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  Successful completion of background checks is required upon hire, which includes a TB test, CJIS (FBI) clearance, DC Police Clearance, Child Protection Registry Clearance, Sex Offender Registry Clearance, drug screen and a health and wellness general screening by a nurse practitioner or physician.

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a person so classified.

At KBEC, we value the diversity of backgrounds, experience, perspectives, and skill sets that we collectively provide to our community, clients and coworkers. We celebrate and thrive on our differences and welcome everyone’s unique contributions.  KBEC is committed to advancing equity, embracing diversity, and promoting inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer.  KBEC operates a drug-free and culturally inclusive workplace environment.

KBEC values diversity in our workforce. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of color, all genders and gender identities, people of all abilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, other members of marginalized communities, veterans and national service alumni.