Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professionals work directly with individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities with the aim of assisting the individual to become integrated into his/her community in the least restrictive environment. A DSP also acts as an advocate for the disabled individual, in communicating their needs, self-expression and goals.

Qualifications for the Job

• Ability to perform First Aid/CPR.
• Ability to observe and assess the needs of individuals.
• Ability to maintain information in a confidential manner.
• Ability to speak clearly and express oneself effectively in English.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions written in English.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task work assignments.
• Ability to learn and apply positive methods to modify behavior.
• Ability to facilitate groups and/ provide individual skill instruction.
• Ability to write legibly in English in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
• Ability to understand and relate to persons with intellectual disabilities.
• Ability to apply the principles of "Everyday Lives" and Self Determination.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in field location assignments.
• Ability to maintain professional and respectful interaction with individuals and co-workers.
• Knowledge and the ability to utilize good listening skills & comprehend verbal instructions given in English.
• Knowledge of acceptable social, work, and interpersonal behavior.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills required.

Duties of Direct Support Staff Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Provides personal care and protective oversight and supervision.
• Provide services, supports, care and treatment and/or supervision as required.
• Participates in the development and implementation of each (ISP) Individual's Support Plan.
• Provides supervision as determined in the (ISP) Individuals' Support Plans.
• Adheres to Department of Human Resources Office of Regulatory Services, requirements.
• Responsible for individual's work related personal and financial transactions.
• Ensures that the facility or home is safe, comfortable, well maintained, and free from hazards.
• Provides coverage in emergency situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Assesses and documents instructional needs initially and on an ongoing basis.
• Ensures individuals' health, safety and welfare, enhances the quality of individuals' lives, and supports community inclusion.
• Provides direct assistance to the participant in self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills training, retention and improvement.
• Implements the behavioral support plans of participants to reduce inappropriate and/or maladaptive behaviors and to acquire alternative adaptive skills and behaviors.
• Provides assistance and training on independent community living skills, such as personal hygiene, light housework, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, grocery shopping, using the telephone, and medication and money management.
• Provides direct assistance in teaching such concepts as rule compliance, attendance, task completion, problem solving, endurance, work speed, work accuracy, increased attention span, motor skills, and safety to groups of participants.
• Provides direct assistance in training appropriate social interaction skills required in the workplace to groups of participants.
• Provides participant-specific assistance, such as assistance with personal care and self-administration of medications.
• Implements the behavioral support plans of participants to reduce inappropriate and/or maladaptive behaviors and to acquire alternative adaptive skills and behaviors.
• Participates in the implementing of all program plans designed to enhance the individual's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and independent living skills.
• Completes and updates all daily, weekly and monthly records, reports, logs, casework notes, administrative paperwork, fiscal reports, and medical records in an accurate, timely, and professional manner.
• Collaborates and cooperates with involved agencies, family members, and other service providers; participates in meetings and provides relevant information.
• Transports individuals in personal and/or company vehicle for community outings or scheduled appointments.
• Provides support and assistance to individuals in arranging for medical care when responsible to do so and follows health care recommendations.
• Utilizes community resources to promote community integration, independence, and interdependence.

Competency [Education, Credentials, and Experience]

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED).
• Professional License if applicable.
• Pass State PCA Competency Test if diploma is unavailable.
• The knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the functions of this position.

Expectations

• Must be able to drive passenger vehicle if applicable.
• Must have an annual Negative test results for TB Skin Test.
• Must have the ability to obtain clearances as defined by regulations.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to meet individual's and program's needs.
• Must be able to travel to trainings/meetings upon request of program director.
• Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle to attend trainings, meetings, and/or transport individual to appointments.
• Must be able to accompany individuals into the community and provide support and assistance in interactions in the community while maintaining sensitivity to the rights and dignity of the individual.
• Must have an annual (Physical) health examination with signed statement from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that you are free of communicable disease.