Direct Support Professional

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Program Specialist or Program Specialist/Site Supervisor, the position is responsible for developing and implementing individuals Person-Centered Plans/Individual Support Plans, as well as providing meaningful experiences in program and in the community.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required.

One year of experience working directly with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities is preferred.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT:

A minimum age of 18 is required.

A valid Pennsylvania driver's license is required.

Ability to work in drug-free workplace setting is required.

A criminal background check is required.

Reliable transportation.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB

• ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

RECOGNIZE that each individual served is to be afforded dignity, respect, and self-determination to the extent possible.

IMPLEMENT Individual Person Centered/ Individual Support Plans. PROVIDE daily instruction in Plan goals and activities. EVALUATE progress.

PREPARE progress reports on individual outcomes. ATTEND interdisciplinary Team Meetings. RECOMMEND Annual Plan revisions to the Interdisciplinary Team.

SERVE as a driver or driver's aide for program transportation and community experiences, and abide by agency vehicle policies.

DEVELOP new or revised individual consumer outcomes and program activities with individual's input.

IMPLEMENT consumer behavior support plans.

MAINTAIN an adequate, clean, and safe environment for consumers and ATTEND to the daily needs of consumers (personal hygiene, meal preparation, etc).

WORK with the Interdisciplinary Team in planning inclusive community experiences, recreation and leisure activities, and special events for program participants.

REPORT any Unusual Incidents to immediate supervisor and COMPLETE necessary reports.

• OTHER ELEMENTS:

ATTEND and PARTICIPATE in program staff meetings and/or required in/out- service training.

REQUEST appropriate program equipment and supplies through immediate supervisor.

COOPERATE with immediate supervisor in providing direction to students, trainees and volunteers.

PROVIDE first aid and/or necessary medical interventions in emergency situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Individual must be able to meet established physical requirements of job (i.e. performing restraint techniques, providing ambulatory assistance, lifting various weights, performing any necessary CPR/First Aid, etc.).