Direct Support Professional

Description

• Support individuals as needed in daily living activities such as personal and health management, communication, self-advocacy, realizing personal and educational goals, meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, basic home maintenance and safety, recreation, home management, financial management and decision making.

• Participate in the development of Individual Support Plans (ISP) and Planning Team meetings as needed.

• Complete all required paperwork accurately including, but not limited to, critical logs, ISP data, etc

• Comply with Archway Programs policies and DDD/DHS licensing standards.

• Cooperates fully with Archway Programs, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Families staff in any and all licensing, inspections and/ or investigations.

• Promote and demonstrate ethical and professional conduct at all times.
• Work towards advancing the mission and values of Archway Programs.

• Ensure that all necessary program resources are used to meet the needs of the clients.

• Participate in quality improvement projects.

• Assist with the implementation of high quality individual support plans.

• Promote and participate in Archway Programs Risk Management and Performance Improvement goals addressing the health and safety of customers and employees.

• Promote inclusion for clients through meaningful and high quality community activities.

• Support clients as needed in developing friendships and establishing desired relationships with peers.

• Complete household chores to the extent necessary to maintain high standards of health, sanitation, safety and building maintenance at all times.

• Assist clients in receiving needed medical, dental and counseling services.

• Communicate with clients families and day and employment program personnel as assigned by supervisor.

• Assist in maintaining records of medical/dental services, petty cash funds and client funds entrusted to the company as assigned by supervisor.

• Serve as shift supervisor as assigned by supervisor.

• Administer medication to clients who need support taking medication.

• Attend staff meetings and all required training programs as assigned by the supervisor.

• Transport clients in company vehicles as required.

• Perform other such duties as may be assigned for providing excellent customer service and for the most effective operation of the company.

Qualifications

Minimum educational requirements:

• high school diploma or GED required
• bachelors degree - preferred

Minimum experience required:

• one year- residential setting preferred
• other - working with developmentally disabled or elderly preferred.

Other knowledge, skills, and certifications required:

• Valid drivers license, clean driving record
• CPR, FA, must complete DDD Pre Service training within 90 days of hire.

The number of employees supervised by this position:

None

The usual internal and external contacts:

• Internal - all group home staff, assistant and group home manager, program director
• External - doctors, other human service agencies, parents, community in general

The percent of time spent on physical activity while performing the job functions:

a) Sitting 35%

b) Standing 35%

c) Other (i.e. - bending) 30%

Total 100%

The percent of time spent on physical effort while performing the job functions:

a) Lifting 30%

b) Carrying 30%

c) Pushing / pulling 30%

d) Other (i.e. - reaching) 10%

Total 100%

The percent of time spent on sensory effort while performing the job functions:

a) Visual 25%

b) Hearing 25%

c) Speaking 25%

d) Other (i.e. - touching) 25%

Total 100%

The percent of travel involved with the position:

Varies - Employees help consumers with every aspect of daily living. Travel may include doctors appointments, shopping, workshops, occasional trips, etc.

Machines or equipment used:

(*) typewriter (*) telephone

(*) computer (*) photocopier

(*) fax (*) other - Normal household equipment/appliances

The working conditions (heat, cold, dust, fumes, etc.) that apply to this position are:

Normal house environment

Any safety conditions or hazards associated with this position:

Normal household hazards, consumers may at times become verbally or physically abusive, driving hazards.

Additional comments:

Employees, based on the individual consumers IHP, are responsible for assisting consumers in walking, wheelchair handling and bathing.