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DSP) DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL are people who work directly with individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities with the aim of assisting the individual to become integrated into his/her community in the least restrictive environment. A DSP also acts as an advocate for the disabled individual, in communicating their needs, self-expression and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

• Ability to perform First Aid/CPR.
• Ability to observe and assess the needs of individuals.
• Ability to maintain information in a confidential manner.
• Ability to speak clearly and express oneself effectively in English.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions written in English.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task work assignments.
• Ability to learn and apply positive methods to modify behavior.
• Ability to facilitate groups and/ provide individual skill instruction.
• Ability to write legibly in English in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
• Ability to understand and relate to persons with intellectual disabilities.
• Ability to apply the principles of "Everyday Lives "and Self Determination.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in field location assignments.
• Ability to maintain professional and respectful interaction with individuals and co-workers.
• Knowledge and the ability to utilize good listening skills & comprehend verbal instructions given in English.
• Knowledge of acceptable social, work, and interpersonal behavior.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills required.

DUTIES OF DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF include, but are not limited to:

• Provides personal care and protective oversight andsupervision.
• Provide services, supports, care and treatment and/or supervision asrequired.
• Participates in the development and implementation of each (ISP) Individual's Support Plan.
• Provides supervision as determined in the (ISP) Individuals' Support Plans.
• Adheres to Department of Human Resources Office of Regulatory Services, requirements.
• Responsible for individual's work related personal and financial transactions.
• Ensures that the facility or home is safe, comfortable, well maintained, and free from hazards.
• Provides coverage in emergency situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Assesses and documents instructional needs initially and on an ongoing basis.
• Ensures individuals' health, safety and welfare, enhances the quality of individuals' lives, andsupports communityinclusion.
• Provides direct assistance to the participant in self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills training, retention andimprovement.
• Implements the behavioral support plans of participants to reduce inappropriate and/or maladaptive behaviors and to acquire alternative adaptive skills andbehaviors.
• Provides assistance and training on independent community living skills, such as personal hygiene, light housework, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, grocery shopping, using the telephone, and medication and money management.
• Provides direct assistance in teaching such concepts as rule compliance, attendance, task completion, problem solving, endurance, work speed, work accuracy, increased attention span, motor skills, and safety to groups ofparticipants.
• Provides direct assistance in training appropriate social interaction skills required in the workplace to groups ofparticipants.
• Provides participant-specific assistance, such as assistance with personal care and self-administration of medications.
• Implements the behavioral support plans of participants to reduce inappropriate and/or maladaptive behaviors and to acquire alternative adaptive skills andbehaviors.
• Participates in the implementing of all program plans designed to enhance the individual's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and independent living skills.
• Completes and updates all daily, weekly and monthly records, reports, logs, casework notes, administrative paperwork, fiscal reports, and medical records in an accurate, timely, and professional manner.
• Collaborates and cooperates with involved agencies, family members, and other service providers; participates in meetings and provides relevant information.
• Transports individuals in personal and/or company vehicle for community outings or scheduled appointments.
• Provides support and assistance to individuals in arranging for medical care when responsible to do so and follows health care recommendations.
• Utilizes community resources to promote community integration, independence, and interdependence.

COMPETENCY[Education, Credentials, and Experience]

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED).
• Professional License ifapplicable.
• Pass State PCA CompetencyTest if diploma is unavailable.
• The knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the functions of this position.

EXPECTATIONS

• Must be able to drive passenger vehicle if applicable.
• Must have an annual Negative test results for TB Skin Test.
• Must have the ability to obtain clearances as defined by regulations.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to meet individual's and program's needs.
• Must be able to travel to trainings/meetings upon request of program director.
• Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle to attend trainings, meetings, and/or transport individual to appointments.
• Must be able to accompany individuals into the community and provide support and assistance in interactions in the community while maintaining sensitivity to the rights and dignity of the individual.
• Must have an annual (Physical) health examination with signed statement from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that you are free of communicable disease.