We are always looking for motivated and compassionate people

  Direct Support Professional Position Description

Reports to: Residential Manager 

Job Purpose:

1. Provide care, support, assistance, training and supervision to developmentally disabled individuals in compliance with the DBHDS licensure standards.
2. Provide leadership and assist/support individuals in the home.

Essential Duties:

1. Observe the rights and personal dignity of others.
2. Follow policies and procedures of the department and/or home.
3. Engage in the care, training, and support of physically/developmentally disabled individuals.
4. Administer medications as qualified.
5. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
6. Communicate person to person with individuals and in the home.
7. Perform training, care, and programmatic activities in a sponsored residential home setting.
8. Support and train (as needed) individuals eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and other self-care skills. 
9. Communicate using telephone, in writing, and through data entry.
10. Use computers to access and enter program information.
11. Use a stove and cooking appliances / devices.
12. Drive a vehicle within sponsored home guidelines.
13. Respond appropriately to hazardous or challenging situations that may arise in the sponsored home setting.
14. Assist in completion of individual assessments as required.
15. Manipulate/support individuals in the use a wheelchair (if needed)
16. Certified in performance of First Aid / CPR.
17. Assist in design, implementation, training, and review of Individual Service Plans and activities as required.
18. Observe, record, and report (as required) individual’s behavior, attitude, and physical condition. 
19. Provide support as necessary for all individuals in the home.
20. Maintain an effective working relationship with individuals, family members and other staff/ employees.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

Experience in simple nursing care, first aid, behavior support, and personal and environmental hygiene and activities of daily living. Training and practical experience in providing services and support to individuals with disabilities in a residential home and/or group home setting. Experience working in settings were sitting and standing may be needed and may involve significant amounts of walking or standing. Ability to work with other staff /employees on an individual basis and in small or group settings. Experience in using telephone, computer w/appropriate software, Fax, Copier. 

Minimum Education/Experience:

At least high school diploma and at least one year of experience and experience and knowledge of some of the characteristics and concepts of working with individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health, health disorders and related physical conditions in a residential and or group home setting, or experience in support or learning development programs in other settings.