Direct Support Professional

DePaul Community Resources

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional provides day support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position facilitates engaging activities and teaches basic life skills (i.e., safety, hygiene, socialization) both in the community and center.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Office and records administration techniques and procedures
Knowledge of: The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
Knowledge of: Microsoft Office Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, and virtual meeting applications such as Zoom, WebEx, Google Meet
Knowledge of: DePaul's policies, procedures, and standard practices and the rules and guidelines established by regulatory and governing agencies such as DBHDS and DMAS
Knowledge of: Relevant policies, procedures, and strategies to promote the safety and protection of people, data, and property
Knowledge of: Methodologies and resources used to assess the needs of the listener or audience to share information or engage in ongoing communication
Skill/Ability to: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
Skill/Ability to: Verbal and written communication and body language that conveys information, ideas, or inquiries effectively and concisely that purveys professional composure, emotional intelligence, thoughtfulness, patience, and respect amidst change, ambiguity, and within the daily trajectories of work
Skill/Ability to: Using standard office equipment such as telephone, calculator, printer, scanner, cellular phone, tablet, computer, shredder
Skill/Ability to: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Skill/Ability to: Collecting and analyzing data
Skill/Ability to: Developing and maintaining professional working relationships and appropriate boundaries with individuals served, coworkers, community partners, and business associates
Skill/Ability to: Work collaboratively within a team environment and build strategic relations with community partners, co-workers, management, and business associates
Skill/Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written form
Skill/Ability to: Write concise, detailed, and accurate case notes
Skill/Ability to: Make arithmetical computations
Skill/Ability to: Operate a personal computer with a general understanding of MS Office Suites, virtual meeting software, the Internet, and department or program-specific software
Skill/Ability to: Observe and evaluate service plan objectives for individuals served
Skill/Ability to: Analyze and prepare concise and accurate documents, reports, and correspondence
Skill/Ability to: Effectively market the programs and services of the department
Skill/Ability to: Train others
Skill/Ability to: Assist with the general upkeep and cleaning of office areas and agency vehicles
Skill/Ability to: Exercise sound judgment and critical thinking in decision-making and solving various work-related situations
Skill/Ability to: Learn policies, procedures, and guidelines established by DePaul, professional organizations, governing agencies, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility
Skill/Ability to: Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
Other Characteristics: Demonstrate self-awareness, ongoing self-evaluation, and a commitment to being part of a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace where all people are valued
Other Characteristics: Demonstrate professional composure in difficult and stressful situations
Other Characteristics: Demonstrate the FIRST (fairness, integrity, respect, safety, trust) values in the daily trajectories of work
Other Characteristics: Demonstrate professionalism regarding access to sensitive and confidential information related to employees, clients, and business records with no disclosure to others without needing to know
A High School Diploma or GED
One year of experience in serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is required
Current DMV driving record with results that comply with insurer guidelines (may be required after a conditional job offer)
Drug and alcohol screening with satisfactory results stipulated by applicable governing, funding, or regulatory agencies (may be required after a conditional job offer)
Documentation of a PPD test, chest x-ray, or screening from a qualified medical professional indicating the absence of TB (may be required after a conditional job offer)
Criminal and child protective services background report (applicant shall not have been convicted of any barrier crime(s) and no founded disposition of child abuse or neglect)

Responsibilities

Evaluate and implement the most appropriate teaching/learning strategies for each individual
Support, mentor, and encourage individuals toward achievement of outcomes in their service plans
Plan and prepare engaging daily activities for individuals assigned independently or as a team approach when necessary and ensure the safety of all individuals, promote self-esteem, and protect fundamental human rights
Participate in the development and implementation of service plans and quarterly reviews of the individuals and communicate relevant individual information updates to the DS Case Manager
Perform personal care needs such as assistance for eating, toileting, and personal hygiene for the individual as needed and as outlined in the individual’s Individual Service Plan
Supervise and administer medication taken by individuals and maintain Medication Administration Record
Assist in training new direct support professionals as the need relates to the individuals
Transport individuals as needed to and from the Day Support Program in a DePaul vehicle, if available
Participate in general cleaning of the facility on a daily basis (i.e., wash tables, vacuum, clean floors, windows, vehicles, clean spills, toilet accidents, and sterilize (door knobs, toilet seats, etc.))
Report vehicle and Center related maintenance and safety issues to Case Manager or Day Program Supervisor immediately
Attend regular staff meetings and supervision as assigned and in-service training programs at least weekly, and complete all yearly training requirements by December of each year
Complete all reporting and paperwork requirements such as individual support logs, daily progress notes, medication logs, etc.