Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Individual Supervision

1. Responsible for knowledge of and compliance with laws and regulations (e.g., Titles 17 and 22) governing Adult Residential Facilities and persons with developmental disabilities, including mandated reporting of suspected abuse.
2. Has working knowledge of each individual’s ISP/IPP and implements all behavioral, medical, and skill development objectives
3. Provides constant and effective supervision for all individuals assigned by following intervention plans that have been developed for Individuals.
4. Staff working the night shift will perform bed checks every 90 minutes, or more frequently, if warranted. All night shifts are awake shifts.
5. Follows established agency policies and procedures in providing services and training to each resident.
6. Maintains a safe living and learning environment for each resident. Insure that consumers are encouraged to participate in the ongoing operation of the home by involvement in house activities, morning exercise, personal hygiene and other activities of daily living, house meetings, arts and crafts, outings, and behavior intervention programs. 
7. Staff will help prepare meals as needed using food items provided by the Administrator/Licensee. Throughout, staff are responsible for encouraging the integration of consumers into meal planning, preparation, serving, and clean-up. Thus, while NEXT STEP, INC. seeks to maximize consumer independence and integrate them into meal-related activities, we also acknowledge that Title 22 requires us to provide this service in the end. Thus, staff are required to attempt to integrate Individuals into and maximize consumer independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs); however, staff are required to assist with ADLS as needed and ensure their thorough completion. The level of service required herein will be individualized for each resident.
8. Dispensation of consumer medications after taking DSP training OR Essential CEU Medication Dispensation and PRN Medication courses.
9. Transporting consumers to medical and other appointments.
10. DSP staff will distribute and assist consumers with P and I monies as needed and provide the Administrator and/or designee with receipts for documentation purposes. Staff will also assist consumers with purchases, such as with making sure they get the right change required for the transaction or that they are assisted in selecting items that they have enough money for, etc. 

Preparation and Documentation

1. Assist DSP/Manager in preparing resources for individual’s training programs.
2. Incident reporting, including but not limited to the criteria for Special Incident Reporting and mandated reporting of suspected abuse set forth in Titles 17 and 22 and related documents.
3. Data collection daily or as otherwise assigned through program development.
4. Monthly reporting to DSP/Manager of individual progress.
5. Ongoing organization of house and resident activities.
6. Responsible for maintenance of home environment within compliance of the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing regulations.

Specifically: Responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and overall appearance of the residential facility as governed by the established regulations outlined in Title 22 guidelines. This includes floor vacuuming, clean windows, yard areas maintained, trash areas clean, bathrooms cleaned, bed making, laundry washing and drying, cooking, sweeping floors, and various other household tasks or as assigned by supervisor to meet regulations. Consumers who so choose and who have specific IPP-targeted Activities of Daily Living will be included in these activities during direct care hours. All other facility maintenance activities that are not targeted by consumer IPP/ISP will be conducted by household staff during non-direct care hours. Plumbers, electricians, gardeners, etc. shall be hired by the administrator on an “as needed” basis. 

Implements assignments in an expedient and cooperative manner.

1. Participates in program development by making constructive recommendations for possible changes and revisions.
2. Observation of individual status including medical, mental health, and behavioral issues and notifying supervisor immediately of any changes or concerns.
3. Provide immediate and effective crisis intervention following intervention plans and guidelines received in Ukeru training.

Training

1. Successfully complete crisis intervention training (e.g., Ukeru).

2. Successfully complete 35-hour Direct Support Professional training (both Year 1 and Year 2 Curricula) and accompanying exam(s) OR

3. Pass the Direct Support Professional Challenge Test

4. Possess or obtain, through attending a training, a valid First Aid and CPR Certification Card

5. Complete Person-Centered Thinking Training, and any other trainings requested by the agency as part of this duty statement

6. Implement all requirements of the CMS standards, as outlined in the HCBS Final Rule.

7. All direct support staff who provide 532 (behavioral day program) services at part of their duties will complete the 40-hour RBT training prior to providing these services.

8. Complete a minimum of 12 hours per year of continuing education in the areas of individual services as described in the program design, protection of individuals’ rights, health and social and physical integration, and the planning team process, including development and implementation of IPPs.

9. If no prior experience, an additional 12 hours of continuing education will be completed in the first 6 months of employment.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Experience: Previous experience with persons with developmental disabilities preferred. Behavior management experience, training in field of behavioral psychology and residential services a plus. 
3. Must be in good physical, mental, and occupational health and be capable of performing intervention techniques provided through Ukeru or other appropriate crisis response intervention.
4. Must meet the requirements of employment per Titles 17 and 22, Residential Care Regulations, and outlined in the NEXT STEP, INC. personnel manual. This includes valid First Aid and CPR certification, criminal records clearance, physical, T.B./chest x-ray clearance, and DMV printout.

• Fingerprint Clearance: Fingerprints will be submitted to the California Department of Justice by the licensee or administrative designee via electronic transmission (i.e., Live Scan). The fingerprinting entity utilized for this process shall be approved by the Department. In summary, prior to employment, residence, or initial presence in the facility, each prospective employee will (a) obtain DOJ clearance or criminal record exemption or (b) request and receive transfer of criminal record clearance from another state licensed facility.
• Statement of Prior Criminal Convictions: Each employee will complete a signed statement declaring that s/he has not been convicted of a crime, other than a minor traffic violation. If a person has been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, a statement acknowledging that his/her continued employment is dependent upon approval of the licensing agency (i.e., an approved exception). Statements of prior criminal convictions will be submitted to the Licensing agency. The Licensing agency will review the employee’s appropriateness for the facility and will advise Licensee/Administrator of the staff person’s ability to continue working at NEXT STEP, INC.. Licensee complies with all recommendations set forth by the Department of Developmental Services, Community Care Licensing and its authorized representatives.
• Physical Examination: A complete physical, current, or no more than six (6) months old. 
• TB Clearance or a Current Chest X-ray: A test for tuberculosis shall be performed and submitted to the Administrator/Licensee within seven days of employment. New TB screening will not be required of employees who provide written verification of a current TB screening, performed within the 12 months prior to the date of hire.
• First Aid and CPR Certification: All new employees must possess a valid First Aid and CPR Certification Card before providing direct care to consumers.
• DMV Report: Anyone who will be transporting individuals must possess and show proof of a Class II driver’s license.
• Per CCL requirements, the employee must be fully vaccinated and boostered for COVID-19 OR possess an agency-approved vaccine exemption for qualifying religious or medical reason.

5. A willingness to learn is essential.

6. Ability to physically perform duties in order to function as a team member.

7. Ability to relate to individuals in a positive, effective, and age-appropriate manner.

8. Ability to develop and maintain positive and constructive working relationships with staff.

9. Ability to communicate IPP goals and program activities in a constructive and concise manner. Ability to participate effectively as a member of the planning team.

Position Reports To: Administrator/Licensee and Administrative Designee/Lead