Description:
Job Description and Duties – Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Department: Residential
Shift (Substitute Caregiver and Floater): Varies
Residential Overview:
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides individualized care and support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) receiving residential services from Skyward. The DSP's primary role is to assist residents in achieving greater independence, improving life skills, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring their safety, health, and well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
Direct Support and Care:
- Provide hands-on assistance to individuals with I/DD in daily living activities such as personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, and mobility.
- Assist with medication administration as prescribed and in accordance with Skyward protocols and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs).
- Support residents with meal planning, preparation, and feeding, ensuring dietary restrictions and preferences are respected.
- Encourage and assist with recreational, social, and community-based activities to promote active engagement and socialization.
- Monitor residents for changes in behavior, physical health, or mental well-being and report any concerns to supervisory staff.
Person-Centered Support:
- Implement individualized support plans (ISPs) in collaboration with residents, their families, and their Service Coordinators.
- Assist residents in achieving personal goals and objectives outlined in their ISPs.
- Encourage independence and self-advocacy by teaching life skills such as communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.
- Respect individual preferences, dignity, and privacy at all times.
- Provide emotional and social support, fostering positive relationships with residents, their families, and other staff members.
Health and Safety:
- Ensure a safe, clean, and secure environment for all residents by performing regular cleaning and health & safety checks.
- Assist in the implementation of safety protocols, including emergency preparedness, fire drills, and first aid.
- Support residents with mobility challenges and ensure accessibility within the facility.
- Monitor residents’ health and well-being, reporting any changes or concerns to a supervisor.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of services provided, including daily logs, incident reports, and progress notes.
Collaboration and Teamwork:
- Work collaboratively with other DSPs, healthcare professionals, and Skyward staff to ensure comprehensive care.
- Assist with training and mentoring new staff members, providing guidance and sharing knowledge.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and attend training sessions as required by the facility and OARs.
Behavior Management:
- Support residents in managing challenging behaviors through positive behavior support strategies outlined in their Functional Assessment, Behavioral
Support Plan and/or ISP. - Implement behavior support plans as outlined by Skyward and OARs.
- Foster an environment that promotes respect, kindness, and inclusion, helping residents to build trust and a sense of security.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, assist with transferring residents, and perform other physical tasks as needed.
- Ability to bend, squat, stand for extended periods, and assist residents with mobility.
- Must be able to respond to emergency situations and manage crisis situations effectively
Requirements:
- Be able to pass a background check annually
- Obtain CPR/First Aid certification within the first 90 days of employment
- Clean driving history
- Drug free workplace
- Must have verbal and written communication skills adequate to the specific job