Direct Support Professional is responsible for day-to-day care of clients in a compassionate manner and is delegated the authority to act in the absence of the Program Coordinator/House Manager and is responsible for the management and overall operation for the persons supported.
General responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible to the Burks Supportive Living Program Coordinator/House Manager
- Person Centered Thinking and compliance with person supported choices
- Providing opportunities for choice and encouraging clients to exercise control over themselves and their environment
- Assisting and instructing on food preparation and house cleaning
- Helping clients to identify and acquire valued social roles, as well as healthy personal and social habits
- Continuously assessing the functional levels for your client, motivating clients and providing consistent reinforcement, assessments, and feedback for all learning activities
- Dispensing medication, monitoring dosages and making notes in charts in accordance with your level of training
- Transporting and accompanying clients to and from day programs, work sites, and community activities
- Supporting clients at vocational sites to help meet their responsibilities
- Show compassion, nurturing, and have a calming demeanor in times of stress.
- Being able to lift and move up to 70lbs.,
- Are comfortable working in stressful situations and are able to handle difficult situations with ease.
- Hygiene duties as identified on the Individual Support Plan (ISP): Assistance with brushing and flossing teeth, care of nails, shaving, bathing, use of deodorant, dressing/undressing, routine skin care, toileting.
- Promote physical health and emotional well-being
- Maintain confidentiality, be fair and respectful, support clients to form new relationships, maintain existing relationships
- Support clients to direct the course of their own lives
- Advocate for the clients when needed and support individuals to be involved in their community
- Last but not least, be a professional
Minimum Qualification and Education/ Experience
· Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
· High School Diploma or G.E.D. required,
· Associate Degree in a health-related area; or two years’ experience in a health-related field. While not required in this entry level role, work experience, highly desirable
· Provide CPR, first aid certification,
· Experience working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, preferred
· DIDD Medication Admin completion
· Valid driver’s license and vehicle liability insurance if transporting clients
· Pass federal background check
· Must be able to effectively read, write, and communicate verbally in English and read and understand instructions, perform recordkeeping
· duties and writing.