DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL I

Direct Support Professional I

Provide support and instruction in activities necessary to promote and maintain independence and self-determination for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities receiving services living in a Catholic Charities Family and Community Services residential setting. Effectively supports ongoing and collaborative communication amongst all program staff and is responsible for ensuring a trauma informed care environment.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide person centered support to all individuals served recognizing the individual's need for teaching and preferred style for learning and at a level at which he or she can perform.
• Provide direct personal assistance in instances when an individual requires "hands on" supports.
• Assist individuals in supporting his/her own health and wellness needs.
• Schedule and accompany individuals to all necessary medical appointments as directed and document all pertinent information as required.
• Assist individuals in meal preparation, menu planning, and food shopping.
• Engage in effective communication with individuals.
• Provide immediate response to and report all incidents, first aid treatments, medical emergencies, or other crisis according to policy and procedures.
• Assist individuals with fiscal management while safeguarding their funds. This may include completing ledgers, reconciling accounts and supporting individuals with spending choices.
• Assist individuals with maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly home by following safety and infection control procedures.
• Appropriately communicate all pertinent information during the work shift and from shift to shift to other team members and/or assigned supervisor.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Promote the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of individuals served.
• Provide and maintain a clean and safe living environment for all clients.
• Ensure appropriate staff-to-client ratio at all times.
• Implement individual treatment plans and follow as written.
• Ensure proper safekeeping of individual's valuables.
• Report and/or document routine and unusual events including completing daily logs, accident reports, etc. in a concise, understandable, legible and timely manner.
• Assist with daily operations of the residence in accordance with regulatory requirements, agency policy, and quality program standards.
• Correctly follow procedures for mandated reporting and responding.
• Maintain and expand skills and knowledge relevant to providing high quality support and services.
• Obtain and maintain all required trainings and apply the information to support people served.
• Ensure that people exercise their rights and that rights are not restricted without due process.
• Ensure people are treated with dignity and respect.
• Provide transportation to individuals and business-related travel whether in personal or agency vehicles, following all safety procedures.
• Maintain agency vehicles in a safe, clean and functional condition, reporting any concerns or problems to an immediate supervisor.
• Maintain flexibility in work schedule based on needs of individuals assigned including working overtime and/or covering additional shifts on an emergency basis.
• Participates in relevant Agency meetings and/or trainings
• Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job role performance through reading, supervision, in-service training and attendance at conferences and workshops.
• Awareness and active support of the Agency's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan. Including, but not limited to, supporting the Agency's Core Competency initiatives of being Collaborative and Community Focused, Innovative and Entrepreneurial, and Culturally Competent and Diverse
• Other duties as assigned

Additional responsibilities of DSP II include:

• Obtain AND maintain Approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) Certification
• Administer Medications as written by providers – document in Medication Management System
• Administer prescribed personal care by providers – document in Medication Management System
• Complete 2nd med checks
• Schedule appointments as directed by the Residence Manager or Medical Liaison
• Attend medical appointments as directed by Residence Manager or Medical Liaison

Requirements include:

Qualifications:

Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred

Credentials: Possesses a valid NY State Driver's License and a Driver's record considered acceptable by the agency and insurance carrier for full time and part time employees only. AMAP Certification required for DSP II

Experience: At least one year of practical experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to type and/or perform lifting up to 25lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Compliance: Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing, and documentation standards. All duties must be performed in accordance with CCFCS's corporate compliance & ethics program. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check. CCDOR considers all background check information in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the Agency Mission, Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance policies while empowering each person to direct their own life choices.
• Demonstrate full adherence to the Direct Support Professional Core Competencies.
• Assist individuals supported to achieve personal outcomes and to provide person centered supports.
• Possess good verbal, reading, and written communication in English; basic math skills; possession of basic computer skills.
• Able and willing to successfully complete and apply training.
• Possess communication skills that will effectively establish a collaborative relationship with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Able to effectively teach, model and give support to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Able to read, write, and interpret written documents.
• Able to work a combination of day, evening, overnight and weekend hours, as needed.
• Able to remain alert and awake on all shifts.
• Able to work cooperatively both independently and as a member of the Residential team.
• Able to multi-task and prioritize duties.
• Able to travel in all weather conditions throughout the counties served.
• Able to maintain absolute confidentiality of all records reviewed including individual's records, employee records and billing records.
• Provide effective, equitable, understandable and respectful quality care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, health literacy and other communication needs.
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to demonstrate behaviors and attitudes which support agency mission, philosophy, and policies.
• Willingness and ability to foster agency and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques.

Top benefits and perks include:

• Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan
• Generous time off package and work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Supportive and collaborative environment
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives

Join us and help make a positive impact in our community! Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet