Direct Support Professional

RESPONSBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

- Assists in the development , implementation , and evaluation of service and support plans based on individuals' preferences, needs, and interests.

- Observes and documents individuals ' behavior and responses to programs, support services, and treatments.

- Participates in treatment team meetings, communicates and discusses observations, and may suggest alternative programs and services based on individuals' personal pr eferences.

- Helps individuals lead richer lives, participate in the community and recreation programs that strengthen life skills, and develop and maintain positive relationships with peers, family members, and others in the community.

- Assists in teaching and reinforcing social skills and acceptable means of

- dissipating frustration or anger and resolving conflicts and acts as a role model for positive behavior.

- Encourages individuals to participate in social, recreational, and leisure activities; and organizes, participates in, and/or supervises such activities.

- Transports and/or arranges for the transportation of individuals to social events and accompanies individuals to community activities.

- Supports individuals' career, education, and/or employment goals; and may assist in developing educational and vocational skills according to service plans.

- Helps individuals keep track of their finances and assists with banking and financial transactions.

- Supports individuals' health and wellness, and safety in everyday situations.

- Assists and/or instructs individuals in performing personal care and hygiene tasks, such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, dental care, nutrition, and daily living activities.

- Teaches individuals basic food preparation, safety, and sanitation skills; supervises and assists in meal planning, food selection, and preparation activities; and feeds or assists in feedings individuals who require assistance.

- May administer medications and basic treatments as prescribed; observe and monitor individuals in the self-administration of medication; and take and record individuals' temperatures, blood pressures, pulse rates, and weight.

- Monitors and reports significant changes in health status or concerns.

- Accompanies individuals to medical, dental, and health-related appointments.

- Responds to and assists in crisis and emergency situations following established guidelines, procedures, and first aid techniques.

- Maintains and ensures a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for individuals.

- Performs, assists, and/or instructs individuals in routine housekeeping, cleaning, and minor maintenance tasks.

- Monitors and maintains household supplies and inventories.

- Teaches and reinforces fire and safety procedures to individuals; and maintains basic fire and safety equipment.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

- High School or equivalent diploma

- Successful completion of Direct Support Professional Core Competencies training

- PROMOTE, AMAP, CPR/First Aid as well as site specific training.

- Basic computer knowledge in all Microsoft Suite applications preferred

- Excellent interpersonal and flexibility skills required

- Valid, unrestricted NYS Drivers License in accordance with Agency Standards

- Bi Lingual a plus but not required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

- The DSP must be physically capable of safely assisting individuals with varying body weights and levels of physical support needs in activities such as transfers, repositioning, ambulation support, and mobility assistance.

- The DSP must be able to independently lift and move up to 50 pounds using proper body mechanics. For individuals weighing more than 50 pounds, the DSP must safely assist using approved team-lift procedures and/or mechanical lifting devices in accordance with agency safe patient handling policies and training.  The DSP must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and respond quickly in emergency situations.

- The DSP must be physically capable of performing trained procedures such as CPR, First Aid, SCIP-R interventions, administering medication, and safely operating Class D vehicles when required.

- Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), provided that the essential functions of the position can be performed safely.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) – PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such accommodations do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions safely and effectively. Employees may work in residential, community, or program-based settings, including environments with varying noise levels, exposure to environmental conditions, or interaction with individuals who may exhibit challenging behaviors. Tasks may require close physical proximity to others, travel between locations, and participation in community-based activities or outings.