Direct Support Professional - Roommate Housing

EASTERSEALS ARKANSAS•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional Remote position supports the care, health, safety, and independence of individuals with physical, developmental, and/or intellectual disabilities. The role primarily provides remote monitoring and training, along with as-needed support and assistance, including in-person emergency response in some cases. The Direct Support Professional monitors individuals and supports their goals and objectives to help them achieve greater independence. The position monitors multiple individuals remotely, provides emergency backup, responds to requests for assistance, and coordinates with emergency services or backup staff when needed. It also supports individuals with technology used in their homes and while away from home, and contributes to assessment, treatment planning, implementation of treatment and behavioral plans, and participation in recreational, social, and community activities. The employee protects individual rights, treats individuals with dignity and respect, and reports concerns about health, safety, or changes in an individual’s condition. The role may include transporting individuals. Employees who are required to drive must meet the stated licensing, insurance, training, and vehicle-procedure requirements. Employees must comply with applicable laws and regulations and follow restrictions on access to protected health information. The employee works in a remote support center and in varied community locations. The role uses technology to monitor and assist individuals in their homes with activities of daily living and health and safety. Physical demands include handling, reaching, communicating, standing, walking, sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 30 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma, General Education Degree (GED), or equivalent.
Proficient knowledge of technology and ability to navigate multiple technology platforms.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to involve appropriate people in decision-making, explain the reasoning behind decisions, listen, and seek clarification.
Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and develop alternative solutions.
Ability to plan and organize work to ensure timely completion and assist in developing realistic action plans.
Ability to understand and follow licensing and governing regulations.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and ability to support individuals with a diverse range of abilities.
Valid Arkansas Driver’s License.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first 90 days of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
Ability to obtain additional credentials if required by future organizational or regulatory requirements.
Ability to lift and transfer individuals according to weight guidelines.
If required to drive, maintain current car insurance, complete annual Rules of the Road training, and obtain a CDL if required.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Direct Support Professional.

Responsibilities

Remotely monitor multiple individuals and support them with health, medication, safety, scheduling, and activities of daily living.
Encourage individuals to make independent decisions and provide emergency backup as needed.
Engage with individuals served and respond to their requests for assistance.
Escalate emergencies by arranging backup staffing and coordinating with emergency services when required.
Troubleshoot remote support technology in individuals’ homes and train individuals to use in-home devices.
Monitor wearable devices when individuals are away from home and provide assistance or interventions as needed.
Provide technology-related in-service training and consultation to individuals, parents or guardians, and direct support professionals.
Assist with assessing individuals’ strengths and needs and provide input to treatment plan goals and objectives.
Implement treatment and behavioral plans using approaches suited to each individual’s needs.
Address challenging behaviors proactively and use positive behavior interventions while respecting individuality.
Assist individuals with recreational, social, and community activities in accordance with their preferences and plans.
Monitor individuals’ health and safety; report unsafe conditions, environments, equipment, and concerns about changes in emotional or physical status to a supervisor verbally and in writing.
Protect individuals’ rights and treat them with dignity and respect using individual-first language.
Dress appropriately and professionally for the role.
Provide transportation to individuals when needed and follow applicable driving, vehicle inspection, seat belt, wheelchair tie-down, and conduct procedures.
Comply with applicable laws and regulations and follow rules governing access to protected health information.