Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves providing direct support to individuals, focusing on their health, safety, personal outcomes, and daily living activities. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will assist individuals in achieving their personal goals, monitor their progress, and ensure their well-being. Responsibilities include supporting individuals in making choices, participating in social and leisure activities, community integration, and maintaining family relationships. The DSP must remain attentive to health and safety concerns, follow emergency procedures, administer medications accurately, and assist with personal hygiene and daily domestic tasks. This position also requires safe operation of vehicles, including securing passengers and operating lifts, and maintaining vehicle cleanliness and readiness. A strong understanding of agency policies, procedures, and required training is essential for this role.

Requirements

Standard high school diploma or GED.
Acceptable three-year Motor Vehicle Report.
Social Security Card.
Driver's license with F endorsement (if not a Georgia or Alabama license).
Basic computer skills.
Ability to read and write the English language.
On-going background checks and random drug and alcohol screenings.
Medication Administration Certification.
Successful completion of a required physical examination by an approved physician.
Ability to lift, move, and position individuals according to Physical Therapy guidelines.
Ability to bend, stoop, and squat.
Ability to push, pull, reach, and stretch.
Ability to run as needed in emergency situations.
Ability to work in noisy environments, indoor and outdoor as needed.
Continuously lift 1-20 lbs.
Frequently lift 21-50 lbs.
Occasionally lift 50-100 lbs.
Continuously carry 1-10 lbs.
Frequently carry 11-50 lbs.
Occasionally carry 50-100+ lbs.
Continuously grasp.
Frequently stoop/bend, squat, reach, push, pull, twist, stand, walk.
Occasionally crawl, climb, sit, drive.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Support individuals in meeting their personal outcomes and monitor/record data on personal outcomes.
Provide the appropriate level of support based on individual support plans or health status.
Support individuals in choice making, work, social, and leisure activities, and community integration.
Support family relationships.
Remain on shift until the relief person arrives.
Be attentive to and report any health and safety concerns of individuals.
Ensure the safety of all individuals in case of emergency events.
Follow emergency procedures accurately and promptly.
Observe and record accurate information on seizure reports.
Practice Universal Precautions.
Support individuals at healthcare appointments and positive life style choices.
Administer medications accurately and in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
Physically assist in Hydrotherapy Pool and recreational pool as needed.
Keep all chemicals and cleaners securely locked up.
Complete all required documentation per shift.
Perform personal hygiene tasks and assist individuals with bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, shaving, dressing, undressing, and selecting appropriate clothing.
Assist with toileting and changing adult briefs.
Utilize mechanical lifts according to individual program plans.
Utilize proper lifting techniques and be able to lift, move, and position individuals according to Physical Therapy guidelines.
Bend, stoop, squat, push, pull, reach, and stretch.
Be able to run as needed in emergency situations.
Work in noisy environments, indoor and outdoor as needed.
Assist and support individuals with laundry, including washing, drying, folding, ironing, maintaining inventories, and labeling clothes.
Prepare snacks and meals per individual guidelines, clean kitchen areas, and manage food expiration dates.
Organize closets and drawers, make beds, change linen, dust, sweep, and mop bedrooms daily.
Keep bathrooms stocked, clean bathrooms daily, and manage trash.
Maintain community, work, and classroom areas by cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, emptying trash, and disinfecting surfaces daily.
Report maintenance needs and safety concerns.
Clean and care for wheelchairs and cushions, change air filters, unstop toilets, and ensure batteries are charged.
Clean and care for all heavy equipment and machinery as required.
Purchase fuel for vehicles per guidelines.
Safely secure passengers who use wheelchairs in vehicles and operate vehicle wheelchair lifts safely.
Support individuals in arranging transportation and while riding in the vehicle.
Maintain a valid driver's license with an F endorsement and liability insurance (if driving personal cars).
Drive vehicle safely per environmental conditions and defensive driving guidelines.
Keep exterior and interior of vehicle clean.
Maintain vehicle fuel tank at least ½ full at all times.
Become familiar with local community routes, roads, major sites, and attractions.
Know the location and proper use of safety equipment in an OGC vehicle.
Complete daily vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any defects.
Operate vehicle per local, state, and federal laws and agency policy.
Understand and adhere to agency policies and procedures, including mission statement, attendance, behavior management, individual rights, and emergency procedures.
Complete required training, including orientation, person-centered training, behavioral management, crisis prevention, First Aid & CPR, and defensive driving.
Complete all required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner, including leave requests, incident reports, seizure reports, accident/injury reports, timesheets, mileage sheets, daily notes, data collection sheets, flow sheets, receipts, and personal documentation on individuals.
Provide the necessary level of supervision or assistance to encourage independence.
Respect the privacy and personal rights of individuals.
Maintain emotional control and professional demeanor.
Be open-minded and act as a mediator during disputes.
Treat others with dignity, respect, and courtesy.
Act as an encourager, counselor, teacher, and advocate for individuals.
Become familiar with individuals through interaction and observation.
Maintain professional relationships and adhere to the DSP code of ethics.
Communicate respectfully toward supervisors, staff, family members, and individuals.
Demonstrate good problem-solving and judgment skills.
Consistently complete responsibilities on time and within policy guidelines.
Focus on work assignments without personal distractions.
Be alert and ready to work, arriving promptly and working required shift hours.
Take initiative to complete duties without constant reminders.
Immediately report any suspicion or knowledge of neglect, abuse, or wrongdoing.
Respect the individual’s home and work space and create a warm environment.
Follow written bus duty schedule and guidelines.
Be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality.
Be a team player and represent the agency positively.
Attend all scheduled meetings.