Qualified Direct Support Professional DSP

The Direct Support Professional position assists people who have Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities. Under supervision of the Residential Coordinator or designee, the DSP will be responsible for providing direct care and support to the people living in their home, licensed or unlicensed. DSPs provide support to people to learn skills that ultimately enable them to live with less supervision and be members of their community. DSPs support peoples safety and well-being in accordance with Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas policies and procedures, and relevant regulations. DSPs support and communicate with people using a person-centered approach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides necessary supports as identified by the Person-Centered Planning Team. Communicates and coordinates with families, members of the Person-Centered Planning Team, day program, and other providers of services and supports as necessary and appropriate.
Teaches, supports and performs household tasks, such as cleaning, preparing meals, planning household budgets, food shopping, etc.
Assists, identifies, and meets the needs of people to develop skills in daily living. This includes following their Person- Centered Plan consistently.
DSPs may monitor people to ensure medication is taken as prescribed, may assist people to learn how to take their medication independently, and may assist with medication administration.
May perform crisis intervention; may provide emergency First Aid or CPR and other types of assistance.
May plan, coordinate, and participate with people in their social activities.
Participates in assessment activities and in the Person-Centered Planning Team as appropriate.
Transports people and/or provides mobility training to assist people to go to appointments, grocery shopping, or events.
Communicates and documents activities and behaviors of people in EHR and client files as appropriate.
Prepares food according to a developed menu, which reflects peoples preferences and may include a prescribed diet (low sodium, pureed, low fat, etc.) May teach and support people to make healthy choices when shopping or dining out.
Attends staff meetings, and trainings as required by the program. Ensures program compliance with Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas Policies, Procedures and established protocols.
May inspect the home and report repairs and maintenance needs. Ensures fire and other safety procedures are carried out as directed. Checks for proper sanitation and security conditions within the home.
May monitor activities of visitors to the home.
Has up-to-date knowledge of Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas policies and procedures.
Documents all services in the electronic case management system daily.
Works cooperatively and respectfully with the entire support team.
Performs other duties as assigned.

EFFECT ON END RESULT

To ensure needs of the person are met and satisfaction is achieved through implementation of the PCP.
To ensure that the program is operated in compliance with the Scope of Work, Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas policies and procedures, licensing, government regulations, and Medicaid waiver regulations.
People are living their best lives in their chosen community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, people, and program supplies as necessary.
The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.
Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time
A bona-fide occupational exception may be established for this job based upon sex/gender when it is necessary to ensure that at least one female and one male are on duty during each shift, or to honor choice and best practices.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REQUIREMENTS

• Min of a high school diploma, GED, and/or IEP
• (1) year of exp. working in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities. Exceptions may be made for less than 1 year experience to include enhanced supervision of the DSP by the Qualified Professional until the year is obtained.
• Medication Administration Certification is preferred, but will be required by the end of the introductory period.
• Must pass all required trainings and new hire orientation classes. Must maintain current certifications and trainings required by CMS or relevant governmental entities.
• Computer Skills are required for documentation.
• Written and verbal communication skills must be clear and professional.
• Problem Solving ability
• Pass relevant local and state background checks and drug testing requirements
• Bilingual in any language a plus