Direct Support Professional

Position Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Category of Employment: 

Position Summary: Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for the direct care services for individuals residing in the company's Supported Living program. Under general supervision, this staff is responsible for supervising and supporting program participants with activities and meeting individual goals. He/she must exercise sound judgment, show initiative, and abide by Program, and state & federal policies and procedures. He/she will report directly to the ID Field Supervisor for supervision.

Illustrative Tasks 

Responsibility: Demonstrates integrity as a human service professional.
Responsibility: To provide supervision, support and/or training to consumers in social/leisure skills, independent living, personal care and health maintenance, and community integration.
Responsibility: Foster and maintain positive customer service and satisfaction.
Responsibility: To work as a team member, providing support and assistance to other staff members within the program and agency.
Responsibility: Manage talents and resources in a trustworthy and responsible way.
Responsibility: To provide exemplary services by actively supporting quality improvement initiatives.

Essential Job Duties
Attends regularly. Dependable coming to work as scheduled. Work without supervision. Reports absences promptly.
Proactively manage an effective work schedule, making necessary scheduling accommodations to meet unannounced requests and changes.
Attend and participate in required meetings (i.e. all-agency meetings, CSS meetings, program meetings, etc.)
Successfully complete all in-service training required for the position within timelines and participate in all other training, as assigned.
Follow agency policy including but not limited to confidentiality, dress code, and hygiene.
Complete any other related tasks and responsibilities as assigned and required.

Knowledge of:
Definition, causes, and program philosophy of intellectual disability (mental retardation);
Consumers' human rights;
Service plan process and delivery;
Principles of confidentiality;
State and Federal licensure requirements
Respect the rights of the consumers.
Seek out and use individual's preferences and choices in planning, developing, and implementing activities.
Assist in planning and developing activities in each skill area for implementation within the residential and community settings.
Work with the program participant to maintain a safe environment, completing necessary cleaning duties within the consumer's home.
Provide supervision, training and/or support to program participants in each skill area as indicated within Individual Program Plans and in general activities. This may include--
Self advocacy and self-determine
Safety at home and in the community.
Maintenance and improvement of health related issues
Behavioral support
Leisure, recreation and community skills
Personal hygiene and self care, including appropriate dress
Meal planning and preparation
General housekeeping
Money Management

Provide information in the area of decision-making/informed consent/lifestyle choices.
Provide information, orally and in writing as requested for the individual's service plan development and team information sharing.
Attend scheduled program participant planning meetings as appropriate, and participate in decision making process advocating for services that meet consumer's needs and preferences.
Document and maintain information, including, but not limited to individual progress (POP) information, contact notes, incident reports, documentation of health and medical issues, and money and financial records and reports, etc.
Support prescribed medication / medical regime.
Provide transportation as needed for consumers to and from activities within the community.
Notify day support staff, physician and parent(s)/guardian (as appropriate) of
a consumer's illness or accident and assure the provision of required treatment, as requested.
Respect the consumer's right to confidentiality by sharing information only with written consent of the consumer or guardian.
Provide ongoing communication with families, guardians and interdisciplinary team members as directed.
Advocate for consumers with disabilities in the community and workplace by maintaining both oral and written communication.
Accepts supervisory guidance and counsel. Follows through with specific responsibilities as directed.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with coworkers.
Attend training and conferences as deemed appropriate for improvement of job performance.
Provide assistance to other staff members to address issues within programs and the agency.
Is self-directed and willing to seek, act on, and evaluate new ideas and solutions.
Expands knowledge of departmental/agency operations.
Supports efforts of the agency in conducting program evaluations.
Performs work assignments in a thorough, accurate, and orderly manner.
Supports accreditation and regulatory standards.
Is ethical in individual and business practices, following established agency code of ethics and confidentiality.
Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
Works to accomplish desired outcomes while using supplies, equipment, energy and other resources responsibly and conservatively.

Physical Demands
The work requires physical exertion and moving about including bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, kneeling, and reaching or similar activities. Lifting objects required, typically weight does not exceed 40 lbs. (occasional lifting up to 60 lbs.). Occasional lifting or transferring persons may be required. Physically assisting individuals required occasionally.

Mental/Visual Demands
Frequent mental and visual attention is required in working with program participants. Work is occasionally repetitive and requires alertness and concentration. Listening and communication may require more intense concentration. Mental demands most significant in dealing with small groups of consumers in living arrangements and negotiation skills among consumers. 

Working Environment
Fairly good working conditions exist. However, there may be occasional exposure to disagreeable elements. Employee may occasionally work outside. Services provided primarily within the individual's home.

Unavoidable Hazards/Risk
The work involves moderate risk requiring special safety precautions (exposure to blood or bodily fluids, aggressive behaviors, etc.) Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, gloves, gowns, or shields. The magnitude of bodily injury resulting from work hazards is moderate (may require medical attention).
All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, other employees or program participants.

This description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.