Adult's Direct Support Professional

• Posted 04-Apr-2024 (EST)
• Adult DSP
• Bradford, PA, USA
• 13.53-15.82 per hour Rate increases with experience and completion of competency program.
• Hourly
• Full Time
• Comprehensive Benefits Package

*** $1000 Commitment Bonus!! ***

SUMMARY

Responsible for providing supervision and guidance for the individuals who reside at the Agency by performing the following duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Vital Duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
• Preference is given to college trained individual with background in child development, intellectual disabilities, psychology, education or a related field.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret client related medical record documentation, policy and procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write client progress notes, shift updates, and any other documentation regarding client care of communication amongst coworkers. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages.  Ability to apply concepts of basic math.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Rarely = 0-15% of time, Occasionally = 16-45% of time, Frequently = 46-100% of time

The physical demands 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required:

• To talk, hear, stand, sit, walk, squat, twist, reach with hands/arms
• Participate in physical restraints of the clients and escorting of clients to locations
• Problem solve, make decisions, supervise clients, read, write
• Work indoors
• Use of computer and software systems
• To operate a telephone
• To operate a vehicle
• Work around loud noises
• The ability to organize mental demand

MARGINAL AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties the employee performs that although important do not have as major an impact on the delivery of services to our clientele:

• Acting as a positive role model for the clients and other employees.
• Following through on directives given by a supervisor or other designated team leaders within the agency.
• Interacting with clients and families in a courtesy and professional manner.
• Keeping communication open between all levels of employees.
• Knowing and supporting the agency mission statement.
• Participating in scheduled team meetings.
• Attending and participating on Agency committees as requested.
• The physical care of the facilities and agency equipment.
• Working as a member of a team including, being supportive and friendly to co-workers, keeping personal problems away from work, splitting duties equally amongst co-workers, assisting co-workers when requested and welcoming new employees giving then extra support and encouragement.
• Inspecting the unit/group home on a weekly basis to identify safety concerns and infection control issues; reporting this information as prescribed for the program.
• Ensuring that client files are organized and up-to-date.
• Aiding the clients in maximizing their skills and potential.
• Making copies of documents as needed.
• Maintain safety and security of the premises.
• Fulfilling purchase orders as needed.
• Assisting on all shifts as required by program/department needs.
• Cleaning, laundry, household chores (including mopping and/or shoveling), organizing client workstations as needed/assigned.
• Planning creative and varied activities in a timely manner, ensuring that the activities are designed to work on areas identified in the individuals treatment plans an adhering to Agency Policy and Procedure.
• End of shift/monthly inspections and checklists as assigned.
• Ensuring that the resident's files are organized and up-to-date.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties the employee is required to perform that have a major impact on the delivery of services to our clientele:

• Reporting to work in a timely manner when scheduled.
• Supervision of the individuals which includes: 
• Ensuring individuals follow agency and program procedures.
• Knowing the individuals locations at all times.
• Following schedules
• Using behavior management techniques in a professional manner when required.
• Using appropriate counseling techniques to assist in the individual's treatment
• Interacting with the individuals in a respectful manner that is appropriate for the situation.
• Knowing and functioning within the framework of the individual's Treatment Plan.
• Utilizing Positive Behavior Supports
• Scheduling, attending, and completing required annual training.
• Knowing medication that the clients are taking, any possible side effects and times meds are administered
• As needed in identified programs, becoming a Certified Medication Administrator:  Passing Medication to residents at specified times and weekly medication checks as assigned.  Maintain med cart/cupboard and MARS as needed.
• Running fire drills as required by regulation and filing required paperwork in a timely manner when requested.
• Completing documentation of important information and data, behavioral observations sheets, shift notes, incident reports, et cetera in a timely manner and adhering to Agency Policy and Procedure.
• Assist with daily living activities, including preparing meals and assisting with personal hygiene.
• Communication with coworkers on shift to ensure the following happens:  following agency and program procedures, knowing where people are at all times, being aware of possible problems, implementing and participating in activities, following schedules, being alert to safety issues and ensuring the individuals receive basic care - adequate food, clothing, rest, shelter and are well groomed.
• Inspecting the agency van on a weekly basis to check for cleanliness and safety; filling out a vehicle inspection form for safety conditions that could present a danger.
• Inventory of personal belongings of clients
• Assisting incoming clients with acclimation to the milieu, including, if applicable, facilitating the initial orientation packet. 
• Working 3rd Shift
• o  In identified programs, punching a clock every 15 minutes, or more often as indicated by specific client need, after checking each bedroom with a flashlight to ensure that all the individuals are in bed and behaving.
• o  Adhering to the Nightwatch Observation policy.
• o  Maintaining record of sleep and nighttime behavior as requested.
• o  Locking all building doors and checking garages upon arrival.
• o  Doing radio checks as required by your program and if there is no response calling on the phone to see if there is a problem.

COMPETENCY EXPECTATIONS

Must demonstrate during training period, first 90 days in position, and annually thereafter, competencies in the following areas:

• Utilizing positive behavior supports and appropriate responsive interventions
• The Ability to work with clients, who at times, present symptoms of mental health diagnoses, developmental disabilities, sexually aggressive tendencies, etc.
• Proper Supervision of Individuals
• Planning Activities
• Maintaining structure and a therapeutic environment
• Effective Documentation

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS

Employees are expected to:

1.  Preserve the positive public image of the agency and its employees.

2.  Be familiar with Agency's Policy and Procedure Manuals and function within the directives provided.

3.  Be aware of and follow state regulations.

4.  Report to administration any situation that interferes with proper operation of the agency.

5.  Report to administration any actions by another employee which may constitute possible emotional or physical abuse.

6.  Maintain a confidential attitude in regards information pertaining to the individuals we serve.

7.  Maintain high clinical quality and a safe environment within the Agency.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

This position requires participation in ongoing mandatory trainings while employed.  Training requirements are detailed in the Training Matrix which is maintained by the Human Resources Department.  Along with their supervisor, each employee is responsible for reviewing the Training Matrix to determine individual training requirements and completing those requirements in a timely manner.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not directly supervise any other positions. 

PHYSICAL/HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

This position is required to have a pre-employment physical and a physical every other year thereafter.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position gives preference to individuals with an active driver's license and a DMV check that is clear.  Position may require travel in the local community or to assist with individuals attending required appointments or visits. 

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.