Direct Support Professional

Locations: Alexandria, Fairfax, Springfield, Annandale, Sterling

Shifts: Saturday & Sunday 7a-3p, 8a-4p, 3p-11p 4p-12a, 11p-7a, 12a-8a

Job Summary: Provides support to individuals with disabilities in developing and/or maintaining skills that will enhance the quality of their lives in the community; assists with personal care, household tasks and daily routines; performs other job related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Observe and respond to individuals physical, social, behavioral and personal needs;
• Provide adequate supervision to individuals to facilitate their health and safety;

Will:

• Administer medication to consumers; ensure that administration is timely and in the right dosage;
• Transport consumers to and from appointments, employment and/or community sites;
• Assist consumers prepare for their appointments;
• Assist with the planning and implementation of daily activities;
• Prepare meals or assist with the preparation of meals;
• Assist with the daily household chores, to include but not limited to laundry, meal preparation and cleaning up;
• Attend and participate in all relevant agency events, workshops, training and meetings; and
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Secondary Functions:

• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to gain working knowledge of St. John’s Community Services policies and procedures;
• Ability to act as a representative of St. John’s Community Services to the public;
• Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with other staff members and individuals from diverse backgrounds;
• Ability to pass a criminal background check;
• Knowledge of acceptable food preparation and safety practices and procedures; and
• Skilled in the operation of relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Two or more years related experience working with persons with disabilities preferred; experience in community based programs a plus;
• Must meet current SJCS and funding jurisdiction requirements for criminal background/records check.
• Must meet current funding jurisdiction requirements for valid health certificate.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license with current driving record in good standing required.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

• Work may require lifting heavy objects up to 30 pounds.
• Work environment involves risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions e.g. safely operating a motor vehicle, exposure to aggressive human behavior.
• The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.