Community Residential Alternative DSP Staff

Job Description

Job Description

CRA Direct Support Professional  

Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)  

Responsible to: Residential Manager/Supervisor

Shift Days: M-F

Shift Time: 3p-11p

General Description of Duties and Responsibilities:  

FLSA- Hourly  
Support Staff are responsible for maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment which fosters growth and rehabilitation and facilitates the development of mutual aid/self-help skills among individuals. The staff’s primary role is to provide the appropriate support tailored to the needs and desires of everyone to enable each to live as independently as possible. Support Staff are expected to recognize when an individual is in crisis and be able to
utilize the appropriate psychiatric and medical backup services.  

Specific Duties:  
1. Assist/monitor/teach individuals with preparation of daytime activities; encourage good personal hygiene, and behavior appropriate in their home or apartment. 
2. Ensure that individuals are fed a healthy meal, dressed and groomed with individuals’ input. 
3. Assist/monitor/teach individuals engaging in budgeting skills. 
4. Teach self-medication skills according to DHR guidelines/regulations, and when appropriate supervise in medication administration. 
5. Assist/monitor/teach individuals engaging in daily chores.
6. Assist/monitor/teach individuals as needed in grocery shopping, menu planning, meal preparation & cleanup. 
7. Handle emergency situations appropriately, (according to C&C CONSULTING and DCH/DHR). Utilize crisis intervention when necessary.
8. Transport individuals to appropriate appointments (i.e. medical, dental, psychiatrist etc.)
9. Perform daily record keeping using an electronic system (i.e. data collection, daily logs, progress notes, BM tracking, etc). Exchange information with next shift and/or with support staff.
10. Monitor assigned individuals at all times. Chart behavior changes, drug reactions, accidents, injuries, seizures, etc.  
11. Attend staff meetings related to assigned individuals. ISP’s etc.
12. Attend training.  
13. Conduct and document monthly fire drills/ disaster drills according to DCH/DHR guidelines

14. Attending individual and inter-agency staff meetings related to individuals.

15. Follow individual treatment plans consistently.16. Assist in creating natural support for individuals.

17. Provide leisure/recreational activities of individual(s) choice, increase individual’s self-esteem in leisure activities.

18. Teach community integration; assist individuals in joining community organizations of their choice.

19. Perform daily housekeeping to ensure cleanliness and infection control of the entire home. Make sure homes are cleaned after each shift.20. Implement OSHA regulations

21. Provide opportunities for individuals to make choices, make decisions in daily living and their future goals (i.e.
assist individuals in daily decisions). Provide self-centered service

22. Provide care and/or conduct individual interaction in a manner appropriate for all ages, cultures and population being served. 

23. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Support Staff plays a critical role in the overall success of Community Residential Alternative services for individuals. As "natural role models", Support Staff must have the following personal qualifications:

1. Ability to work with immediate supervision.
2. Reliability
3. Flexibility
4. Good judgment, including the ability to evaluate, makes decision, and anticipates consequences. 5. Initiative and motivation to learn
5. Insight and the ability to articulate it.
6. Valid driver's license and ability to drive a van.
7. Crisis Intervention training (i.e. CPI, NCPI, H.E.L.P etc.) Must be capable of handling emergency situations
8. CPR, First Aid
9. Must be at least 18 years of age or 21 years of age to be on-site manager.
10. Must have high school diploma or equivalent. College experience or credits is a plus in consideration for job placement.
11. Prefer a minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Mental illness or substance Abuse
12. Must be in good physical and mental health so as not to affect the health of individuals or the quality of his/her care.
13. Must pass criminal background check.
14. Documentation of satisfactory current physical and BT screening.
15. Five year employment history must be completed. References from previous employment
16. Must be able to complete required reports and follow written and oral instructions that are related to the care and supervision of the individuals.
17. Receive and participate in disability and program-specific topics as well as to "best practice" and new technologies in services and supports delivery training.