Direct Support Professional (DSP)

JOB SUMMARY

Supervise, instruct and assist clients in the development and maintenance of a comfortable, clean and appropriate home environment and/or in a workshop, classroom or employment setting, helping them to achieve specific goals. Promote and demonstrate the values, vision and mission of The Arc, ensuring the respect, dignity, safety and well-being of clients at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Report to scheduled shift consistently and on time.
• Follow policies, procedures and rules of the organization.
• Serve as role model and demonstrate, encourage and offer direction in fairness, consistency, attentiveness, ability to work with others, appropriate dress and appearance, and effective conflict resolution.
• Treat all clients, parents, guardians, co-workers, supervisors and people in the community with respect and dignity.
• Maintain confidentiality of those we serve.
• Interact and verbally engage with clients.
• Train, demonstrate, instruct and direct clients in following established routines and activities.
• Promote the clients’ growth by reinforcing independent skills such as: choices, decisions, responsibilities, personal rights, initiative and interpersonal relations.
• Assist clients in achieving their support plan goals.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a growth-inducing atmosphere.
• Adhere to the dietary guidelines of each client.
• Assist clients physically, as needed, with toileting and eating while using universal precautions.
• Become familiar with clients’ case histories, educational programs, special health problems and particular limitations, abilities and interests.
• Supervise and coordinate clients’ activities and assigned duties.
• Provide transportation, if applicable, as needed.
• Follow each client’s Implementation Plan as written and trained, including data collection if applicable.
• Follow protocol, as applicable, for 1:1 supervision of any client as stated in their Behavior Implementation Plan.
• Assist the clients in fulfilling their needs and goals as directed.
• Follow all medically authorized instructions and procedures.
• Communicate and document any contact with family, school, day program or significant others to Supervisor.
• Inform Supervisor of any maintenance, housekeeping or safety needs.
• Follow organization’s procedures in responding to emergencies and/or safety issues.
• Assist in maintaining case files on each client by developing a working knowledge of required forms and information.
• Develop a working knowledge of organization’s policies and procedures.
• Promote and participate in open and effective communication and support with team.
• Attend all required meetings such as staff meetings, in-service meetings, monitoring meetings and required staff training.
• Maintain high program standards.
• Advocate for clients’ rights.
• Perform other duties assigned by Supervisor.