Direct Support Professional

Education LevelHigh School## Description* Provide personalized, one-on-one daily support to clients to attend to their physical and emotional needs in a safe and nurturing environment that promotes self-determination, respect, fairness and integrity* Ensures that individuals receive meaningful services in community settings that reflect the core values of People First, Equity, Community, Self- determination and Diversity. Act as an advocate when interacting with the community* Conscientiously completes medication administration and health- related activities as required and trained according to the individual's service plan, and according to the requirements of agency procedures and state licensure. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of state and agency procedures and consults policy manuals when needed. Minimizes opportunity for error by paying close attention to MARS and enlisting a peer or supervisor to validate action* Performs first aid and other emergency procedures for individuals served according to the immediate needs and practices as trained in certification courses* Provides monitoring, supervision, assistance, skill and goal development, along with behavior support and intervention to individuals served to ensure safety, health and training needs are met according to the individual's service plans. Supports self-determination by engaging clients in decisions, respecting their autonomy and encouraging growth and independence* Provides assistance with basic personal care and grooming, including bathing, dental and hair care, toileting, dressing and clothing/laundry care to individuals as assigned, and according to the needs and requirements of the service plans. Demonstrates respect for the human dignity of individuals by proactively attending to their needs without being asked* Provides assistance with household services essential to the individuals' health and comfort in the home, including the care of linens, furniture, including outdoor furniture, and general household cleaning. Recognizes the connection between household cleanliness and its effect on the overall well-being of clients* Provides assistance with meal planning and preparation, including the development of menus, grocery lists, grocery shopping and preparation of nutritious meals. Provides assistance with eating and drinking tasks as needed. Builds genuine relationships with residents by recognizing the unique needs of each person served and demonstrating sincere care and concern* Transports individuals served to community sites and events for basic errands, medical appointments, shopping, recreation, social and leisure activity, and work- related activity, including supervision at these events and activities. Acts as their eyes and ears in the community and encourage inclusion* Completes incident reports and other reports as required by state licensure and agency procedures. Reports significant incidents and concerns to appropriate supervisory staff and on-call staff according to agency procedures and regulatory requirements* Completes daily documentation for completion of medication administration and health- related activities as required by state licensure and agency procedures. Documentation includes thorough and complete details* Completes daily documentation for completion of support, skill development and billing systems as required by the individuals' service plans, state licensure and agency procedures. Documentation is provided in 15-minute increments for each client to meet billing standards.## QualificationsMust be at least 18 years old and have a High School Diploma or equivalentCompletion of pre-service classes and training as required by state licensure and agency procedures, including coursework and certification in First Aid, CPR, crisis management, behavior supports and other areasCurrent driver's license valid in the state of New Jersey and driving record acceptable to insurance and regulatory requirementsMust possess basic skills for following written and verbal instruction, and for communicating client- and job-related issues orally and in writing, including the agency electronic data base systems. Must have the ability to communicate with individuals with whom they are workingMust be willing and able to work a flexible schedule as assigned or established to ensure needs of the individuals are metMust submit to a criminal background check, and be determined to be not disqualified by the Department of Human Services prior to working with or in the presence of individuals servedMust agree to have name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental DisabilitiesAll employees shall submit to drug testing prior to employmentAll employees shall submit to drug testing conducted randomly and for causeAll employees shall complete an application to have their name checked against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI) #J-18808-Ljbffr