Direct Support Professional- Community Living (3RD SHIFT)

This position is responsible for providing support to individuals, within their daily lives, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• College preferred
• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach and assist persons served by The Arc of Southside, in completing activities associated with daily living; those activities include, but are not limited to: cooking, cleaning, laundry, hygiene, meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping, banking, transportation, obtaining and giving medications as prescribed, relocation, medical appointments, accessing community resources, socialization, etc.
• Use personal vehicle during work hours, as needed, to carry out services as described.
• Provide support and skill building, to individual’s served by The Arc of Southside, as defined by each person’s Individual Support Plan.
• Assist persons served, in integrating into the community, and spending leisure time engaged in activities that the individual enjoys.
• Provide guidance and behavioral support; be able to read, understand, and implement behavioral support plans/interventions, as described, for each individual.
• Provide emergency first aid, should occasion arise, and assist persons served in obtaining prompt medical attention from a qualified professional, when necessary.
• Document services provided, and ensure the confidentiality of information and records pertaining to persons served.
• Respond to emergency situations and provide crisis intervention, as needed.
• Adhere to The Arc of Southside Employee Code of Ethics and Supported Living Guidelines.
• Serve as a liaison, on behalf of persons served, with family members, other agencies, and the general community, and represent the agency in a professional and positive manner in all interactions.
• Complete required non-service related forms such as payroll and mileage sheets.
• Attend team meetings, agency-wide meetings, agency-wide retreats, and other meetings, trainings, in-services, etc., as scheduled.
• Utilize phone, text, and email as a means of efficient communication
• Perform functions necessary for the maintenance of the individual’s residential environment.
• Report maintenance or repair needs of the homes of persons served.
• Follow agency policies, as they currently exist, and participate in the development and implementation of future agency policies and goals.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to organize and prioritize work tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to present self professionally.
• Ability to self-direct work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of the field of disabilities.
• Skill in the use of behavioral support practices.
• Skill to complete satisfactorily: Medication Certification, Medicaid Waiver Certification, First Aid/CPR, TOVA and other requirements associated with orientation.
• Skill in decision making, judgment and action in emergency or crisis situations.
• Skill in maintaining confidential information.
• Skill in locating and accessing community resources.
• Must have valid Virginia Driver’s License.
• Must have a satisfactory criminal history check.

Leadership – Acts as a positive role-model and demonstrates strong leadership skills 

Philosophy – Commitment to principles of Inclusion 

Technical Skills – Ability to operate computers, email, and smart phone technology

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires a range of light to moderate physical exertion to assist persons supported with personal care, lifts, and transfers as needed.  Work also requires assisting with toileting, changing linens, and other supports for individuals served in completing some activities, and other forms of physical exertion. Work requires the ability to concentrate and pay attention to detail for a majority of work time.

Ability to carry out the physical requirements of this position which include but are not limited to: lifting up to 50 pounds several times per shift as needed, ascending and descending stairs several times per shift, and sitting, standing, and walking for periods of time throughout a shift as needed.

Generally good working conditions with potential exposure to communicable diseases with little risk if proper procedures and safeguards are followed.