Adult Development Academy Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Down Syndrome of Louisville is currently looking for an Adult Development Academy Teacher/DSP to join our team. DSL's Adult Development Academy Teacher/DSP works with adults who have a diagnosis of Down syndrome to increase developmental and cognitive skill levels and support their Co-Teacher/DSP in classroom sessions, healthy movement, electives, community outings, etc.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide supervision and guidance for participants during skills building activities.
• Support Co-Teacher/DSP with individual treatment plans for participants identified by behavior staff.
• Assist with daily living activities, including preparing meals and assisting with personal hygiene.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Expected Hours of Work:

• Monday-Friday 9 am to 4 pm

Overtime Expected?

• Overtime is not available.

Travel Requirements:

• Approximately 30% local travel required to transport participants to community outings and other activities using the company provided vehicle.

Duties:

• Work with participants to increase developmental and cognitive skill levels by assisting them in daily classes and activities including healthy movement, morning classes, lunch preparation, and afternoon electives.
• Facilitate class using pre-prepared lessons/activities when a teammate is absent/unavailable and a substitute is unavailable.
• Assist participants in real-life community experiences to develop social, safety, and independent living skills. Provide safe and legally insured transportation for participants to and from off-site activities.
• Maintain regular communication with Co-Teacher/DSP and Manager as well as respective behaviorist concerning necessary participant information.
• Assist in maintaining necessary documentation for participant sign in/out process.
• Provide personal assistance for Academy participants, as needed, to maintain their health, safety and welfare.
• With the guidance of Co-Teacher/DSP, Manager, behaviorists, and case managers, provide positive behavioral interventions, as necessary, to assist Academy participants in achieving success.
• In support of DSL's mission and values, stress self-advocacy in all classes and assist participants in developing social and independent living skills to promote their personal independence.
• Contribute to a positive and cooperative working environment by completing other duties as assigned by the Academy Manager.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Qualifications, Certifications, Education, Experience, and Skills:

• A minimum of a high school diploma.
• At least one (1) year of previous professional experience working with individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Ability to adapt materials to meet multiple developmental skill levels to ensure all participants are challenged to learn at the appropriate level.
• Ability to physically lift, assist or provide hand-over-hand assistance with a participant's personal care needs as necessary.
• Ability to respectfully and effectively communicate participant information to behaviorists and case managers.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office 365

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to regularly use basic functions of technology such as a Clevertouch, Oasis, and Microsoft Office 365.
• Have a valid driver's license and possess the ability/willingness to drive company vehicles.