Direct Support Professional I

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title:  DSP I

Department:  Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM)

Reports To:  DDM Manager

FLSA Status:  Hourly; Non-Exempt

Revised Date(s):  November 7, 2024

Summary:  The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides support to individuals with IDD. DSPs must be energetic, adapt easily to changing daily schedules, work well in a team and demonstrate creative problem-solving skills. The DSP will work closely with service recipients and the Manager to plan daily activities and support. The DSP will support individuals served with activities of daily living to maximize physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual growth.

Experience & Education:  This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent education (GED). Experience or training in mental health, special education, behavior support, or another human services field is preferred.  Previous experience is strongly preferred. Must be at least 18 years of age. This position also requires the ability to demonstrate emotional maturity and patience necessary to understand and support the social, psychological, behavioral, and emotional needs of individuals with I/DD and the ability to nurture self-sufficiency and quality of life of individuals served. Must have an

acceptable driving record and valid driver’s license. Must demonstrate the ability to represent the

agency in the community in a positive manner.

Work Schedule:  This position is scheduled for full-time (at least 30 hours per week), part-time (regular schedule, 29 or less hours per week), and part-time as needed. The DSP may work extra hours and/or different shifts as needed due to staff illness, no shows, vacations, and open positions to maintain building coverage and operations. At times this schedule adjustment may be mandatory. The schedule may require overnight, holiday, and/or weekend coverage. Part-time as needed (PRN) is fulfilled by working at least 4 shifts per month. The PRN schedule is based on the needs of the program . The DSP is assigned to a primary location but may be required to work at other locations (group homes and/or community-based services such as community engagement or coaching) at any location within the immediate geographic area. Travel for training or meetings may be required infrequently.

Essential duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Provides day-to-day organization and implementation of activities that promote an organized and positive environment for individuals served. Carries out duties in methods that are person-centered, organized, non-reactive, and promotes independence. Models and coordinates least restrictive supports that promote inclusion and community integrated philosophies, including 1:1 work with individuals as needed.
• In partnership with supervisor, has working knowledge of 12VAC35-105; 12VAC35-115; and 12VAC35-122. This includes promoting rights, reporting serious incidents in a timely manner and compliance with all regulations, DDM Policies/Procedures, and HTFS Employee Handbook.
• Participates in an active circle of support, including the individual, AR, family members, and staff that work closest with the individual to collaborate and advocate annually and as needed to develop independence and services in the least restrictive environment. Ensuring communication as needed within the circle of support and with supervisor. Communicates professionally and effectively with family members, community partners, and other service providers.
• Completes all required documentation including progress of measurable goals and methods to achieve goals, completion of quarterly reviews as assigned by manager, required daily/weekly/monthly progress notes and accurate support services records.

• Support individuals with a variety of needs including but not limited to physical hygiene, routine housekeeping activities, emotional regulation, behavior support, and following through with medical care instructions provided by medical professionals.
• Maintains the program location, ensuring each home, center, or office is clean, safe, and maintained in good condition. Reports maintenance needs in a timely manner. Performs routine housekeeping and maintenance that may include but is not limited to use of a small step-ladder including changing low light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, and air filters. Conducts and documents emergency drills, home and vehicle inspection documentation, monthly inspection of fire extinguishers, routine audits of emergency preparedness supplies, and other location-related audits.
• Participates in an environment that promotes health and safety through medication administration assistance, medication administration audits; documentation of changes in medical condition and needed supports; and communication with supervisors regarding any medical needs or services rendered.
• Applies skills learned during medication administration training. This includes, but is not limited to, privacy during medication administration, a process free of medication errors, and completion of related documentation.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of and complies with DDM policy on Handling Participant’s Funds and Business Office Procedures; DDM System to Prevent Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation; and DDM Code of Ethics. This includes reporting any known, suspected, or witnessed abuse of an individual supporting two members of DDM leadership immediately, per policy and as a Mandated Reporter.
• Demonstrates the ability to coach, teach and mentor individuals in all aspects of home management and personal independence. This includes actively teaching and promoting individual rights and self-advocacy. Engage individuals supported in monthly development of activity calendars and menus (as applicable) in order to foster choice and autonomy.
• Attends monthly team meetings and bi-weekly one-to-one coaching to ensure consistent and pertinent communication regarding services and supports provided.
• Independently monitors and completes all required training as assigned through the online learning management system.
• Responsible for maintaining work schedule, including arrival to work on time, notification to supervisor of absences, tardies, or early dismissals per HTFS Attendance policy, coordinating coverage with fellow team members and supervisor as needed. Consistent attendance is required. Monitors and manages PTO usage and overtime. Documents time worked accurately.
• Acknowledges and commits to providing supervision as identified. This includes understanding and recognizing that leaving individuals without supervision rises to the definition of neglect. Recognition while in this position requires coordination of coverage with supervisor in cases of emergency, natural disasters, staff shortages, or other circumstances in which leaving the location is not possible.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business information, required department documentation, policies, procedures and standard operating procedures, and governmental regulations as required. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, employees, and the general public. Needs to be able to communicate effectively through verbal and written mediums.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts as applicable.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where limited standards may exist. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Adequate knowledge of Windows processing systems and software (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Will need the skills to work with Electronic Health records (as applicable), use HRIS system to for timekeeping, and use of email. Strong data entry ability.

Valid driver’s license, clear DMV record as well as acceptable background record.

The physical demands 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:

• Copying, filing, and other record keeping duties require the ability to stand, sit, and move from one position to another easily.
• Computerized record keeping requires the ability to input data from a keyboard quickly and efficiently (use of fingers/ability to feel).
• Close computer work requires clear vision as well as ability to adjust focus when returning to other tasks.
• The ability to move and/or lift up to 50 pounds, pushing/pulling and assisting individuals transfer from wheelchairs, beds, chairs, and/or the bath or shower as applicable.
• This position may require the use of physical escorts or restraints.
• Perform routine housekeeping and home maintenance tasks using a small (3-step ladder).
• Ability to walk up/down stairs.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties require working in office and residential environment with moderate noise level, including computers, printers, ringing phones, copy equipment and human voices. Must have the ability to work with ethnically, linguistically, culturally, and economically diverse populations.

I hereby acknowledge understanding of the duties outlined above and agree to perform them to the best of my ability. I also understand that my performance will be formally evaluated by my supervisor at least annually and that evaluation will be thoroughly discussed with me. I have received a copy of this job description.

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