Dirigo Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Classification: Nonexempt Hourly

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range: Residence Staff – Starting Pay $17.00/Hr.

Reports to: Team Leader

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective
The Direct Support Professional is responsible for the safety, care, and support of adults with developmental disabilities (“residents”). Duties include supporting residents with goals established in their person-centered plan (PCP), community inclusion for the resident, documenting events and activities that occur throughout the day with the resident using several State of Maine and proprietary forms, and in some instances personal care.

Essential Responsibilities

• The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will support residents at home and in the community with activities of daily living (ADL).
• DSPs are required to know each resident’s goals and work actively to achieve or work towards those goals on a regular basis. This includes actively seeking out opportunities and providing suggestions for resident activities that would support the goals both in the residence and in the community.
• Assure residents are given the opportunity and encouraged to access the community daily.
• Provide personal care as needed, including bathing, helping to use the bathroom, changing, etc.
• Attend meetings with the resident’s team when asked to provide insight on resident care.
• Be actively engaged with and attentive to the resident throughout the entire shift. In the event the resident is sleeping, time should be spent on other responsibilities listed.
• Transportation of residents in the DSP’s personal vehicle is required.
• DSP staff must complete daily documentation prior to leaving each shift, documentation must contain supports staff provided to the member, what goals were worked on during each shift and how each member responds to the supports.
• DSP staff will complete a report for all members when behavior is observed regarding out of baseline behaviors, injury, aggression, medication procedures not followed. Reportable events should be communicated immediately after the incident occurs and must be reported prior to leaving shift per state of Maine regulations.
• DSPs will provide support to members for all medical appointments, from proper documentation, transportation, medication ordering.
• DSPs will follow all treatment plans (Positive support plan, behavioral management plan, etc.) while at home and in the community.
• DSPs must be able to pass the State of Maine CRMA curriculum in order to pass member medications.
• DSP staff must be able to account for all receipts, required for all purchases using agency funds.
• DSP will ensure the home is safe and will report all damages and house maintenance issues immediately.
• DSPs will conduct fire drills with residents monthly.
• DSP staff will have the ability to communicate with residents, providers, guardians and co-workers about the members' support needs and overall health and well-being.
• DSPs staff will accurately keep track of all hours by clocking in and out at the beginning and ending of each shift. Failure to do so may result in inaccurate or untimely pay and will lead to disciplinary action.
• Attendance at residence meetings (twice a month) is mandatory and may differ from your regularly scheduled shifts.
• DSPs are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. The employee handbook gives guidance to several topics regarding the way you should present yourself and act as a DSP at Dirigo Support Professionals including dress code, communication expectations, and personal use of electronics.
• DSPs are expected to participate in and attend scheduled trainings that Dirigo Support Professionals may put on to review, revise, or improve knowledge necessary to be an effective DSP and/or employee at Dirigo Support Professionals.

Physical Demands
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk and have the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 50 pounds. This position may require lifting or helping with the mobility of adults with developmental disabilities with or without support devices and/or multiple staff.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current State of Maine College of Direct Support DSP curriculum, current Adult First Aid/CPR Certification, current Safety Care v.6 Certification, current State of Maine CRMA License (or will complete upon hire).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Preferred Education and Experience

• At least 1 year of experience as a DSP
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

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.