Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Come be a part of a dynamic team providing direct services to people with intellectual disabilities/autism. DSPs support people through all aspects of daily life and are essential in ensuring people have meaningful, inclusive and happy lives. Health and safety are always the first priority and include things such as transportation, personal care, medical support, medication administration and health management. Many opportunities for fun, laughter and a sense of purpose. Competitive benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage with only a $41.09 employee contribution, Paid Time Off, Short Term and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance. 401K available after one year.

Responsibilities of the Position:

• Provide and assure supervision, guidance and training in accordance with specific needs and goals as outlined in a person's Individual Support Plan (ISP).
• Provide and assure continuity in care and comfort in the daily routine.
• Assure the proper support is provided at all times (i.e. 24/7, awake night care), as outlined in the ISP.
• Support the person with dressing, when needed, including choosing neat, clean, age appropriate, activity and weather appropriate attire.
• Support the person to maintain good hygiene; assure necessary hygiene items are available such as a comb, brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, and feminine hygiene products.
• Assure that goals and behavior support plans are implemented as written; follow prescribed treatment plans.
• Document and report all required data to the Program Specialist.
• Take appropriate steps in the resolution, recording and reporting of emergencies and/or incidents.
• Report and file incident reports within 24 hours.
• Document and sign on all required daily logs. Ensure that all entries are clear and concise.
• Communicate in staff log, as needed.
• Take an active role in Circle meetings, giving your observations and opinions to other circle members.
• Ensure individuals are meeting outcomes as discussed at the ISP and Circle meetings.
• Ensure that individuals have the opportunity to enjoy leisure and community activities of their choosing. Assist them to integrate into their communities and to lead active, fulfilling lives.
• Teach people the skills needed to increase their independence both at home and in the community.
• Support relationships with family members and friends by encouraging telephone calls, visits and other types of contacts and sharing of information as appropriate.

Physical Health Needs - Medication Management

• Report all health/medical concerns immediately to your immediate supervisor (Program Specialist) or to the on-call supervisor when outside normal business hours, as well as to the appropriate person (doctor, dentist, therapist). Record all information reported in the daily log.
• Administer medications as prescribed (right route, right dose, right person, right medication and right time) and record all medications administered in the medication administration record (MAR).
• Double check all medications for accuracy when picked up from or delivered by the pharmacy.
• Observe any person that is self-medicating.
• Observe, report and record any adverse effects of medication.
• Observe, report and record any injuries to the person you are supporting: note the location, nature, extent and reason for injury when known.
• Observe, report and record all seizure activity in the daily log and on seizure activity forms when provided.
• Support the person in maintaining their physical health needs including all medical, dental and medical specialist appointments; adhere closely to follow up on medical recommendations including diet, appointments, therapy and medications.
• Transport to and assist people with physician and therapy appointments. Encourage the person to communicate for themselves at the appointments but be willing to communicate your observations if the person is unable to or refuses.
• Review any special dietary needs and ensure that they are adhered to.

Home Management (for staff providing support in 6400 homes)

• Ensure the person's home and yard remain free of hazards to the person and to the community. Ensure a safe home environment for those you support.
• Ensure the home remains clean and orderly and is maintained as per regulation; notify the Program Specialist or Compliance Specialist of any areas of non-compliance.
• Follow all fire safety training requirements and sign the appropriate logs when necessary.
• Provide support in meal planning, when necessary, and ensure meals are of sufficient quantity and quality.
• Support the person in maintaining a proper diet including proper storage of food and preparation of balanced meals.
• Provide transportation and support for grocery shopping.
• Supervise, assist or complete laundry as the individual program requires.
• Assist with household cleaning chores and seasonal maintenance.
• Submit purchase orders or maintenance requests to the Program Specialist when needed.
• Always obtain receipts for purchases made.

Vehicle Management

• Ensure company vehicles are maintained as per company policy.
• Observe all vehicle policies; follow safety precautions and maintenance procedures.
• Immediately report any concerns with the company vehicle's performance to the Program Specialist; follow through with instructions for repair.
• Keep company vehicles clean and the gas tank at no less than half a tank at all times.
• Report a vehicle accident immediately and submit an incident report.

Employment Requirements

• Report to work on time and for all scheduled shifts.
• Use proper call off procedures. See Employee Handbook, Attendance and Absence Without Approved Leave.
• Comply with reporting after hour call offs, tardiness or early departures from shift as outlined in the On-Call Emergency Procedure protocol.
• Be willing to perform all responsibilities of the position and understand that some or all of the responsibilities can and may change based upon the person you support.
• Clock into your shift using the DCI/Direct Care Innovations app provided. Employees should clock in and out of DCI as close to the time of their scheduled shift as possible. Failure to clock in/out properly could delay the processing of your paycheck. Contact your direct supervisor with questions concerning clocking in and out of DCI. If after normal business hours and you cannot find and select the client you are to be working with when clocking in, contact the On-Call Supervisor. All other DCI related questions should be addressed with your immediate supervisor the next business day.
• Clock any mileage expenses using the DCI/Direct Care Innovations app provided. Failure to use DCI for mileage reimbursement may result in no reimbursement for expenses.
• Submit monthly expense reports at the end of each month, for non-mileage expenses accrued, prior to the 5th of the next month.
• Report any shift changes to your supervisor. Staff may not change shifts without prior approval from their supervisor.
• Attend all required training, meetings and staff meetings.
• Report any change in the status of your driving record or driving privilege immediately to the Program Specialist, per the Shared Support Fleet Safety Program.

Direct Support Staff members are accountable for the progress of the person(s) supported in regard to outcome attainment. Support plans and goals must be followed by staff.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver's license and good driving record. Must have reliable transportation. Reference checks are required. Applicants must be eligible to work pending the results of a criminal background check, child abuse clearance, physical with Mantoux (TB) screening must be completed before training.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.