DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a vital role in empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Under the guidance of the Lead Direct Support Professional, the DSP provides personalized care and support through the development and implementation of individualized support plans. As part of a day habilitation program, the DSP assists with daily living tasks, personal care, and community involvement, while fostering skill development and social integration. This role requires compassion, patience, and a commitment to helping individuals achieve their personal goals in a safe and nurturing environment.

Embrace Opportunity Village's core values by cultivating positive and meaningful CONNECTIONS with participants and team members, demonstrating ENTHUSIASM, high standards of PRODUCTIVITY, authentic STEWARDSHIP, and consistent participation in individual and team DEVELOPMENT.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Utilize appropriate methods for working with individuals with intellectual and or physical disabilities
2. Provide active engagement, routine health and personal care support (i.e. eating, toileting, and exercising) and assistance with daily activities.
3. Conduct the care needs of the individuals within the program with or without physical assistance.
4. Support Person Centered /vocational plans to ensure they are implemented on a day-to-day basis and collaborate with Case manager as needed.
5. Ensure all proper documentation is complete (i.e. ID notes, vital sheets, communication logs, schedules, RAD forms and incident reports).
6. Ensure equipment is clean, safe and functioning.
7. Encourage participation in social, educational, and recreational activities to promote an enriched and meaningful day.
8. Comply with all Federal, State (Desert Regional Center) and local regulations and requirements, and company policies and procedures.
9. Encourage participation in social, educational, and recreational activities to promote an enriched and meaningful day.
10. Help individuals build and maintain skills for independence, such as communication, personal care, and basic life skills.
11. Ensure a safe and supportive environment by monitoring the physical and emotional well-being of individuals.
12. Adhere to Opportunity Village's established policies and procedures.
13. Collaborate with other team members and volunteers to ensure that all adults with disabilities have the opportunity to:
    1. Gain knowledge of self-management and behavioral skills that will enhance their contribution and integration into the community.
    2. Promote an abuse and neglect free environment.
14. Provide direct care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, including assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, mobility, and meal preparation.
15. Assist and guide individuals through creative activities and expressions of talents.
16. Report suspected Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Isolation, and Abandonment (ANEIA) immediately as mandated by state law .
17. May be assigned other duties as needed

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not directly supervise others.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to care, respond and work with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, team members, and supervisors (verbal and written).
• Must encompass professional demeanor.
• Ability to define problems and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret instructions, gain knowledge and have initiative.
• Must possess knowledge of basic math.
• Must possess social perceptiveness to assess and understand other's reactions and behaviors.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to accept and apply performance-based feedback.
• Must be compassionate, patient, and respectful in all interactions with individuals in care.
• Ability to resolve multiple complex issues simultaneously while remaining calm in stressful situations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Required: Current CPI certification within 30 days of employment
• Required: Current CPR and First Aid Certification within 30 days of employment
• Required: Basic computer skills for documentation and reporting
• Preferred: Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Preferred: One (1) year of verifiable work experience in health care, day care, mental health, education or related field.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of the position. The list below of minimum essential functions is illustrative of the minimums only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed.

• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Frequent bending, sitting, standing, lifting and walking.
• Ability to assist individuals with physical tasks, including lifting, transferring, and other mobility needs.
• Ability to endure varied noise levels from moderate to loud.