Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional - Full-Time

At Easterseals Redwood, we believe in the power of purpose and the power of work. We empower children and adults with disabilities, military veterans, and people facing disadvantages in our region to live full and meaningful lives. Our programs are designed to meet individuals where they are -- to enrich education, expand employment, enhance health, and elevate our communities. By 2030, 10,000 people each year will say Easterseals Redwood makes their lives better. As one of the largest human service providers in the region, our team members won't rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted.

Our Values: Believe in people, Joy, Inclusion, Curiosity, Impact, and Courage

Why join Easterseals Redwood as a Direct Support Professional:

• Starting at $16.00+/hour commensurate with experience and education
• PTO and Extended Illness Time
• Health Insurance options
• 401 K Retirement Plan with a company match
• Dental and Vision Insurance options
• Disability Insurance options
• Education and Professional Development Assistance
• Free daily lunch (Kentucky campus)
• Humana Employee Assistance Plan
• 10 Paid holidays
• Growth Opportunities

Position Summary

DSPs provide support and guidance to promote physical, social/emotional development and functional independence for daily care services to address basic life needs which includes physical handling of adults for wheelchair transfers, positioning, personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, emergency response, and other such tasks depending on the ability of the adult.

Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of assigned adult's condition. Reads individual files. Reviews assessments, individualized objectives, and performance data. Identifies preferences, means of participation, method of problem solving, and proficiency of adults in performing tasks.
• Provides active learning programs for individuals/small groups to support the development of new skills and achievement of learning objectives.
• Maintains required documentation of personal care, attendance records, incident reports, documentation of seizure frequency or inappropriate behaviors, food service reports, and other required documentation on designated written or computerized forms.
• Uses safe lifting techniques. Makes full and proper use of lift equipment when performing personal care duties, as indicated by the assessed needs of the adult.
• Observes the health status of adults throughout the day. Ensures adults exhibiting signs of illness or injury have access to prompt nursing/medical attention from the onsite nursing department.
• Uses an integrated teaching approach that embeds opportunities to improve social, communication, cognitive, and motor skills (developmental functions) during practical life activities and routines.
• Implements behavior management programs as directed.
• Provides direct supervision and positive interaction with adults during all personal care services.
• Assists adults with any type of personal care as needed and as assigned.
• Assists and encourages adults to actively engage in preparing snacks, setting up/cleaning up for meals, selecting and putting away materials, and completing related tasks to foster development of daily living skills and personal responsibility.
• Provides safe physical management of adults during emergency drills and/or crisis situations.
• Assists with shared duties including preparation and cleanup of snacks/meals, supervision of break or lunch, assistance with laundry, cleaning/organizing program materials, bus duty, and similar tasks.
• Communicates pertinent information regarding each adult's care and wellbeing to the Program Manager of Adult Services, other production trainers, and program volunteers as appropriate.

Education/Qualifications

• At least two years' experience working with adults with disabilities
• A degree in human services or related field (associates or bachelors) or certification as a Kentucky State Registered Nurse Assistant in good standing
• High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• CPR/First Aid Certificate preferred