Direct Support Professional, Portage, PRN 24 hours per month

Direct Support Professional of Easterseals Northwest Ohio

Location: Portage

Pay: $18/hr.

Job Summary: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide meaningful support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DSPs engage with individuals continuously, provide supervision, and implement individualized support according to each person's Individual Plan. This includes following structured Behavior Support Plans and applying approved interventions that promote learning, independence, and personal growth. Support may occur in various settings and may involve personal care, assistance with daily living activities, skill development, advocacy, communication support, and helping individuals work toward achieving their personal goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Listen carefully and communicate respectfully and clearly with the people you support.
• Support people to choose, understand and learn new skills in various settings and provide transportation as needed.
• Understand, follow through, and document support plans, goals, activities, progress, etc.
• Support people with daily living skills and personal support needs.
• Provide and seek out opportunities for individual(s) supported to make choices.
• Use person-first or preferred language when appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and support privacy at all times.
• Implement individual support plans as written.
• Teach appropriate skills and involve individual(s) supported in meaningful and valued activities.
• Maintain the property of the agency and of the individual(s) supported.
• Know, advocate and respect the rights of individual(s) supported.
• Understand and follow supports for optimal health.
• Monitor medical conditions thoroughly and consistently. Notify appropriate supervisor of any health concerns or needs for the individual(s) supported.
• Assist individual(s) supported with healthcare visits, medications and therapy plans.
• Ensure that people are free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• Complete needed reporting and documentation.
• Follow any outlined financial supports.
• Support individuals with positive behavioral techniques to avoid challenging situations and promote respect and dignity.
• Be a safe and conscientious driver.
• Know the proper techniques and be able to respond to emergencies such as accidents, fires, tornados, or other situations.
• Uphold agency values and follows agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of records/information according to HIPAA, State, Federal Laws and guidelines.
• Understand and follow through with agency systems and protocols.
• Mentor and train new staff to ensure that the workplace is a positive and productive environment.
• Display conduct in the community that enhances the image of individual(s) supported and the agency.
• Communicate positively and clearly with your supervisor and coworkers.
• Meet established timelines and deadlines.
• Attend all required training and meetings.
• Maintain satisfactory attendance to work shifts, staff meetings and other assigned agency functions.
• Complete needed training by established deadlines.
• Maximize and responsibly utilize agency and community resources.
• Complete duties assigned by supervisor or designee.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred. Note: Under Ohio DODD rule, the requirement for a high school diploma/GED is mandatory to administer medications or serving as an Independent Provider.
• Experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities; prefer 1 year
• Ability to pass criminal registry, background checks and other checks deemed necessary
• Valid driver's license, insured vehicle, and safe driving record
• Basic language, written and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation
• Ability and willingness to support individuals with challenging behavior and or medical concerns
• Ability to successfully complete and maintain all required training courses, including CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, Positive Behavioral Support Training, and any additional training mandated by the agency. (In Ohio, this includes all training requirements established by DODD.)

Work Environment/Conditions:

DSPs work in a changing environment that adjusts to the needs of the individuals in program services. The environment may be fast paced with interruptions, distractions and deadlines. DSPs need to be flexible and be able to adjust to changing needs, activitiesand locations. DSPs may be exposed to blood and bodily fluids. DSPs must be able to tolerate tobacco smoke and/or pet dander based on the individual being supported. DSPs must have an insured, safe vehicle in good working order to utilize for incidental transportation required for staff and program participants to and from community activities. Physical Requirement-Depending on the needs of the individuals, the work can be physically demanding including transferring or supporting people with mobility needs, lifting or moving items up to 75 lbs, walking or standing for extended periods of time or providing support through CPR/First Aid, behavioral support, and other interventions. Staff may work with violent/physically aggressive participants and respond to emergency situations involving potential physical harm to self and others.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Plan
• Vacation, Sick and Personal Time
• Employee referral bonus
• Holiday pay
• Flexible scheduling
• Paid training and continued education opportunities
• Advancement opportunities
• Tuition Assistance

Additional Info:

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
• All Easterseals Northwest Ohio Services locations are tobacco-free.