Lead Direct Support Professional - Full-time

Job Description **This position is eligible for a $20.50/hour starting wage!**
Department: CHOICES
Job Status: Full Time
Reports To: Day Program Supervisor
Position Supervises : NA
Work Schedule: Full-time position requiring flexible schedule

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Direct Support Professional plays a vital role in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their person-centered goals. Working directly with the people supported, they provide hands-on assistance and supervision- while consistently acting in the best interests of those they serve and advocating for their rights.
In addition to direct support responsibilities, the Lead Direct Support Professional serves as a positive and motivating role model for both staff and the individuals they support. Engaging in ongoing professional development, including Person Centered Thinking (PCT), they contribute valuable feedback and guidance to staff regarding Individual Support Service program implementation. Facilitating daily group activities, they create an inclusive environment that fosters growth and skill development.
Adherence to the policies and procedures of Volunteers of America, Dakotas, is essential, and the Lead Employment Direct Support Professional maintains strict confidentiality while treating each individual with respect. This position requires a commitment to creating a compassionate, empowering environment where individuals can develop their strengths and gain the skills needed to succeed.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Professional Integrity & Growth:
A. Perform in accordance with the policies and procedures of Volunteers of America, Dakotas.
B. Maintain confidentiality and act in a manner respectful of the person supported.
C. Act in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the people supported.
D. Advocate for the rights of the people we support.
E. Promote the agency in a positive manner with staff, people supported and other community members.
F. Act as a positive and motivating role model for all staff and people supported.
G. Participate in activities to enhance professional skills and growth including Person Centered Thinking (PCT).
H. Read and be familiar with pertinent information regarding all the people you support; medical, developmental, family, programs etc.
I. Complete necessary paperwork accurately and on time.
Program Development and Implementation:
A. Accurately complete, maintain, and submit all documentation and written records as required by the agency:
Complete assessments and participate in ISP meetings.
Complete/compile daily data and run monthly reports.
Oversee Person Centered goal implementation and outcomes.
B. Provide feedback and direction to staff regarding daily program implementation for the people we support.
C. Provide an environment that is safe, clean and conducive to learning.
~ Act in accordance with policies regarding individual’s safety (First Aid, Fires, Tornado, Missing Persons, Medical Emergencies, Abuse etc.).

D. Follow each individual's daily schedule.
E. Facilitate daily groups activities to people supported.
F. Provide positive learning experiences.
G. Assisting with community involvement (volunteering, work crews, library, etc.)
H. Manage and maintain work areas.
Team Communication/Training:
A. Provide communication specific to supervision based on specific needs to those we support both on site and in community.
B. Mentor, train and support Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s).
C. Communicate any pertinent program changes to the DSP’s.
D. Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
E. Maintain professionalism and relay any pertinent information to teams.
F. Facilitate teamwork between all team members via open communication, sharing of responsibilities and a positive, constructive attitude.
Other
A. Administer and check medications when necessary, only if med certified.
B. Report person supported or staff concerns to your direct supervisor.
C. Attend in participate in staff meetings and trainings as necessary.
D. Assist with maintenance of agency vehicle; fill with gas, clean, repair requests etc.
E. Transportation as needed, local travel required, out of town travel maybe required.
Responsible for other duties as assigned.

POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) is required. Bachelor’s Degree (four-year college or technical school) Preferred, field of study: Counseling, Social Work, or related Human Services field.
Experience: Six months experience or an equivalent combination of education/experience
Skills: Excellent communication skills, time management are necessary
Certifications & Licenses: Valid driver’s license and a good driving record
Other Requirements: Requires consistent exercise of discretion and judgment in the performance of duties. Promote the agency in a positive manner with staff, people supported and other community members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

A. Ability to Stand, Walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward and above shoulders, speak, climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend on a daily basis
B. Capability to Lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 lbs on a daily basis