Direct Support Professional - Creve Coeur (36433)

$19 hr. starting wage with opportunity to increase to $21 through completion of additional 160 hours of online training modules.
Complete the modules at your own pace, in as little as a few months or spread out over a longer period. Complete the first 100 hours & increase to $20 hourly & complete the last 60 hours to increase to $21.

Job Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports the needs of clients in maximizing their ability to be as independent as possible. A successful DSP advocates in the best interest of clients by empowering their informed choice, and ensuring they are safe at home and in the community.


Emmaus Core Values

Core Values: Customer Centered, Integrity, Initiative, and Collaboration.

All employees are expected to advocate for the best interest of Emmaus clients and demonstrate Emmaus' Core Values in all aspects of their job.


Key Responsibilities

Direct Support - Client Care

• Promote and respect client choice.
• Ensure clients are working toward and achieving their goals.
• Support the health and well-being of clients by administering medications per physician orders and the Medication Administration Record (MAR).
• Collaborate with the client to plan appropriate and meaningful outings. Attend scheduled and spontaneous outings, seek, and share feedback on experiences.
• Assist clients with scheduling and attending both emergency and routine medical appointments.

Direct Support - Documentation, Safety, and Compliance

• Be an expert on the Person Centered Support Plans (PCSPs) and Behavioral Support Plans (BSPs) of clients. Demonstrate understanding and apply supports in accordance with the plans.
• Be an expert on the physician ordered client diet to include food texture, adaptive eating equipment, and other special instructions. Seek immediate training or instruction on diet any time there is a question and before administering food to the client.
• Proactively report conditions and take appropriate action when a client is at risk of illness or injury.
• Advocate for the client's health needs.
• Maintain timely, accurate and professional records through electronic and manual systems including observation and goal notes by the end of shift, electronic MAR at time of medication administration, monthly safety packet data, incident reporting, financial records, personal and fleet mileage tracking, training acknowledgements, shift duties, and any tracking related to clients' support needs including but not limited to intake and elimination.
• Ensure all activities and operations comply with regulatory agencies and requirements.

Teamwork and Conduct

• Communicate effectively with team members by being timely, courteous, and respectful. Share essential information and concerns with coworkers, all client support team members, and leadership to ensure necessary follow-up occurs. Work across CSM team and other locations as directed.
• Assist with training and provide shadowing to new DSPs including but not limited to PCSPs and/or BSPs, household duties, systems, and 45-day checklist.
• Ensure adaptive equipment is maintained and assist staff with proper training and its usage.
• Complete oil changes, recalls, and routine maintenance as directed. Clean and fuel fleet vehicles as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Standard - Demands of the Job

• Operate standard office equipment including but not limited to a laptop, cell phone, fax machine, printer, and copier.
• Drive an average vehicle independently, including an accessible van as required by job location.
• May be exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• Appropriately and effectively assist individuals during crisis or emergency situations.
• Perform detailed data collection, recording and reporting in handwriting and typing.
• Complete required training as defined in the Emmaus Employee Training Curriculum, within the Emmaus timeline including but not limited to successful completion of CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration Level 1 and Mandt training.

In Ratio - Demands of the Job

• Assist clients in accordance with appropriate procedures to stand from the ground, stand from a sitting position or to exit the bathtub, etc.
• Reposition clients as needed, assist them in utilizing a wheelchair, use adaptive equipment to lift a client safely and comfortably.
• Stand in a lunge position (bend at the knees), with feet wider than the widest part of body, while maintaining balance and stability during MANDT training or when using MANDT de-escalation techniques.
• Transfer a client from a bed, couch, or chair to the floor to perform CPR or client evacuation in an emergency.
• Kneel on the ground and maintain proper positioning to perform continuous CPR cycles consistent with American Red Cross & Emmaus standards. For training purposes, this currently requires completion of five (5) full CPR cycles; in an emergency situation, CPR is performed until relieved by EMS.
• Lift 50 pounds on a limited basis and frequently assist with lifting, transferring, or moving clients and/or equipment up to the client's full body weight with the assistance of adaptive equipment depending on home assignment. This includes assisting clients in and out of average vehicles and vans as well as loading and unloading equipment and supplies.
• Operate client adaptive equipment.

Job Requirements/Desired Education and/or Experience

• H.S. diploma or equivalent OR completion of one hundred hours of training within one year of hire date required.
• Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Experience using MS Office 365 products preferred.
• Valid and current driver's license required.
• Acceptable driving record, valid car insurance and personal working vehicle available for transporting clients and completing work related tasks required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Emmaus Homes provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.