Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional I

Reports To: Home Director I & II

Classification: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for individuals served and following through on their individual care plans.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ensure the health and welfare of the individuals served.
• Assist individuals served with medication and treatment plans as needed.
• Assist individuals served in the care and cleaning of their homes, including reporting maintenance needs.
• Assist individuals served with money management, including budgeting, banking, and shopping.
• Assist individuals served with daily life activities such as meal preparation, reading usage, use of telephone, use of community services (e.g., post office, mass transportation), housekeeping, clothing care, self-care, and personal hygiene.
• Make food and non-food purchases for the home when requested.
• Prepare meals.
• Ensure the maintenance of the home and grounds is done as requested.
• Complete all required documentation following applicable state agency(ies) and Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc. policies and procedures.
• Implement behavioral and other programs as trained and requested.
• Assist individuals served with their goals as outlined in their plan of care document(s).
• Identify potential behavior triggers and defuse or redirect them as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
• Provide transportation for individuals served in the company or personal vehicle as requested, i.e., appointments, activities, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/JOB KNOWLEDGE

• Effectively read, write, and communicate verbally in English and must be able to read and understand instructions, perform record-keeping, and write reports.
• Valid driver's licensewhich meets Evergreen requirements for insurance purposes and proof of liability coverage if a vehicle is ownedis preferred.
• Meet and maintain all requirements of the applicable state agency(ies), including good standing with the state abuse and neglect registry.
• Submit to and pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Ability to utilize basic computer skills (e.g., data entry, approving timesheets, etc.).
• Prior experience as a direct support worker or in a caregiving capacity.
• Must be at least 18 years of age (non-driver) or 21 years of age (driver).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constantly moves about to coordinate work.
• Regularly moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds while assisting individuals served in the home, workshop, or job site.
• Regularly assist individuals served physically by lifting and positioning them as appropriate.
• Constantly be alert and aware of the needs of individuals served.
• Occasionally exposed to viruses and infectious conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or medical conditions to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Will not supervise.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Represent Evergreen in public in a fashion that would reflect the credibility and professionalism of the organization.
• Desire to work with people with disabilities and enhance their quality of life.
• Function successfully in stressful situations.
• Demonstrate high moral standards to be a positive role model for individuals served.
• Complete all orientation and on-the-job training before starting work.
• Work assigned shifts as required by management.
• Attend all training classes as required.
• Other characteristics of a successful DSP include but are not limited to the following characteristics: patience and composure, effective communication, dependability, effective interpersonal skills, awareness and attention to detail, advocacy, etc.

EMPLOYMENT VARIABLES

• Must have a good driving record that meets the minimum requirements for Evergreen and reliable transportation.
• Must pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, which includes all shifts, including nights, days, and weekends.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• May be required to work in a variety of settings and environments, both indoors and outdoors.