Direct Support Professional

Job description

This position is considered para-professional, non-exempt in nature, requiring specialized training to work with mentally and physically disabled individuals in residential living arrangements.

The employee in this position is responsible for the security, safety, and wellbeing of the individuals living within the residence according to his/her specific needs and interests, with the purpose of increasing the quality of life for each person by promoting their respective level of independence.

Examples of typical duties performed as a support staff are assisting/teaching individual life skill activities, providing/accompanying individuals to recreational activities, and assisting/providing person grooming and hygiene, as appropriate, etc.

Specific duties vary within each residence and with each person served and are based on the abilities and needs of the individuals residing in the home.

Direct Support Professionals are responsible for ensuring that all their training requirements are met on an on-going basis, and that their employee physical examinations, and Mantoux tests are current. Direct Support staff is expected to maintain personal backgrounds free from criminal activity.

Direct Support Professionals report directly to the Residence Manager for all programmatic issues. The Residence Manager and Program Director jointly monitor the performance of Direct Support Professional through observation, various meetings, and direct input from individuals and staff members.

Examples of Essential Responsibilities:

1. Assisting individuals with personal grooming and hygiene (bathing, dressing, tooth-brushing, etc.) as needed.

2. Assisting individuals in preparing and eating meals (may require that staff cook entire meal and/or prepare food in manner appropriate to needs of the individuals.)

3. Teaching, assisting or performing household maintenance such as cleaning (vacuuming, laundry, etc.) shopping (food, clothing, etc.) and other functions as appropriate or requested by supervisors.

4. Dispensing medications or monitoring self-medicating individuals, and maintaining required documentation of such.

5. Implementing activities required as part of individuals IHP or other plans, and maintaining required documentation of such activities.

6. Transporting individuals as necessary to programs, activities, appointments, recreational functions, etc. as scheduled or requested by supervisors.

7. Attending and participating in required program meetings (staff meetings or training, IHP meetings, etc.) as directed.

8. Completing any appropriate documentation as required on a daily, on-going basis (Daily Logs, etc.) or as needed (seizure charting, etc.) or as directed by supervisors.

9. Other duties as requested by supervisors or agency administration.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Physical ability to assist individuals as needed, which may include lifting to-from wheelchairs, bathtubs, beds, etc.

2. Demonstrated ability to interact in respectful, dignified manner with individuals.

3. Ability to verbally communicate effectively with individuals, staff, and outside agencies in order to maintain efficiency operation of agency business.

4. Demonstrated written skills to adequately perform all required documentation.

5. Ability to follow verbal and written directions of supervisors, program plans, behavior plans, medical/medication instructions, etc.

6. Ability to complete and maintain all training required by licensing or the agency.

7. Demonstrated ability/understanding of basic life safety topics relevant to individuals' well being (CPR, Danielle’s Law and first aid skills, fire safety, etc.)

8. Current, valid driver's license with acceptable driver's record from DMV.

9. Maintenance of current employee physical examination on approved form acceptable to licensing.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Salary: $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance

• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• NY Driver's License for a minimum of 3 years? (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Queens, NY