DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for the safety and supervision of our consumers with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities to facilitate healthy and socially acceptable behaviors while living in community-based sites. This position will coordinate with clinical staff, implement residentially based interventions, and assist the clients in achieving their clinical assignments. The DSP is responsible for fulfilling the obligations as outlined in the client's Individualized Service Plan. The DSP will prompt or assist, as necessary, to ensure the clients participate in the activities of daily living, in both the home and the community. A commitment to the RHD values should be demonstrated as job duties are performed.

Direct Duties

Assists with daily living activities, including but not limited to planning and preparing meals, housekeeping, and assisting with personal hygiene, cleaning.

Supports the independence of persons served by providing the assistance necessary to maximize their quality of life.

Models hope and optimism when encouraging persons served to achieve their potential.

Supports persons served in developing relationships and becoming involved in their communities.

Cultivates a safe and supportive relationship and environment.

Provides supervision and guidance to the person served to build skills and competence.

Documents interactions and activities per policies and procedures

Monitors and responds to crisis situations or potential crisis situations consistent with best practice, policies, and procedures

Utilizes skills and competencies to respond to crises.

Reports suspected incidents of neglect, abuse, or mistreatment consistent with the organization's policies and procedures

Follow incident management reporting procedures.

Maintains client confidentiality and adheres to the organization's ethical code.

Assists in maintaining the well-being and safety of persons served.

Assist the consumer with daily medications will require initial and ongoing Medication Administration Level 1 Training in addition to CPR, First Aid, Abuse and Neglect among other state required trainings.

Performs other duties as requested or assigned, verbally or in writing.

Provide care that's trauma informed.

Other Responsibilities

• Successfully completes all required orientation, pre-service, annual, and in-service training requirements.
• Implements individualized behavioral, habilitation, and healthcare plans.
• Teaches adaptive living skills and supports personal growth and development.
• Maintains confidentiality of all client and organizational information.
• Assists with maintenance of individual and program files, monthly reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Participates in assessment activities and identification of support needs.
• Fully cooperates during audits, inspections, licensing reviews, and investigations.
• Maintains professional and respectful interactions with individuals served, family members, coworkers, and community stakeholders.
• Promotes dignity, choice, inclusion, and individual rights.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and program development efforts.
• Performs other duties necessary to support quality care and service delivery.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred
• Basic computer and internet literacy with the ability to utilize applications like emails, time recording and other programs to enter and retrieve data as necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and documenting in English is required
• Prior experience in the human services field preferred.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Valid driver's license
• Compliance with state and federal background screenings

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications, email, electronic documentation systems, and timekeeping software.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and practices.
• Ability to effectively support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work flexible schedules based on program needs.

Job Competencies

Provides individualized supports that honor choice, dignity, independence, and self-determination.

Communicates professionally and effectively with individuals served, family members, coworkers, and community stakeholders.

Applies trauma-informed principles to create safe, supportive, and empowering environments.

Supports meaningful participation in community life, relationships, and activities.

Implements individualized behavioral interventions and support strategies consistently and effectively.

Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation consistent with regulatory and agency requirements.

Uses sound judgment and decision-making skills to address challenges and support positive outcomes.

Maintains confidentiality, integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.

Effectively manages responsibilities, priorities, scheduling requirements, and documentation.

Maintains professionalism and composure in crisis situations, emergencies, and high-stress environments.

Vehicle Requirements

• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance as applicable.
• Reliable transportation when required.
• Ability to safely operate agency vehicles and passenger vans.

Equipment/Machines

Equipment Operations

• Telephone
• Cellular phone
• Computer
• Copier
• Fax machine
• Calculator
• Agency vehicles and passenger vans
• Residential and adaptive support equipment

Computer Software Applications

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) and agency documentation systems
• HRIS and payroll systems
• Agency-specific software applications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, kneel, reach, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
• Ability to assist individuals with personal care, mobility, and daily living activities.
• Ability to sit for approximately 23 hours per shift.
• Ability to stand and work for 68 hours per shift.
• Ability to drive a company vehicle or van for 14 hours per shift.
• Ability to lift and move 50 pounds or more.
• Visual and auditory ability sufficient to monitor safety and support individual needs.
• Fine motor skills sufficient to complete documentation and operate equipment.
• Ability to work a full shift in residential and community settings.

Working Conditions

• Residential homes and community living environments.
• Community locations including employment sites, medical appointments, educational settings, recreational activities, and social events.
• Indoor and outdoor environments.
• Variable schedules including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency coverage as needed.

Accident, Health Hazard and Security Knowledge

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-To-Know
• HIPAA
• Security Procedures
• Fire and Safety Regulations
• Emergency Preparedness Procedures

General Requirements

• Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
• Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintain confidentiality.
• Complete and return all Human Resources documentation as required.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, certifications, and competency reviews.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment in all employment duties.
• Successful