Direct Support Professional-Tappahannock House

At the Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board (MPNN CSB) we work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work each day.

Our purpose is to serve our catchment area with the power of human connection in a compassionate and respectful way.  If interested in serving your community while working at a rewarding career, you belong here.

Currently MPNN CSB has Full time positions available for Direct Support Professionals.  We are seeking dependable applicants to provide services that insure a good quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities, along with the happiness, safety, and security of these individuals. 

Direct support professionals provide instruction, support, and personal care to individuals according to the Person-Centered Plan for each individual. These services and support take place within our residential programs, and in the community, depending upon the needs and wants of the individuals. Work involves the implementation of Individual Program Plans enabling individuals to participate in community lifestyles. When supporting individuals direct support professionals use general knowledge of the person centered principles, practices, and techniques.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Uses basic manners and polite language to show individuals we support, co-workers and members of the community dignity and respect to achieve their desired lifestyle.
• Encourages dreams, desires, and ambitions, no matter the size or seeming impossibility.
• Treats all individuals in ways that maximize their fullest potential and permits the best possible therapeutic outcome. 
• Focuses on each individual as a Person not a disability, behavior, or by the equipment the individual uses.  Shows that they value the individual as a contributing member of society rather than focusing on their disability label.
• Supports meaningful lives and relationships without judgment by listening and learning the person's concept of what a meaningful life and/or relationship is defined as, and not imparting our own ideas or biases. 
• Never misses the opportunity to support a positive change in someone's life by remaining ever mindful and vigilant for information that helps us understand what a person wants for their life. 
• Truly understands what is Important To and Important For a person in order to improve that person's quality of life, rather than imposing our own view of quality.
• Assists in coordinating schedules for individuals' activities and appointments; provides transportation for community outings, appointments, etc.
• Attends community activities with individuals; acts as advocate for individual in the community. 
• Seeks community resources for the individuals; incorporates available resources into daily individuals' activities.
• Plans and implements direct support activities which include assisting individuals with daily living skills such as grooming and personal hygiene, dressing, etc., as well as assisting individuals in activities to promote greater self-sufficiency, such as money management, community awareness and safety, cooking, laundry, house cleaning, etc.
• Administers medication for individuals and/or monitors individual's self-administration of medications.  Assists with the maintenance and general cleaning of the program sites, equipment, and supplies. 
• Provides services based upon the goals and objectives of each individual's support plan. 
• Participates in the development of Individual Support Plans including defining outcomes and routine supports needed based on what is Important To and Important For that individual.
• Provides general supervision and supports as needed in activities and ensures safety.
• Practices intervention techniques for challenging circumstances or incidents of aggression; assists individuals during emergencies; provides first aid when needed.
• Prepares incident reports as needed. 
• Follows established program policies and procedures during medical and environmental emergencies.
• Records accurate and objective log entries for all required documentation of shift activities, progress towards individuals' outcomes, medications, support activities, required summary reports, etc. according to Medicaid and program guidelines.
• Performs other related work as required.
• Willing to work at other ID/DD houses when needed .