DSP Respite Program

Job Title:

Direct Support Professional (DSP), Respite 

Reports to:

Respite Program Coordinator

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt; Variable-Hour Position

Location:

Throughout County of Service

ARISE’s mission is to work with people of all abilities to create a fair and just community in which everyone can fully participate

Job Summary:

The DSP in the Respite Program provides support to an individual(s) with a disability in the individual’s home.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• One (1) year of previous work or life experience teaching daily living skills / providing supports to individuals with disabilities 
• Good judgment, effective communication skills
• Clear all pre-screenings, including criminal history records check, drug screen, child abuse registry, exclusions database
• Must possess a Smart Phone with data
• Able to plan and schedule tasks, activities, etc. 
• Able to guide another in learning independent living skills
• Physical demands of the job include being able to: 
  • stoop, kneel, reach, push, pull, sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, listen and communicate appropriately
  • exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects and assist people in and out of wheelchairs
  • Assist with personal care, including transferring and toileting as needed

Essential Functions:

The DSP works with an individual to support individualized choices that:

1. Maximize development of skills and behaviors necessary for the individual to be an active participant in the community
2. Include activities that are relevant to the development of the individual, self-awareness, and for the development of meaningful personal relationships with individuals of any ability in inclusive settings and communities
3. Involve age-appropriate activities 
4. Display dignity and respect for the individual and his/her rights and choices
5. Encourage individual’s participation in settings that enhance strengths, capabilities, interests, needs and preferences
6. Improve or enhance the individual’s independence
7. Are provided in accordance with the Individualized Service Plan/Life Plan, Staff Action Plan, safeguards, and goals

• Submit timely accurate documentation consistently 
• Upon implementation, utilize internal database to record documentation and complete other administrative functions 
• Uphold the codes of conduct and ethics as well as all ARISE policies and procedures
• Exercise sound judgment as a matter of course and hold protected health information and other sensitive information in the strictest of confidence in accordance with ARISE and HIPAA policies
• Act in accordance with New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities “Direct Support Professional Standardized Competencies” 
• Follow the Code of Ethics developed through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals and attend all OPWDD mandated trainings 
• Report promptly and maintain a punctual schedule
• Observe appropriate dress code and practice good hygiene
• Limit telephone use to bona fide ARISE business and/or emergencies 
• Attend mandatory meetings (trainings, team and/or supervisory meetings, etc.)
• Perform other duties as assigned