Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) role involves providing comprehensive support to individuals, focusing on their health, safety, and personal well-being. Key responsibilities include assisting with personal hygiene, administering medications, and ensuring adherence to individual support plans. DSPs also manage domestic duties such as laundry, meal preparation, and maintaining clean living environments. The position requires active participation in community integration, supporting social and leisure activities, and fostering family relationships. Additionally, DSPs are responsible for transportation, vehicle maintenance, and strict compliance with Orange Grove Center's policies, emergency procedures, and documentation requirements. The role demands a professional demeanor, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to promoting the independence and rights of the individuals served.

Requirements

A standard high school diploma or GED is required
An acceptable three-year Motor Vehicle Report is required
Social Security Card is required
Driver's license with F endorsement, if not a Georgia or Alabama license
Basic computer skills required
Ability to read and write the English language
On-going background checks and random drug and alcohol screenings
Medication Administration Certification
Successful completion of the required physical examination by an approved Orange Grove physician
Ability to perform physical demands including frequent lifting (21-50 lbs), continuous grasping, frequent stooping/bending, squatting, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting, standing, walking
Knowledge of Orange Grove Center Policies and Procedures: OGC Mission Statement, Attendance policy, Behavior management policy, On call procedures, Individual rights, Conduct Violation Policy, Time keeping system, Departmental policies and procedures, Dress code, Substance Abuse policy, Criminal Charges policy, Incident Management policy, Accident Reporting policy (employee and individual), Emergency Procedures
Completion of Training: Orientation/Annual Refresher, Person Centered Training, Behavioral Management programs, Crisis Prevention techniques, First Aid & CPR, Physical & Nutritional Management, Defensive driving, Needs Specific to Individuals, Universal Precautions, Right to Know, Positive Behavior Supports, On-line Training
Proficiency in Paperwork and Documentation: Leave request, Behavior incident reports (reportable & non-reportable), Seizure reports, Accident/Injury reports, Timesheets (employee and individuals), Mileage sheets, Daily notes, Data collection sheets, Flow sheets, Receipts, Any personal documentation on individuals such as Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Medication Administration Records (MARs) and Communication Books

Responsibilities

Support individuals in meeting their personal outcomes
Monitor and record data on personal outcomes
Provide the appropriate level of support the situation requires according to individual support plan or health status
Support individuals in choice making
Support and assist the individuals in their work, social and leisure activities
Support and assist 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, such as fire, tornado, and armed intruder
Follow emergency procedures accurately and promptly, such as CPR, First Aid, Heimlich Maneuver, and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
Observe and record accurate information on seizure reports
Practice Universal Precautions
Support individuals at healthcare appointments
Support positive life style choices
Administer medications accurately and in accordance with agency policy and procedures according to individual program plan
Assist in Hydrotherapy Pool (hot and humid conditions) and recreational pool according to individual program plan
Keep all chemicals and cleaners securely locked up
Complete all required documentation per shift
Perform all personal hygiene in a private setting
Assist in bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, and shaving
Keep personal care boxes stocked, clean and in order
Assist in fingernail care
Assist with dressing and undressing
Assist with individuals selecting appropriate, clean, seasonal clothes
Assist with toileting and changing adult briefs
Utilize mechanical lifts according to individual program plan
Complete all required documentation per shift
Utilize proper lifting techniques in all areas
Ability to lift, move, and position individuals according to Physical Therapy guidelines according to individual program plans
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
Wash and dry individual’s clothing and household linens
Fold and iron clothes
Maintain clothing inventories
Label clothes
Prepare snacks and meals per individual guidelines
Clean kitchen, eating area, and wash dishes after meals
Sweep, mop and empty trash daily
Clean major appliances as needed
Check expiration dates of food and discard expired items
Ensure thermometers are visible and accurate in all refrigerators and freezers
Ensure closets and drawers are organized
Make beds daily, change linen when needed, at least weekly
Dust, sweep and mop daily
Keep bathroom stocked with towels, soap, and toilet paper
Clean sink, toilet, shower/bathtub, counter, mirror, and equipment daily
Sweep, mop and empty trash daily
Sweep, mop, vacuum, dust daily in community, work and classroom areas
Empty trash and recycling containers daily in community, work and classroom areas
Clean trash cans as needed in community, work and classroom areas
Take trash cans to street or dumpster
Maintain perimeter of worksite (e.g. classroom hallways, patios, driveways, carport)
Disinfect common and shared surfaces and items daily
Be alert to and report maintenance needs and safety concerns
Clean and care for wheelchairs and cushions daily
Change air filters as needed
Unstop backed-up toilets
Ensure wheelchair and mechanical lift batteries are charged daily
Clean and care for all heavy equipment and machinery as required
Be alert to and report any equipment and machinery needs or safety concerns immediately
Purchase fuel for vehicles per OGC fueling guidelines
Safely secure passengers who use wheelchairs in vehicles per OGC policy
Operate vehicle wheelchair lifts safely per OGC guidelines
Support individuals in arranging transportation for appointments and events and while riding in the vehicle
Maintain a valid driver's license with an F endorsement and liability insurance (if driving personal cars for OGC purposes); inform agency immediately if license or insurance is revoked, suspended or expired
Drive vehicle safely per environmental conditions and defensive driving guidelines
Keep exterior and interior of vehicle clean
No eating, drinking, or smoking allowed in vehicles at any time
Use of cellphone or other electronic devices is not allowed while driving an OGC vehicle per OGC policy
Keep 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 the proper use of safety equipment present in an OGC vehicle (e.g. First aid kit, web cutter, triangles, etc.)
Complete a daily vehicle pre-trip inspection to insure that vehicle is safe and legal to drive
Report any discovered defects or problems to Transportation Dept. immediately per OGC policy
Complete a post-trip inspection at the end of every trip to ensure that no passenger is ever left in vehicle unattended per OGC policy
Operate vehicle per local, state and federal laws and per OGC policy
Ability to recognize and provide what level of supervision or assistance is needed by individuals to encourage and support independence
Respect the privacy and all personal rights of the individuals
Express self without losing emotional control and in a professional manner
Be open-minded, allowing others to have different opinions
Act as a mediator during individuals' disputes
Treat others with dignity, respect and courtesy while listening and interacting with them
Use a calm and respectful tone of voice while maintaining a professional relationship
Support individuals by being their encourager, counselor, teacher and advocate
Become familiar with individuals and through interaction observation
Maintain professional relationships with the individual, support team members, and community partners, while following the DSP code of ethics
Communicate respectfully toward supervisor, all staff, family members and individuals
Demonstrate good problem solving and judgment skills
Consistently complete given responsibilities on time and within policy guidelines
Focus on work assignments without personal distractions
Be alert and ready to work
Arrive promptly to work and work required shift hours
Be responsible to complete duties without being reminded and follow through to completion
Immediately report any suspicion or knowledge of neglect, abuse, or wrongdoing
Respect the individual’s home and work space and create a warm environment for them
Follow written bus duty schedule and guidelines
Be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality
Be a team player
Have a positive attitude while representing Orange Grove in all work environments
Attend all scheduled meetings