Direct Support Professional

Responsibilities

The Direct Support Professional provides individualized support to individuals with mental health challenges, assisting with daily living tasks, promoting independence, and fostering a safe and supportive environment in a group home setting or in a residential facility setting.

• Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including cooking, cleaning, showering, toileting, shopping, and
managing money.
• Monitor clients’ health and report any changes in physical or mental condition to supervisors or healthcare providers.
• Assisting with medical appointments such as transportation and coordinating with healthcare providers.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals.
• Recognize and respond to signs of distress or crisis situations.
• De-escalate challenging behaviors using positive and approved techniques to ensure safety for all clients and staff.
• Assist individuals in developing and maintaining life skills.
• Facilitate community integration and participation in social and recreational activities.
• Ensure that care plans are followed and updated as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of daily activities, progress and any relevant observations and document these items in the client’s electronic health record (EHR).
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, other team members and family members as necessary.
• Complete incident reports with 24 hours of the occurrence and share the report with social workers to ensure
accuracy of report.
• Remind and assist clients with self-administration of medications (after approved training and skills validation).
• Participate in team meetings and assigned trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• High School Diploma or HSED equivalent required.

Experience:

• Prior experience working with individuals who have chronic mental health issues is preferred.
• Prior experience with health care documentation is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – including written and verbal.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for supporting individuals to achieve independence.
• Ability to remain calm and patient in stressful situations

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current and valid driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements is required. .
• Mandatory Reporter of Child/Dependent Adult Abuse Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire and every three (3) years thereafter required.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package for full-time employees working 30+ hours a week:

• Health insurance (up to 79% employer paid)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with profit sharing and employer match
• Paid time off (accrue up to 80 hours during first year of employment; increases based on tenure with agency)
• 10 paid holidays
• 80 hours sick time
• 2 wellness days
• Staff development and training
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility for federal student loans
• Employer paid CEU's through Relias
• PerkSpot- employee discount program
• Employee assistance program
• Advancement opportunities

About the Organization

Hillcrest is a non-profit organization that assists adults and children in need of help. Every day, Hillcrest builds confidence in hundreds of people and families. We strive to be a leading provider in supporting brain health and wellness. We’re a place where compassion is commonplace. Where our passion soars and faith restores.