Direct Support Professional (DSP)

JOB SUMMARY

Supervise, instruct and assist clients in the development and maintenance of a comfortable, clean and appropriate home environment and/or in a workshop, classroom or employment setting, helping them to achieve specific goals. Promote and demonstrate the values, vision and mission of The Arc, ensuring the respect, dignity, safety and well-being of clients at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Report to scheduled shift consistently and on time.
• Follow policies, procedures and rules of the organization.
• Serve as role model and demonstrate, encourage and offer direction in fairness, consistency, attentiveness, ability to work with others, appropriate dress and appearance, and effective conflict resolution.
• Treat all clients, parents, guardians, co-workers, supervisors and people in the community with respect and dignity.
• Maintain confidentiality of those we serve.
• Interact and verbally engage with clients.
• Train, demonstrate, instruct and direct clients in following established routines and activities.
• Promote the clients' growth by reinforcing independent skills such as: choices, decisions, responsibilities, personal rights, initiative and interpersonal relations.
• Assist clients in achieving their support plan goals.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a growth-inducing atmosphere.
• Adhere to the dietary guidelines of each client.
• Assist clients physically, as needed, with toileting and eating while using universal precautions.
• Become familiar with clients' case histories, educational programs, special health problems and particular limitations, abilities and interests.
• Supervise and coordinate clients' activities and assigned duties.
• Provide transportation, if applicable, as needed.
• Follow each client's Implementation Plan as written and trained, including data collection if applicable.
• Follow protocol, as applicable, for 1:1 supervision of any client as stated in their Behavior Implementation Plan.
• Assist the clients in fulfilling their needs and goals as directed.
• Follow all medically authorized instructions and procedures.
• Communicate and document any contact with family, school, day program or significant others to Supervisor.
• Inform Supervisor of any maintenance, housekeeping or safety needs.
• Follow organization's procedures in responding to emergencies and/or safety issues.
• Assist in maintaining case files on each client by developing a working knowledge of required forms and information.
• Develop a working knowledge of organization's policies and procedures.
• Promote and participate in open and effective communication and support with team.
• Attend all required meetings such as staff meetings, in-service meetings, monitoring meetings and required staff training.
• Maintain high program standards.
• Advocate for clients' rights.
• Perform other duties assigned by Supervisor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• One year of experience working with the developmentally disabled or in a related field working with elderly, children or caring for patients in hospital setting. College education may substitute for experience. (30 credit hours is equivalent to one year of experience).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & WORK HABIT REQUIREMENTS

• Effective communication skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to accept direction on given assignments.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Flexibility to work at various work sites.
• Care properly for equipment and resources.
• Ability to promote the dignity and respect of those we serve.
• Maintain positive interactions with clients, parents, guardians, co-workers, supervisors and people in the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves standing, sitting, walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Employee may be required to perform physical restraint techniques, First Aid, CPR and/or physically transfer clients.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 30 pounds; drive a motor vehicle; bend, squat or kneel.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.