Direct Support Professional

JOB SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional supports individuals with developmental disabilities to promote quality of life, health, safety and well-being of individuals. A Direct Support Professional serves as an advocate for individuals in communicating their needs and goals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES (we will provide training specific to our facility)

Knowledge

Knowledge of Developmental Disabilities individual program plans, knowledge of client service needs, knowledge of abuse reporting protocol, and knowledge of behavior plans.

Skills

Organization skills, time management skills, analytical skills, good written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, multi-tasking skills, critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension, teamwork, interpretation, problem-solving, teaching, comparing, classifying, analyzing, coordinating, innovating and strategizing.

Abilities

Ability to interact effectively with management, social perceptiveness, maintain confidentiality, detail-oriented, flexibility, adaptability, prioritize, ability to work with a diverse population, ability to work with clients with behaviors, positive attitude, work ethic, responsibility, self-discipline, creativity, multi-cultural awareness, empathy and concentration.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Education

Must have at least a High School Diploma or equivalent. Must obtain DSP certification (via 8 hour class/online or in-person)

Experience

Must have at least one-year experience professional or personal experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses with challenging behaviors. Must maintain active First Aid and CPR certification and must obtain Mandt Certification within 30 days of employment (certifications classes will be provided via staff in-services).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attend to the needs of each resident, including assisting them with grooming, bathing, hygiene, toileting to include incontinence, feeding and communicating other individual needs they may have

• Follow all physicians’ orders, including administration of medication (based on training)

• Ensure meals are prepared as specified. Follow all dietary restrictions

• Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment by cleaning as needed

• Attend staff meetings, in-services and participate in continuing education

• Report ANY unusual occurrences/activities and health & safety issues in a timely manner

• Perform other duties as assigned daily

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Direct Support Professional position will typically work in an office environment with occasional work outside and in small enclosed spaces. Frequent sitting, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. Occasional bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, standing, crawling, reaching, walking, driving, traveling, and kneeling.