Direct Support Professional Caregiver Jobs in Ridgefield, CT

JOB SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for supporting persons receiving services while promoting their personal, physical and emotional wellbeing. The primary role of the Direct Support Professional is to work alongside the people we support in order to help them to achieve their personal goals. The DSP ensures the delivery of Habilitation services, service plans or other OPWDD supports and documents and verifies daily data collection. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Adhere to all regulations, policies, procedures and protocols set forth by NY OPWDD, NY Justice Center, Centers for Medicare/Medicaid and Abbott House.
2. Establish positive working relationships with persons receiving services, co-workers, management and the public.
3. Maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with parents, guardians and other professionals.
4. Learn and demonstrate skills outlined in the DSP Code of Ethics and DSP Core Competencies.
5. Implement outlined Habilitation and Behavioral Support plans/programs and documents accordingly. 
6. Assist with personal care of persons receiving support as needed.
7. Attend and successfully complete all required training in accordance with SPDD Training Policy.  
8. Administer prescribed medications to persons receiving supports after successful completion of AMAP medication administration course.  Certification must be completed prior to the end of employee’s probation period   Certification must be maintained in accordance to outlined protocols.
9. Assist individuals with planning and participating in the community activities.  
10. Drive agency vehicles for transportation of persons receiving supports and adheres to all related vehicle operation policies.
11. Maintain a safe and clean environment by adhering to sanitary and infection control procedures.
12. Remain awake and alert during the entirety of the each assigned shift
13. Ensure residence is cleaned and sanitized. 
14. Intervene and address any problem that may be occurring. 
15. Report all incidents in a timely manner as required.   
16. Participate in scheduled program meetings, i.e., staff meetings, in-service trainings and other meetings as required.
17. Provide support/coverage to other than assigned area as needed.
18. Perform all necessary activities assigned to further the agency’s mission

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. An employee in this position is regularly required to stand; walk, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; talk and listen, and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to keep balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Computer – The Direct Support Professional must be able to use a computer and able to learn software programs
• Office Equipment- The Direct Support Professional is required to operate a fax, copier, scan, and other office equipment.
• Communication - The Direct Support Professional needs to be able to speak, read and write fluently in the English language
• Writing - The Direct Support Professional must be able to write in the English language using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
• Driving - The Direct Support Professional must have a valid Driver’s License and be willing to drive agency vehicles.
• Lifting - The Direct Support Professional may frequently lift 0-25 lbs., occasionally lift 25-50 lbs., and rarely lift over 50 lbs.
• Push/Pull - The Direct Support Professional may frequently push/pull 0-25 lbs. of force, occasionally push/pull 26-45 lbs. force, and rarely push/pull over 45 lbs.
• Sitting - The Direct Support Professional may sit 50-60% of the working day.
• Standing - The Direct Support Professional may stand 10-20% of the working day.
• Walking - The Direct Support Professional may walk 10-20% of the working day.
• Stooping -The Direct Support Professional may occasionally stoop.  This is defined as bending body downward by bending spine at the waist.
• Kneeling -The Direct Support Professional may occasionally kneel.  This is defined as bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee(s).
• Crouching - The Direct Support Professional may occasionally crouch.  This is defined as bending body downward and forward by bending spine and legs.
• Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate due to talk and movement of the program participants and other co- workers.  The noise level can increase on occasion due to yelling or screaming by the participants of the programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School diploma or equivalent required.
2. One-year experience working with people with developmental disabilities preferred.
3. A valid driver’s license
4. Completion of State and Agency mandated training
5. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
6. Represent yourself and the Agency in a professional and courteous manner
7. Know, understand, and continually practice the Agency’s Standards of Conduct

HOURS AND TIME OF WORK

• The Direct Support Professional is contracted for 40 hours a week.  Additional time after some shifts may be required as he/she cannot leave the residence until a relief staff is in place.