COOK/Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Cook/Direct Support ProfessionalThe Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a role model for the developmentally disabled consumer. The DSP's actions and interactions are based on mutual respect, communication, teamwork, teaching Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The DSP will provide hands on physical assistance for all ADL that the consumer does not complete independently. The Cook is responsible for preparation of meals according to house menus and dietary recommendations.Duties and ResponsibilitiesAdministers medication, as per OPWDD AMAP certification.Uses a pro-active approach to offer and actively encourage choice making. Utilizes physical redirection techniques, as per OPWDD SCIP certification and individualized adaptive behavior programs.Guides, teaches and supervises, and, if necessary, provides physical assistance to the consumer during the performance of self-care routines: toileting, hand washing, bathing, showering, tooth brushing, eating, personal grooming and dressing.Implements program goal plans as written i.e. self care, communication, independent living, mobility, learning, economic self-sufficiency, self-direction, and records documentation, including billing as per program necessity.Implements physical therapy interventions as written.Assists, monitors, and supervises the consumer during the performance of house cleaning chores, i.e. dusting, vacuuming, bed making, laundry, ironing, dishwashing and table setting. Performs all housekeeping responsibilities that the consumers cannot satisfactorily complete.Actively participates in and provides supervision during recreation, both within IGHL and in the community. Encourages and schedules opportunities for leisure activities, both individualized and group oriented.Maintains DRIVER AUTHORIZATION status, as per IGHL policy and provides transportation and supervision during community integrated activities and medical appointments if applicableTeaches the consumers the aspects of good nutrition, i.e. menu planning, diet requirements, food groups, preparation, handling and shopping; provide supervision and, if necessary, hands on assistance.Accurately maintains documentation in all logs: nursing, medication, exposure control, behavior, communication and first aid.Adheres to IGHL and OPWDD policy, including Safety and Code of Conduct, and completes forms as warranted: time sheets, time off requests, tuition reimbursement, physical complaint reports and incident reports.Adheres to emergency policies and administers first aid in accordance with prescribed procedures.Offers suggestions and requests supplies for residential, programmatic, site-specific needs.Participates in specialty training such as CPR and keeps certifications current.At any time during a DSP's shift he/she may be asked to cover at another location; including hospital coverage based on Agency needs.Complete and maintain SCIP, Adult CPR, AMAP and defensive driving certifications within 6 months of hire or transfer in order to keep the DOC pay, as per IGHL policy.Prepares meals according to special dietary plans.Completes food shopping for the house twice per week, records receipts in the house log book and forwards receipts to the Supervisor of Food Services.Ensures that all food is stored in accordance with IGHL policyMaintains the kitchen according to IGHL sanitary standards.Cleans refrigerators, stoves and all cooking appliances on a regular basis.Cleans pots, pans and utensils used while cooking.Submits food orders according to an established schedule.Adheres to all IGHL safety and sanitation policies including Board of Health standards.Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-service trainings and residential cook meetingsGuides, instructs and encourages residents to eat properly, also assists residents with table settings. Provides supervision and, if necessary, hands on assistance with eating and direct care responsibilities.All other duties as assigned.Education, Work Experience, and CompetenciesHigh School Diploma/GEDValid NYS Driver's licenseComplete and maintain SCIP and Adult CPR certification, as per IGHL policyWork regularly scheduled days, including those that fall on holidaysMust be able to lift 50 lbs. at least five times per hourAble to sit, stand or bend throughout the dayEnthusiastic team player that handles stressful situations professionally with easeCooking experience preferredCompletes and maintains a valid food manager certificate issued by the Suffolk County Dept. of HealthIGHL CORE VALUESIntegrity: We are committed to an environment that is authentic, fair, honest and operates ethically.Compassion: We treat each other with kindness and empathy, lifting up and supporting one another at all times.Teamwork: We value collaboration, open communication, and building a supportive environment knowing together we can achieve more.Inclusion: We embrace diversity in people, ideas, and experiences where everyone is heard, appreciated and accepted.Respect: We value individual experiences and feelings while treating people with kindness and dignity.VisionIGHL's Vision is to be a Center of Excellence with state-of-the-art technologies and practices, embracing new business models and leveraging all of our resources. Our professional and competitively-compensated team members act in fidelity honoring the responsibility of providing a lifetime of support to individuals in the IGHL family.MissionThe mission of IGHL is to provide lifetime support and innovation services for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.TaglineSupporting people through life