A Direct Support Professional ensures individuals' health, safety and welfare, enhances the quality of individuals' lives, and supports community inclusion.

Essential Functions (Job Duties)

Ultimate responsibility for client programming and care

• Ensure adequate food, shelter and clothing is available for each resident.
• Provide first aid and nursing assistance as necessary or as requested by nurse or supervisor, reporting nursing and medical needs to a supervisor as needed.
• Provide individual assessment and instruction to residents in daily living skills.
• Lift, transfer and position as prescribed.
• Prepare meals, involving residents in preparation.
• Intervene and assist in crisis situations, accessing appropriate resources as needed.
• Provide support for community outings.
• Monitor and dispense medications and adhere to physician’s orders.
• Provide programming as written by Program Coordinator.
• Communicate programming information to Program Coordinator and Manager as needed.
• Ensure staffing ratios are met at all times.
• Demonstrate cultural beliefs in daily interactions.
• Utilize the least restrictive prompting at all times.
• Follow behaviors plans and crisis management plans as written.
• Participate in staff, team, and residence meetings.

• Attend appropriate training in accordance with the agency's personnel policies and maintain required certifications.

• Perform any related duties as assigned.

Complete timely and accurate documentation as required.

• Contemporaneously and accurately document programming as per policy and procedure manual.
• Accurately document client care and medical information as prescribed.

Miscellaneous

• Assist with residence cleanliness and upkeep as instructed.
• Follow universal precautions protocols.
• Demonstrate flexibility with scheduling.
• Protect client confidentiality.
• Participate in required trainings.
• Professionally represent Citizen Advocates, Inc. with families, other organizations and the community.
• Follow program policy and procedure manual as written.

Competencies

• Confidentiality
• Putting individuals first
• Building and maintaining positive relationships
• Professionalism
• Ethical conduct
• Organization