Direct Support Professional (DSP)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for functioning as a team member for the care, training, safety and supervision of the residents at Day Spring. The Direct Support Professional is responsible to the Program Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. At least 21 years of age
2. High School Diploma or equivalent
3. Must read, write, speak and understand English
4. Requires an interest in working with people in a community setting
5. Requires valid driver's license and independent transportation
6. Prefer previous experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities
7. Preferred computer literate, training in CPR & First Aid

EMPLOYMENT EXPECTATIONS:

1. Dependability
2. Punctuality
3. Easy to reach by phone
4. Appropriate use of supervision and consultation
5. Maintain clear and accurate records
6. Cooperation with and support to all community members
7. Compliance with personnel policies set forth by the Board of Directors
8. Monitor and advocate for the rights and welfare of residents
9. Respect for others and openness to the insight of others
10. Willingness to learn
11. Attendance at required meetings and trainings
12. Commitment to building community and modeling the mission of Day Spring

RESPONSIBLIITIES:

1. Supervise and train residents with the goal of decreasing dependence, increasing self-reliance and fostering interdependence.
2. Monitor physical and mental well-being of residents, reporting needs to the Program Manager as they occur.
3. Provide housekeeping supervision and oversight.
4. Assist residents in planning daily schedules.
5. Provide support to resident transportation, purchasing and finances with goal of maximum independence.
6. Ensure safe living conditions.
7. Direct/supervise/motivate/assist individuals who need care/help and training in personal hygiene.
8. Ensure all required documentation is completed (daily notes, incident reports, communication in log books, monthly summaries, etc.)
9. Actively engage in building a relationship with the family members, friends and guardians of the residents.
10. Empower residents to be self-advocates.
11. Under direction of management staff, operate the residences and provide services in accordance with established Day Spring policies, Medicaid, KY licensure, HUD guidelines, and Best Practices.
12. Implement, facilitate and provide input to the objectives as described on residents' Plan of Care (POC) or comprehensive plans.
13. Implement age-appropriate, functional and engaging in-house or community activities (encourage participation, foster interaction(s) between residents).
14. Follow HIPAA guidelines regarding privacy and security of consumer protected health information
15. Offer assistance with dispute resolution and problem solving.
16. Provide Community Living Supports, as indicated, which shall consist of routine household tasks, activities of daily living, personal hygiene, shopping, money management, medication management, socialization, relationship building, leisure choices, community activities, and therapeutic goals.
17. Provide Homemaker Services, as indicated, which shall consist of support with general household activities.
18. Provide Personal Care Services, as indicated, which shall consist of assisting a resident with eating, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, or other activities of daily living.
19. Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

1. Be healthy and physically fit including the physical requirements of lifting individuals, standing for long periods, crouching, twisting/turning, weight bearing, swimming, walking and other physical activities as required.

2. Be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

3. Exhibit abilities to see, hear and speak to individuals under their care.

4. Must possess a valid driver's license to operate and drive a vehicle.

WORK ENVIROMENT FOR THE DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL:

Work is normally performed in an office or residential facility.

While performing the responsibilities of the Direct Support Professional Job, these working environment characteristics are representative of the environment the Direct Support Professional will encounter:

The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles; the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the Direct Support Professional's job. Typical work duties can vary depending upon different, however in most cases, the Direct Support Professional will be responsible for the daily care of the residents. This can include administering medication, updating records, providing emotional support, and resident education.

It typically may require longer work days and varied schedules or have on call duty. They may have to work nights, weekends or even over the holidays.

Additionally, Direct Support Professionals will need to protect themselves from possible work-related hazards, during the course of resident care, since they may be exposed to infectious diseases, body fluids, radiation, chemicals, etc.