About Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Behavioral Health (MPNN BH)

Connecting people to developmental and behavioral health services to create opportunities for healing, growth, and recovery.

Our organization provides services designed to help members of our community achieve their individual goals. MPNN BH has over 60 distinct programs to aid and support all ages and many situations.

Job Summary

The Entry-Level Direct Support Professional provides person-centered services and supports that promote the quality of life, health, safety, independence, and overall well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities. The position provides instruction, support, and personal care in accordance with each individual's Person-Centered Plan and Individual Support Plan.

This role is intended for employees who are learning the Direct Support Professional role and building the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to provide safe, respectful, and effective support. Services may be provided in residential settings and throughout the community based on each individual's needs, preferences, choices, and desired outcomes.

The position applies person-centered principles and follows established plans, procedures, and supervisor direction. Full-time employees are required to complete NADSP DSP I training after six (6) months of employment with the agency. NADSP DSP I training is optional for part-time and PRN employees.

Job Responsibilities

• Provides respectful, person-centered support that promotes each individual's dignity, rights, choices, independence, and quality of life.

• Provides services and supports in accordance with each individual's Individual Support Plan (ISP), Person-Centered Plan, and other applicable plans.

• Supports individuals in pursuing their personal interests, goals, relationships, and preferred activities.

• Assists individuals with daily living skills and activities, including personal care, meal preparation, cooking, laundry, household tasks, money management, and community safety.

• Encourages individuals to develop and maintain greater independence by providing appropriate support and opportunities for participation.

• Provides supervision and support to promote the health, safety, and well-being of individuals in the home and community.

• Supports individuals in participating in community activities, appointments, recreational activities, employment, and other activities of their choosing.

• Provides transportation and support for individuals as assigned.

• Assists individuals in accessing community resources and developing meaningful relationships and connections.

• Advocates for the rights, choices, preferences, and needs of individuals and supports their participation in decisions affecting their lives.

• Administers medications and/or monitors self-administration of medications in accordance with training, physician orders, regulations, and agency policies.

• Maintains a clean, safe, and comfortable residential environment.

• Follows established health, safety, emergency, infection-control, and environmental procedures.

• Implements approved behavioral support strategies and responds appropriately to behavioral or other emergencies in accordance with training and agency policies.

• Completes required documentation accurately and timely, including daily notes, medication documentation, incident reports, and other required records.

• Reports changes in an individual's health, behavior, needs, preferences, or circumstances to the appropriate supervisor.

• Participates in required training, supervision, team meetings, and person-centered planning activities. Full-time employees are required to complete NADSP DSP I training after six (6) months of employment with the agency and will complete the training within 18 months of employment. NADSP DSP I training is optional for part-time and PRN employees.

• Maintains confidentiality and protects the privacy and rights of individuals.

• Maintains professional boundaries and demonstrates appropriate communication, judgment, reliability, and professionalism.

• Performs duties in accordance with agency policies, procedures, licensing requirements, Medicaid requirements, and applicable regulations.

• Is willing to work at other Developmental Services locations when needed.

Participates in orientation, required agency and DBHDS training, and ongoing coaching to develop the skills needed for the role.

Seeks guidance when unsure how to respond to a situation and promptly reports concerns, incidents, changes, or safety risks to the appropriate supervisor.

Learns and consistently follows each individual's support plans, routines, communication preferences, and approved support strategies with guidance from experienced staff and supervisors.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Essential

• Must pass all required Background Checks.

• Must possess a valid Virginia Driver's License with reliable transportation and driving record acceptable to agency insurance carrier.

• Must obtain a TB test with satisfactory results within 30 days of employment, and yearly thereafter as required by licensing authority.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED.

Experience

• 2 to 4 months' experience providing direct support or personal assistance to a person with a disability is preferred or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• There is potential for a full-time position for a candidate who is willing to work regularly at two locations.