Direct Support Professional

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for a variety of duties related to the overall care of individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in Residential and Community Support Services (RCSS)programs. This includes direct care of program individuals and implementation of Person-Centered Plans (PCP), Behavior Plans, Positive Support Plans (PSP) and Functional Support (FS). Direct Support Professionals are required to perform all duties in accordance with State of Maine regulations and RCSS policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Training

• Completes and maintains all required State mandated trainings such as Certified Residential Medication Administrator (CRMA), CPR / First Aid, Direct Support Professional/College of Direct Support (DSP/CDS), and all State Developmental Disability and RCSS CORE trainings within 90 days of employment;
• Attends meetings and training sessions as required by State of Maine and RCSS;
• Completes annual trainings related to consumers PCP, BHP and related plans;

Daily Programming

• Provides transportation to and from activities;
• Assists in the implementation of individual plans for individuals and behavioral plan goals;
• Assists individuals in the pursuit of recreational, social and community activities based on their preferences and individual plans;
• Assists and encourages individuals in the establishment of social networks;
• Promotes participation and involvement in community outings;
• Works all assigned schedules, including but not limited to arriving and departing on time,
• Requesting time off in advance, and notifying your supervisor of changes to your assigned work schedule;
• Ensures each individuals’ rights are protected;
• Treats individuals with dignity and respect;

Activities of Daily Living

• Administers medications to individuals as assigned;
• Observes individuals for any changes in behavior or health that may have resulted from medication administration;
• Ensures individuals are dressed neatly and appropriately and are groomed at all times;
• Assists and encourages individuals to care for immediate personal needs such as toileting, washing their hands, and eating;
• Prepares nutritional meals based on individual needs and preferences;
• Encourage individuals to assist in the preparation of meals and snacks as appropriate to their individual plan, nutritional and or behavior plan as well as assist in preparing and pack meals and snacks for Day Programming;
• Keeps residence – both interior and exterior – and resident personal space clean, organized, and tidy and encourage them to participation in home beautification and upkeep as appropriate
• Teaches individuals daily skills such as household chores, laundry, cleaning, and washing dishes, as appropriate according to their individual plan;

Communication

• Observes individuals for evidence of injury or bruises and evaluates for changes in emotional and physical status;
• Reports any noted problems to the House Manager, Director of Programs and or RCSS On-Call immediately and complete a written incident report/Reportable form;
• Reports all medical related incidents to the House Manager, Director of Programs, RCSS On-Call or a RCSS delegating nurse;
• Acts as a representative for RCSS in a professional manner when required, to guardians, families, service coordinators, State officials, community partners, local businesses, and employers;
• Represents Family Service Foundation in a professional manner to families, service coordinators, State officials, and community partners when required;
• Maintains resident confidentiality;
• Communicates with Residential Coordinator when items related to individuals’ personal needs and personal space needs to be purchased;

Teamwork

• Assists the Director of Program and Clinical Director in the preparation for the annual Person-Centered Planning Meeting;
• Treats all individuals and coworkers and with dignity, respect, and fairness;
• Provides support to other team members when individuals are having behavioral issues;

Documentation

• Documents all program data, including but not limited to: individual plan data, behavior plan data, community integration logs, assessments, individual funds requests, mileage logs, maintenance requests forms, and supply acquisition forms;
• Documents individual’s health (i.e. seizure charts, weight, bowel movements, fluid intake.) according to individual’s plan;
• Ensures that all documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner;
• Ensures Medication Administration Record (MAR) entries are completed daily;
• Completes communication log books during shift, logs into and completes accurate documentation in Therap and MITC;
• Clocks in and out before and after every shift through MITC/Paychex and submits Leave Request forms when applicable;

Safety

• Assists individuals when entering and exiting vehicles while on community outings, as well as entering and exiting the building safely, especially if the individual is non ambulatory or at risk for falling;
• Supervises mealtimes based on individual needs, especially those identified as a risk for choking;
• Observes appropriate staffing ratios as directed by the Director of Program and the approved staffing pattern and report any deficiencies, absences or unapproved leaves from shifts
• Reports unsafe conditions, environment, and equipment to the House Manager, QA Director, Director or Programming and or RCSS On Call immediately;
• Follows safety protocols to foster a safe working environment;

All other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license and clear driving record.
• Ability to read, write and communicate proficiently in the English Language.
• One to two years’ experience working with people with developmental disabilities, preferred but not required.
• Ability to lift/push/pull 50lbs.
• Ability to work on holidays and during inclement weather.

AAP/EEO Statement/Notice of Non-Discrimination:

RCSS is committed to equal opportunity for all persons without regard to sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation, veteran status and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law. It is the policy of RCSS to comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding equal opportunity. In keeping with that policy, RCSS is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Accordingly, RCSS will not tolerate unlawful discrimination against or harassment of any of our employees or others present at our facilities by anyone, including any supervisor, coworker, vendor, client, or customer of RCSS.

This job description is subject to change.

I have read and understood the job description and essential requirements. In signing this document, I am acknowledging that I am able to fulfil the requirements of this job and perform all functions. I have also been given the opportunity to ask questions.

Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person assigned in a supervisory position over them.

"Residential and Community Support Services is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities to reach their highest potential one goal at a time.”