Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will assist people with intellectual disabilities learn, grow, and become more independent. The DSP will exhibit compassion, ensure a safe environment while supporting people by fostering independence and personal choice. The DSP will guide people supported as they acquire necessary skills, such as social behavior or interpersonal competence, and to have greater self-reliance in their day to day lives. The DSP will report to the program Supervisor.

Essential Functions:

• Provide direct support for people supported with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, housekeeping, ambulating, and transferring, etc.), routines, developing job skills, and learning new skills personalized to each person as well as monitoring medical and health related tasks.
• Understands and promotes people supported goals as well as personal dignity, respect, individualism, and quality of life
• Provides opportunities for choice making and identifying and acquiring valued social roles in integrated community setting, including but not limited to membership in local groups, clubs and organizations
• Administer medications according to Medication Safety guidelines
• Treat persons supported with respect at ALL times
• Implement and follow various plans and programs such as dining, therapies, community, etc.
• Promotes community participation by educating, exposing, and providing experiences within the community and following community schedules
• Document observations and activities and person supported responses to activities accurately and in a timely manner
• Reports changes in person supported conditions or family situations
• Assures person supported safety and maintains safe environment
• Assist people with planning (menus, activities, outings, goals, etc.,) and provides nutritious meals as applicable
• Support people with personal responsibilities
• Communicate and work with other team members effectively to aid in improving the quality of people’s lives
• Participate in team meetings for people supported
• Transport and accompany people supported to appointments, outings, etc.
• Maintain confidentiality of people supported
• Follow agency policies and procedures
• Complete accurate reportable and non-reportable events before end of shift, as needed
• Meet attendance requirements at assigned location(s)

Other Functions

• Attend training as assigned
• Complete emergency drills as assigned
• Participate in agency committees as assigned
• Perform job coaching duties as assigned
• Complete job contacts as assigned
• Cover shifts in different departments as needed
• All other duties as assigned by management

Required Skills

• Maintain CPR and First Aid Certification, Medication Administration training, Relias, and other trainings and certifications as required within assigned timeframes
• Basic computer skills including typing
• Competent in written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to meet consistent attendance requirements

Work Environment/Conditions

The physical environment requires the employee to be able to sit, stand, and walk for periods of time, which vary. Additionally, must be able to move in such a way to assist supported persons ambulate, bathe, dress, transfer, and toilet, which may require the ability to bend, stoop, push, pull, kneel etc., up to 50lbs. The working environment requires the ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. 

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Class D Driver license for State of Tennessee

Other Requirements

• TB skin test or assessment within 30 days of employment
• Successful clearance of background check prior to employment
• Ability to pass any required security clearance prior to or post-employment

**Benefits:**
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement savings plan
- Professional development opportunities