Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves providing essential support to individuals, ensuring their health, safety, and overall well-being. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will assist individuals in meeting personal outcomes, making choices, and participating in daily activities, including work, social events, and leisure. Responsibilities extend to personal hygiene, medication administration, and supporting individuals during healthcare appointments. The DSP will also be involved in domestic duties such as laundry, meal preparation, and maintaining household cleanliness. Additionally, the role requires safe transportation of individuals, adherence to agency policies and procedures, and accurate documentation of all activities and observations. The position emphasizes interpersonal skills, professional work habits, and a commitment to advocating for and respecting the individuals served.

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.
See Work Capacity Addendum, effective November 16, 2012.
Valid driver's license with an F endorsement and liability insurance (if driving personal cars for OGC purposes).
Familiarity with local community routes, roads, major sites, and attractions.
Knowledge of the location and proper use of safety equipment in an OGC vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Orange Grove Center Policies and Procedures, including 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), and Emergency Procedures.
Completion of specific training such as 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, and On-line Training.
Proficiency in completing various documentation, including Leave request, Behavior incident reports, Seizure reports, Accident/Injury reports, Timesheets, Mileage sheets, Daily notes, Data collection sheets, Flow sheets, Receipts, and 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 and monitor/record data on personal outcomes.
Provide appropriate levels of support based on individual support plans or health status.
Assist individuals in choice making, work, social activities, leisure activities, and community integration.
Support family relationships.
Remain on shift until relief arrives.
Report health and safety concerns of individuals.
Ensure the safety of individuals during emergency events and follow emergency procedures.
Administer medications accurately and in accordance with agency policy.
Assist individuals with bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, shaving, dressing, toileting, and changing adult briefs.
Assist in maintaining personal care boxes, fingernail care, and selecting appropriate clothing.
Utilize mechanical lifts according to individual program plans.
Complete all required documentation per shift.
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 and eating areas, and wash dishes.
Maintain kitchen cleanliness by sweeping, mopping, emptying trash, cleaning appliances, and checking expiration dates.
Ensure bedrooms are organized, beds are made daily, and linens are changed weekly.
Maintain bathroom cleanliness and ensure it is stocked with necessary supplies.
Maintain cleanliness of community, work, and classroom areas, including disinfecting common surfaces.
Report maintenance needs and safety concerns.
Clean and care for wheelchairs, cushions, and change air filters as needed.
Ensure wheelchair and mechanical lift batteries are charged daily.
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.
Drive vehicles safely per environmental conditions and defensive driving guidelines.
Keep vehicle exteriors and interiors clean.
Complete daily vehicle pre-trip inspections and post-trip inspections.
Operate vehicles per local, state, and federal laws and agency policy.
Adhere to all Orange Grove Center Policies and Procedures, including mission statement, attendance, behavior management, individual rights, and emergency procedures.
Complete all required training, including orientation, person-centered training, behavioral management, crisis prevention, First Aid & CPR, and others as needed.
Complete all required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner, including incident reports, seizure reports, accident/injury reports, timesheets, mileage sheets, daily notes, and data collection sheets.
Recognize and provide the necessary level of supervision or assistance to encourage independence.
Respect the privacy and personal rights of individuals.
Communicate professionally and respectfully with individuals, supervisors, staff, family members, and community partners.
Act as an encourager, counselor, teacher, and advocate for individuals.
Maintain professional relationships and follow the DSP code of ethics.
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.
Be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality.
Be a team player and maintain a positive attitude.
Attend all scheduled meetings.