Direct Support Professional DSP

Job Duties: Direct Support Staff works directly with the individual in a professional relationship and ensure the best care and safety for the individual in his/her care.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• First Aid/CPR
• NCIC/DBHDD clearance
• Direct Support Professional Certificate is preferred, but not required.
• Capable of lifting 50 pounds without assistance.
• Maintains current driver’s license if doing transportation
• Must have a positive attitude, flexibility, and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Supports individuals in attaining personal goals and desires.

2. Supports individuals to interact with other people outside of the service network in a variety of ways.

3. Assumes full responsibility when at work for food preparation, community activities, and assisting individuals with other needs.

4. Supports individuals in planning nutritious meals, and supporting those with special diets.

5. Cooperates with family members regarding reasonable requests related to individual needs.

6. Supervises the self – administration of prescribed medication and maintains record of medication according to established policies. Maintains chart for each individual, consistent with physician’s orders, and reports any medical emergencies according to the Medical Emergency Plan.

7. Assumes responsibility for cash disbursements given by supervisor and keeps receipts showing actual amount spent, if applicable.

8. Supports individuals with learning and maintaining personal and life skills.

9. Provides physical supports to individuals; including, but not limited to, lifting and moving adaptive equipment.

10. Receives visitors to the facility; maintains family-oriented nature of the facility by being hospitable to family members and other natural supports by making arrangements as needed for family and home visits.

11. Supports and encourages individuals through use of positive reinforcement and non-intrusive consequences.

12. Abstains from mental, physical or verbal abuse, humiliation, withholding personal funds, and the use of physical restraint or isolation.

13. Reports and records significant behavior incidents to the supervisor.

14. Observes confidentiality guidelines. Refrains from discussing individuals with any person other than those indicated in the individuals’ personal files.

15. Acts as a role model supporting and counseling in routine and spontaneous activities.

16. Works at all times to enhance the lives of the individuals by treating individuals with consideration and respect, and full recognition of dignity, individuality, and need for privacy.

17. Maintains a Positive Team Work Environment.

1. Accepts and gives constructive criticism, as appropriate.
2. Avoids gossiping and spreading rumors or unfound statements.
3. Assist others as appropriate.
4. Accepts responsibility in a positive, constructive manner.
5. Willingly takes on additional tasks.
6. Volunteers for special assignments.
7. Readily “fills in” when other staff are absent.
8. Completes routine duties without reminders.
9. Promotes the agency’s mission and purpose in professional and private life.
10. Maintains a clean, safe work environment.
11. Attends staff meetings and training sessions requested by supervisor or management.
12. Completes any and all duties as assigned by supervisor.
13. Assumes responsibility for care of the facility, grounds, equipment and furnishings.

Other Requirements:

1. Transportation (only if the standards required by DBHDD are met)

2. Work without direct supervision.

3. Participates in personal work evaluations.

4. Maintains a good to high attendance record unless on approved leave.

5. Reports for work on time, observes policies regarding hours worked and punctuality.

6. Works overtime, as needed, according to personnel policies.

7. Maintains a helping relationship with other staff and Board of Directors.

8. Represents Comfort Community Center in a positive way to the general public.

9. Maintains the flexibility to change routines, if needed.

10. Possesses the mental and physical ability and stamina to perform the job well.

11. Follows all other requirements of current personnel policies.

12. Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

13. All Training required by DBHDD will be met in accordance with the standards.

Competency

• Fluent in the written and spoken English language
• Basic computer skills
• High school diploma or GED
• Trainings as required by DBHDD
• Ongoing training (minimum 16 hours annually)