Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Basic Function: Direct Support Professionals in the Day Habilitation program perform a wide variety of person centered supports and services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with a strong emphasis on personal choice. These supports and services involve advocating for, encouraging, guiding, and teaching individuals in expressing personal choice, developing daily living skills and habits, taking care of their personal needs, assuring community integration, and ensuring for their health and safety. The support and services performed depend upon the specific abilities of the individuals being served and the nature of the setting where the activities are performed. 

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Essential Functions:

• provide direct care to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in group, community settings; 
• assist individuals in their care to attend to their personal daily living needs 
• develop vocational, nutritional, social, and personal skills necessary to maintain or achieve the highest possible level of independence within the habilitation activities 
• Encourage and support choices, problem-solving and coping skills. 
• Demonstrate the ability to discuss the rights and responsibilities to which an individual is entitled. 
• Assist in the development and implementation of service plans that are based on the individual’s preferences, needs and interests. 
• Accurately and timely submit paperwork to the Habilitation Supervisor 
• Cooperate with the Habilitation Supervisor and the consumer’s Care Coordinator to assure Habilitation Plans are updated for Life plan reviews and meetings 
• In a safe manner, transport individuals in agency vehicles to and from activities, and to and from their homes. 

Additional Functions:

• Adhere to safety policies and procedures. Ensure that individuals receive services in a safe environment. Encourage co-workers to follow safety policies and procedures. Report any potential unsafe conditions to supervisor and/or Safety Committee. 
• Follow current policies and procedures regarding compliance with privacy, security and corporate compliance policies. Be thoroughly familiar with department and program specific policies and procedures. 
• Follow Inspire’s Values and perform consistently with Inspire’s Mission and Vision. 

Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED, valid NYS driver license D or CDL-C or S (no permits or “junior” licenses); Experience with direct care and/or developmental disabilities preferred 

Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Be professional in appearance, attire, attitude and communication, work collaboratively with others in a team environment; or work independently without close supervision, communicate effectively with others using oral and written methods, Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment when engaged in crisis intervention. 

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is required to drive a car, van, and/or extended van. The employee frequently is required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Physical effort is required to perform the following: lift or physically assist individuals in daily activities; perform one or two person transfers of individuals in and out of wheelchairs; carry supplies; perform household cleaning and move furniture. Both indoor and outdoor activities are required. Exposure to unpleasant sights, sounds or odors and physical aggression may be encountered. 

Environment: The noise level is usually moderate to loud.