Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provide instruction, care and supervision to the person served, utilizing an approach that is respectful, challenging, structured and goal oriented so as to maximize each resident’s individual development.

Position Type: Full Time

Schedules: Day, Midday, and Overnight

Pay: $19.50-22/hr

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Residents vary in their skills level.  The DSP is responsible for ensuring the completion of all tasks.  Depending upon the individual skill level, this may include supervision, assistance, or the completion of the task by the DSP.

1. Adhere to Consumer Rights/HCBS Ruling/ Regulations and Company policies. 
2. Treat all information regarding the residents confidential (including their identity). 
3. Report any suspected abuse or neglect.
4. Provide supervision and assistance to ensure the safety of the consumers.
5. Any unusual behavior is to be reported to management/QIDP and the nurse if medically related
6. Utilize proper handling techniques of consumer’s equipment and household equipment (i.e. washer, dryer, vacuum cleaner, blender, etc.) 
7. Report broken and unsafe equipment immediately to a supervisor.
8. Be aware of Fire and Disaster Procedures and to be able to carry these out accurately.
9. Complete emergency drills once a month on all regularly scheduled shifts in all locations 
10. The DSP is responsible for the direct personal care of each consumer, and the environmental care of the residence which includes the following:

• Direct Personal Care 

1. Carry-out proper physical handling and /or special handling of the resident.
2. Carry-out appropriate bathing techniques that may require bending and stretching by the DSP.
3. Carry-out appropriate oral hygiene care for all consumers. 
4. Carry-out proper implementation of the mealtime procedures. 
5. Carry-out proper communication techniques used by consumers.
6. Carry-out proper implementation of training in programs for bathroom use.
7. Carry-out proper use of any appliances specifically prescribed for the consumer by doctors. (CPAP, braces, etc.) Report needed items to management. (water, hose etc.)
8. Accurate and prompt reporting to the nurse and supervisor any symptoms of illness exhibited by the resident, i.e. vomiting, elevated temperature, seizure activity, diarrhea, constipation, runny nose, cough etc.
9. Follow instructions issued by the physician and/or nurse concerning medical orders involving the resident.
10. Complete findings report and notify nurse and supervisor of findings in a timely manner on your shift. (scratches, bruises, cuts, bumps, etc.) 
11. Report promptly any behavior issues to the supervisor and QIDP.
12. Ensure that consumers are shaven, fingernails and toenails are kept neatly clipped. Except for the ones with medical conditions that require professional assistance.
13. Assist consumers with insuring their privacy.
14. Ensure consumers always have a neat and clean appearance, this includes clean and pressed clothes, matching socks, and clothes fitting appropriately, haircuts, shaves, etc.
15. Ensure all consumers are dressed appropriately for the weather/activity hats, scarves, gloves, etc. 

• Program, Therapy, and Education Assistance:

1. Knowledge and implementation of PCP developed for each consumer you work with
2. Knowledge of consumer therapy, developmental training and/or educational schedules, includes:
   1. Making sure the resident is ready on time for scheduled programs/ Appointments.
3. Conduct instructional programs, as scheduled or required, involving everyone to his/her Maximum capability including Cooking, cleaning, laundry. Etc.
4. Engage residents in meaningful leisure activities and programming.
5. Integrate consumers into the community as much as possible by utilizing public parks, restaurants, stores, banks in their communities etc.

• Charting:

1. Charting to be completed daily on the consumers Medication Administration Record, communication sheets, accountability sheets, water temperature, as well as monthly emergency drills, environmental inspections, emergency kit tracking, universal precaution/Biohazard kit tracking and First aid kit tracking.
2. Behavior tracking/Goals tracking, Calendars community exposure forms and finding/incident reports.
3. Complete supply/grocery request daily. 

• Environmental Care : 

1. Maintain a clean and neat environment as stipulated by the Company at all times.
2. Complete nightly cleaning assignments as required by 4:00a.m.
3. Complete all laundry as required, this consists of washing, folding, and putting it away.
4. All bathrooms and kitchens should be clean and disinfected on all shifts. 
5. All floors should be swept and mopped on all shifts.   
6. Ensure proper use and care of all equipment i.e., washer, dryer (Do not overload washer and dryers, equipment is for consumer use only), microwave, oven, stove, refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, etc. All stove & refrigerators must be wiped out daily on all shifts.

• Meetings:

1. Attend all mandatory In-service trainings and meetings and complete all the required tests.
2. Attend all residential/house meetings.
3. Read and sign all information that is posted as general information for staff.

In addition to the above, DSP is expected to perform any other work-related tasks/Special assignments  assigned by  management. (Management includes Executive Director, Director, House manager, Supervisor) that is within the scope of your job-related tasks/ responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS: ( REQUIRED) 18 years or older

1. High School Diploma and/or GED
2. Able to lift 45 pounds in weight.
3. Be able to bend down, stretch, go up and down stairs, sweep, mop and or vacuum.  
4. You must be able to walk at least two city blocks.
5. Ability to interact with individuals with developmental disabilities in a caring and respectful manner 
6. Successfully complete the DSP approved training course. 
7. Successfully complete certification for CPR and First Aid
8. Must meet State requirements (background check)
9. Adherence to the Mission & Goal of the Company
10. Good work Ethics