Direct Support Professional - Residential

Position Objective: To support people receiving services by supervising specialized training, habilitative and direct care services that will address the prioritized individual needs and that will result in the accomplishment of their goals. To provide services in a respectful manner, maintaining health and safety, as well as fostering independent choices and full participation in the general community.

Position(s) Supervised: None

Responsible to: Residential Manager

Program Specific Job Requirements:

1. Support and assist people receiving services as needed in all aspects of self-care and daily living including but not limited to toileting, feeding, showering, dressing, etc.
2. Provide responsible supervision of people receiving services to assure safety, comfort, and protection of individual rights. The levels of supervision are dictated by the needs of the consumer and policies of each distinct program setting.
3. Complete scheduled medication passes following all steps of the procedure for making medications available.
4. Prepare meals according to dietitian approved menus.
5. Perform general and scheduled housekeeping duties to ensure facility is clean and well maintained at all times. Report any maintenance issues to supervisor.
6. Provide supervision and instruction on community outings.
7. Conduct emergency procedures and drills monthly.
8. Respond to medical and behavioral crises to assure the safety of people receiving services and staff. Recognize and take action to correct any potential safety or health hazards.
9. Transport residents to appointments, meetings, medical and recreational needs as directed.
10. Document in AWARDS and the communication book daily.
11. Support people receiving services in maintaining and protecting their personal property.
12. Assist people receiving services in making purchases, if necessary, and returning change and receipts to management.
13. Substitute for and/or assist staff as needed to assure quality training and care for people receiving services.
14. Attend required training.

Agency Job Requirements:

1. Demonstrate and encourage positive, polite interactions with people receiving services in a way that does not reflect personal opinions, values or negative emotions.
2. Review available information to develop a working knowledge of each person served in regard to types of disabilities, medical and behavioral status, personal goals, as well as training/support methods, then use this information to provide effective, individualized interactions and supervision.
3. Assist people in making choices by educating them about options, discussing pros and cons of possible decisions and respecting choices made, unless it is likely to endanger the health and/or safety of an individual.
4. Consistently follow directions given for implementing and documenting training, support and/or behavioral plans without making changes based on personal preferences or style and participate in training to enhance skills.
5. Take all necessary steps to ensure that the confidentiality and dignity of all people receiving services are maintained at all times.
6. Interact with co-workers, supervisory and administrative staff in a courteous manner that encourages a positive and cooperative work environment, in addition to talking to Support Coordinators, family members, health care professionals and others in a way that promotes a positive image of the Agency and the people it serves.
7. Immediately report any emergency situations or potential safety hazards to the supervisor, as well as information obtained that may affect the health, safety and/or services for a person.
8. Review and comply with all Agency policies, procedures and directives, as well as those issued by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
9. Maintain appropriate dress, good hygiene and professional behavior and conduct that reflects positively on the agency’s mission and the people it serves.
10. Be willing and able to work flexible hours on occasion based on program needs.
11. Possess a positive driving record for routine transportation of people receiving services and for other work functions, sufficient to meet all applicable legal and insurance requirements. Successful completion of DOT requirements is required to drive agency vehicles.
12. Perform other duties as directed by supervisor.