Direct Support Profession

Job Description

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities1. Person-Centered Support and Individual Goal Development

Assist clients in meeting the goals and outcomes established by the client's person-centered team and outlined in the written person-centered service plan.

Promote independence, self-advocacy, personal choice, dignity, and individual rights.

Assist clients with tasks they would ordinarily complete independently if they did not have a disability.

Support adaptive skill development, daily living skills, decision-making, and the development of positive social behaviors.

Encourage communication, emotional well-being, confidence, and meaningful relationships.

Provide opportunities for social interaction, community inclusion, recreational activities, and personal growth.

Support adult education activities, social and leisure development, and skill-building opportunities as outlined in the service plan.

Assist individuals in developing skills necessary to pursue, obtain, and maintain employment when included in their individualized goals.

Provide the appropriate level of supervision and support in accordance with the client's person-centered service plan.

2. Activities of Daily Living and Personal Development

Assist with essential daily living and developmental functions, including personal care, meal planning and preparation, household routines, and other approved supports.

Provide assistance and training to develop daily living and independent living skills.

Encourage clients to participate in activities that stimulate cognitive development, communication, social interaction, and emotional growth.

Support the development of healthy routines and skills that promote independence and quality of life.

Respect each client's preferences, abilities, cultural background, and individual support needs.

Complete appropriate client-related household tasks to support client well-being and maintain a clean, safe, and organized home environment.

3. Health, Safety, and Medication Support

Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of clients by providing appropriate supervision in home, residential, and community environments.

Maintain safe, clean, and organized environments that meet clients' physical, social, mental, and emotional needs.

Observe clients and their surroundings to identify unsafe conditions, behaviors, or potential risks.

Report safety concerns, changes in client needs, and other relevant observations to the direct supervisor and appropriate members of the person's support team.

Observe and report behavioral, physical, or cognitive changes that may affect a client's health, safety, or well-being.

Administer medications only when permitted by applicable requirements and agency policy, and when the employee has completed required training and obtained the necessary authorization and consent.

Follow applicable medication procedures and complete medication administration records (MARs) accurately when required.

Respond appropriately to emergencies, including seeking emergency assistance and following established emergency procedures.

Report incidents and complete required incident documentation for events that affect or could potentially affect a client's health, safety, or welfare.

Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable safety standards, agency policies, and program requirements.

4. Community Engagement and Transportation

Engage clients in age-appropriate community activities that promote inclusion, independence, social interaction, and meaningful participation.

Assist with planning and coordinating medical appointments, community appointments, and other approved activities.

Provide transportation to and from medical appointments, community activities, and activities of daily living when authorized and included in the service plan.

Provide appropriate supervision and assistance while clients participate in community activities.

Assist with accessing community resources and services, including transportation not otherwise available through the Medicaid program, when permitted under applicable program requirements.

Assist with scheduling routine, urgent, and emergency medical services as appropriate to the situation and within the employee's responsibilities.

Transport and escort clients to medical facilities and appointments when authorized and appropriate.

Communicate relevant appointment information and observations to the appropriate supervisor, caregiver, or person-centered team member in accordance with consent and confidentiality requirements.

5. Respite and Family Support

Provide respite care to families and primary caregivers in accordance with the client's person-centered service plan and applicable program requirements.

Offer appropriate supervision and support while primary caregivers receive relief from caregiving responsibilities.

Maintain continuity of care by following established routines, instructions, safety procedures, and individual support plans.

Communicate relevant information about the client's activities, needs, and well-being to authorized family members, guardians, and members of the support team.

6. Documentation and Recordkeeping

Complete and maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of services delivered.

Document progress toward goals and outcomes outlined in the client's person-centered service plan.

Maintain daily service notes, activity records, observations, and direct service hours.

Complete medication administration records (MARs), client behavior logs, client presence logs, incident reports, and other required client-related documentation, as applicable.

Document changes in client behavior, physical or cognitive condition, service needs, and environmental safety.

Ensure documentation is factual, professional, completed within required timeframes, and consistent with agency policies and program requirements.

Protect confidential client information and maintain records in accordance with applicable privacy and documentation standards.

7. Communication, Teamwork, and Service Coordination

Communicate professionally and effectively with clients, parents, legal guardians, supervisors, coworkers, and other authorized members of the client's person-centered team.

Participate in person-centered team meetings and provide relevant observations, recommendations, and suggestions for activities that support client progress, independence, health, safety, and overall well-being.

Develop and maintain constructive, cooperative working relationships with clients, families, coworkers, and other professionals.

Assist with service coordination, including transportation, medical appointments, community appointments, and other approved supports.

Monitor the services, supplies, equipment, and resources available to the client and report identified needs or concerns to management.

Observe, receive, and gather relevant information from clients and other authorized sources to support appropriate service delivery.

Exercise sound judgment, make decisions within the scope of the position, and solve problems in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Follow the client's written person-centered service plan and all applicable company policies, procedures, and practices.

Attend required staff meetings, in-service training sessions, supervision, and other mandatory program activities.

Complete at least six hours of professional development annually, or any greater amount required by applicable program rules or agency policy.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

The successful candidate must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide safe, respectful, and effective direct support services.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of home and community management practices necessary to maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment.

Understanding of the principles and processes involved in providing direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities and other eligible support needs.

Ability to recognize individual needs, follow person-centered service plans, and support established goals and outcomes.

Knowledge of health, safety, and welfare practices relevant to the individuals receiving services.

Ability to recognize potential emergencies, respond appropriately, and follow emergency procedures.

Knowledge of emergency first aid and CPR, including the ability to obtain and maintain required certifications.

Ability to complete documentation, maintain records, and accurately complete required forms.

Knowledge of medication administration procedures when medication support is part of the assigned responsibilities, subject to required training and authorization.

Proficiency in English sufficient to communicate effectively, understand instructions, document services, and report concerns.

Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and respectful relationships.

Ability to work independently while following supervisory direction, agency policies, and individual service plans.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED preferred or required in accordance with applicable program standards and agency policy.

Previous experience in direct support, developmental disabilities services, behavioral health, caregiving, or human services preferred.

Willingness to complete all required orientation, job-specific training, background screenings, and program qualifications.

Ability to meet any applicable Kentucky 1915(i) iRISE provider, service-specific, and agency requirements.

Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and appropriate vehicle insurance if driving is required for the position.

Ability to obtain and maintain required CPR, first aid, medication administration, and other applicable certifications or training.