DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-FULL TIME

Athelas Institute, Inc. • Windsor Mill, MD

9h

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional works in Day Program Services and is responsible for supervising, guiding, and training assigned individuals at the day program. The role provides training in pre-vocational skills, socialization, communication, cognitive skills, and self-help to support community integration, vocational achievement, community involvement, and independence.

The position supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in accordance with their Person-Centered Plans, applicable Behavior Support Plans, and Nursing Care Plans. Duties include implementing individual training and support programs, maintaining records and required documentation, administering and documenting medication under the DDA nursing delegation model, providing transportation in company vehicles, completing required training, and collaborating professionally with individuals, families, agency staff, supervisors, and colleagues. The role uses agency electronic systems for communication, time and attendance, progress notes, and incident reporting. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; working hours and location may be subject to change.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Current driver’s license and ability to meet agency driving requirements.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit for up to eight hours.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds or more depending on the assigned supported person, using safe lifting and turning techniques or assistive devices.
• Ability to successfully demonstrate Mandt System physical interventions and techniques, including assisting a supported person to stand, helping with ambulation, physical releases, and physical restraints.
• Obtain and maintain Medication Administration Certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Nice To Haves

• DDA core competencies.
• Mandt Systems Training.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• MTTP.
• Fluent American Sign Language.
• Experience working with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities; experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, guide, and train assigned individuals at the day program.
• Implement training programs to develop vocational skills and support individual goals, behavior support plans, and daily activities.
• Maintain complete and organized individual files, including daily goal and behavior support plan data.
• Evaluate and plan annual and interim goals using the agency format in preparation for annual interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Inform the supervisor of incidents, accidents, problems, and concerns related to individuals’ program participation, and complete incident reports as required.
• Record daily work production when applicable and submit individuals’ biweekly time sheets.
• Document individuals’ daily routine community activities, volunteerism, and work.
• Support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate as fully as they wish in community life.
• Assist other staff and supervisors in serving other program participants when assigned individuals are absent.
• Maintain professional contacts with families and agency staff, positive working relationships, and an advocacy role for assigned individuals.
• Request supplies and equipment that may help participants function more independently.
• Complete state- and agency-required documentation according to guidelines and deadlines.
• Build positive, professional relationships with supported persons and provide support in accordance with their Person-Centered Plans, Behavior Support Plans when applicable, and Nursing Care Plans.
• Check and respond to emails daily.
• Obtain and maintain Medication Administration Certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing; administer and document medications using eMAR in accordance with state and agency requirements and the DDA nursing delegation model.
• Transport supported persons using company vehicles and meet agency driving requirements.
• Ensure vehicles are operational, adequately fueled, and clean inside and out.
• Complete and maintain required DDA, state, and company trainings and recertifications, including CPR/First Aid, Mandt System, and certified medication technician training.
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings.
• Use agency electronic systems for communication, time and attendance, progress notes, and incident reporting.
• Encourage decision-making, self-help activities, and daily planning.
• Perform other duties requested by the Program Manager and Division Director.

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental, and supplemental coverage through Aflac.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Company-paid term life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Flexible spending account.
• Sunny Day Fund.
• Vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, and jury duty leave.
• 403B plan.
• Employee Credit Union (SECU).
• Paid DDA and new-hire training.
• Paid CPR and First Aid certification.
• Paid Medication Administration Training.
• Benefits are dependent on full- or part-time status.

What This Job Offers

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