Direct Support Professional

Direct Support ProfessionalReports To: Home Director I & IIClassification: Part-TimeFLSA Status: Non-ExemptCreated: November 29, 2013Job SummaryResponsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for individuals served and following through on their individual care plans. Administer medication as allowed by appropriate state medication administration guidelines.Essential Job FunctionsEnsure the health and welfare of the individuals served. Assist individuals served with medication and treatment plans as needed. Count and dispense appropriate medications as outlined in state medication administration guidelines. Train individuals served in the care and cleaning of their living area or home by performing and modeling simple tasks such as making a bed, cleaning the floor, and other basic housekeeping tasks. Clean the living area and assist individuals served with laundry. Report general maintenance needs of living area or home unit. Assist individuals served with money management, including budgeting, banking, and shopping. Assist individuals served with daily life activities such as meal preparation, reading usage, use of telephone, use of community services (e.g., post office, mass transportation), housekeeping, clothing care, self-care, and personal hygiene. Participate in the development and implementation of the active treatment plan and nutritional, behavioral, and physical support plans. Accompany and transport individuals served to activities such as medical/dental appointments, church services, recreation areas, work, and shopping as requested. Make food and non-food purchases for the home when requested. Prepare meals. Ensure the maintenance of the home and grounds is done as requested. Complete all required documentation (e.g., daily notes, incident reports, medical information such as seizures, vital signs as trained medication errors, etc.) following applicable state agency(ies) and Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc. policies and procedures. Implement behavioral and other programs as trained and requested. Assist individuals served with their goals as outlined in their plan of care document(s). Identify potential behavior triggers and defuse or redirect them as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved. Provide transportation for individuals served in the company or personal vehicle as requested, i.e., appointments, activities, etc. Report accidents/incidents and suspected cases of abuse or neglect of individuals served per Evergreen policies and procedures. Provide instruction to individuals served involved in work activities associated with vocational opportunities.Qualifications/Experience/Job KnowledgeEffectively read, write, and communicate verbally in English and must be able to read and understand instructions, perform record-keeping, and write reports. Valid driver's license—which meets Evergreen requirements for insurance purposes and proof of liability coverage if a vehicle is owned—is preferred. Meet and maintain all requirements of the applicable state agency(ies), including good standing with the state abuse and neglect registry. Submit to and pass a drug screen and criminal background check. Ability to utilize basic computer skills (e.g., data entry, approving timesheets, etc.). Successful completion of appropriate state-required medication administration certification and up-to-date training. Must be at least 18 years of age (non-driver) or 21 years of age (driver).Physical RequirementsConstantly moves about to coordinate work. Regularly moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds while assisting individuals served in home, workshop, or job site. Regularly assist individuals served physically by lifting and positioning them as appropriate. Constantly alert and aware of the needs of individuals served. Occasionally exposed to viruses and infectious conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or medical conditions to perform essential functions.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesWill not supervise.Special RequirementsRepresent Evergreen in public in a fashion that would reflect the credibility and professionalism of the organization. Desire to work with people with disabilities and enhance their quality of life. Function successfully in stressful situations. Demonstrate high moral standards to be a positive role model for individuals served. Complete all orientation and on-the-job training before starting work. Work assigned shifts as required by management. Attend all training classes as required. Other characteristics of a successful DSP include but are not limited to the following characteristics: patience and composure, effective communication, dependability, effective interpersonal skills, awareness and attention to detail, advocacy, etc.Employment VariablesMust have a good driving record, which meets the minimum requirements for Evergreen and reliable transportation. Must pass a drug screen and criminal background check. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, which includes all shifts, including nights, days, and weekends.Working EnvironmentMay be required to work in a variety of settings and environments both indoors and outdoors.