Direct Support Professional

Job Summary

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for the daily care and supervision of children ensuring their health, safety, and wellbeing is protected at all times. The Direct Support Professional provides guidance and support of children in a safe, structured environment that meets the needs of the children while maintaining professional and acceptable boundaries at all times. This position works closely with supervisors, addressing issues and concerns within the team to achieve desired results.

Essential Duties:

• Supervise residents to ensure their safety and wellbeing and adjust the level of supervision according to the circumstances and needs of the residents in care.
• All shifts, including overnight shifts, must stay awake throughout shift and document headcounts per program requirement, and use of bathroom and any unusual sleep patterns or behaviors. Provides supportive supervision for residents unable to sleep. On night shifts, must stay in contact with other night staff as required.
• Make sure residents have the appropriate clothing, shoes, personal care supplies, and hygiene items needed for grooming. Provide encouragement and coaching on maintaining good hygiene and proper attire, as required by the program.
• Support the education of residents in care by ensuring they are on time to attend school, participating in teacher conferences, and providing assistance with homework as needed. Monitor classrooms, if residents attend school onsite.
• Implement daily activity schedules including, but not limited to, hygiene, mealtime, chores, schoolwork and recreation. Assist in the planning, ordering, and preparation of healthy meals and snacks in the home.
• Supervise and facilitate all recreational and leisure time.
• Work in cooperation with other child care staff to provide a safe, clean, orderly home for residents in compliance with applicable licensing and accreditation standards.
• Provide input in staff meetings to develop individual habilitation plans as necessary.
• Follow individual service plans.
• Observe and document changes in behavior or symptoms of illness.
• Be knowledgeable in and follow all regulatory, licensing, and accreditation standards.
• Transport residents in facility vehicles, as needed, to required appointments or off-site activities. Ensure supervision requirements are met and followed while off-site.
• Administer all prescribed medications and properly record medications given. Observe for side effects.
• Models appropriate behaviors, judgement, and language.
• Complete shift logs prior to the end of each shift worked.
• Implement emergency procedures when necessary and appropriately implements therapeutic interventions with residents when necessary.
• Assess and correct any problems within skill level or social appropriateness.
• Submit work order requests through supervisor for any work that requires a skilled worker such as major electrical and plumbing issues.