Direct Support Professional - Marshfield

The Arc Of The Ozarks • Springfield, MO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional is the bridge between people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities. You will encourage and mentor individuals by supporting them in maximizing their full potential. The DSP role is involved in providing supports to all aspects of individuals life activities. Support may include daily life skills of cooking, cleaning, hygiene, medication administration, behavioral care, and community participation. The Direct Support Professional will be a person who is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and increasing their independence as a valued member of the community. A sincere dedication to the mission and the people served by The Arc of the Ozarks is crucial.

Requirements

• Be a minimum of eighteen years of age.
• Possess a diploma from an accredited High School or the equivalent.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion.
• Ability to work varied and flexible hours, accept and adapt to changes in assignments, methods, policies, etc.
• Ability to work with and respect persons with disabilities and advocate for their rights.
• Ability to learn and apply crisis intervention and behavior support techniques.
• Ability to administer oral, rectal, vaginal, optic, ophthalmic, nasal, topical medications and insulin injections after certification by The Arc of the Ozarks and Missouri State officials.
• Ability to teach basic skills and model adaptive behaviors at home and in the community.
• Ability to maintain a safe, clean and agreeable environment for the persons served.
• Ability to accurately report and record observations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to stand, stoop, lift up to 50 lbs, and pull and push items.
• Ability to pass with satisfactory performance CPR, First Aid, and Behavior Intervention training.
• Ability to maintain a record of punctuality and attendance.
• A licensed and insured driver.
• Ability to obtain a class E drivers license if driving persons served in an Arc vehicle.
• Successfully complete a course in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid.
• Successfully complete a 16 hours course in Medication Administration.
• Successfully complete a 10 course in MANDT System Workshop.
• Successfully complete a course in OSHA regulations on Health and Safety.
• Successfully complete a course in Abuse & Neglect.
• Successfully complete a course in Electronic Documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent opportunities for growth and promotion within the organization.
• Other trainings per department or per home location may be required, refer to policy 8.106 for specific requirements.
• The Direct Support Professional must demonstrate the ability to establish rapport, effectively communicates, and cultivates a positive work culture with not only their team, but staff from other departments, guardians, individuals served, internal and external stakeholders.
• The Direct Support Professional should be open to feedback, possess a growth mindset, and a willingness for learning opportunities in order to better themselves and The Arc of the Ozarks.

Responsibilities

• Educating clients on skills such as personal hygiene, cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning, and other activities of daily living.
• Exploring various community businesses and social activities with your clients while supporting their employment, household, and personal goals.
• Work hand in hand with your team to plan and advocate for your clients.
• Provides support to persons served in dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, house cleaning, laundry, and other activities of daily living.
• Assists with the purchasing of groceries and supplies; supports persons served in preparing their own meals.
• Assists in providing basic health care for persons served; takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, and applies simple dressings when necessary.
• Administers oral, rectal, vaginal, optic, ophthalmic, nasal, and topical medications, after certification by The Arc of the Ozarks and Missouri State officials.
• Takes appropriate action in case of fire and/or disaster or other urgent / emergency.
• Assists in maintaining an inventory of supplies in the home and ordering / notifying appropriate parties of needed items so clients homes always have necessary items.
• Implements outcomes and strategies of individual personal plans under the supervision of the Team Manager, the Program Supervisor, or other staff members; provides supports as identified in the personal plans; attends review meetings when assigned.
• Provides support to persons served in maintaining a safe and clean environment in their home.
• Observes, reports, and assists in recording changes in the physical, emotional, behavioral status of persons served and documents progress on the outcomes listed in personal plans.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new employees.
• Encourages the development and maintenance of a safe environment for persons served in a residential setting including developing plans for evacuation assistance in case of emergency, using the on-call pager; and training in securing emergency services such as the police, the fire department, and an ambulance.
• Assists persons served in securing and effectively managing funds; ensuring the Individuals’ choices of how these funds are spent, budgeting, etc.
• Provides support to persons served in becoming active participants in their communities.
• Supports persons served in participating in varied meaningful vocational, domestic, and leisure activities in the community of their choosing.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Experience pay options
• Paid initial and ongoing training certifications
• Professional Development Opportunities (CPR/ First Aid, MANDT verbal and physical de-escalation, Paraclete, Level One Med Aide, etc.)
• Potential for annual wage increases
• Retirement Plan – Match up to 4% after one year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED