Direct Support Professional-Full Time

Athelas Institute•Columbia, MD

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides assistance, guidance, mentoring, coaching, and teaching to supported persons in areas such as activities of daily living, personal care, life skills, community integration, and transportation navigation. The role supports each person in pursuing the life they want and improving their quality of life through excellent services. The DSP provides direct support, interaction, and supervision; meets daily needs; maintains a safe and orderly living environment; and supports each person according to applicable person-centered, behavior support, and nursing care plans. The DSP administers and documents medications under state and agency requirements and the DDA nursing delegation model. The position also involves transportation in company vehicles, required documentation and electronic-system use, training and certification maintenance, communication, and participation in scheduled meetings. Onsite duties may include general household tasks. Working hours and location may change, and other related duties may be assigned to meet organizational needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Current driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements.
Ability to complete all required and assigned training and keep applicable certifications current.
Ability to use agency electronic systems for communication, time and attendance, progress notes, and incident reports.
Ability to walk, stand, and sit for up to 8 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 demonstrate Mandt Systems physical interventions and techniques, including assisting a supported person to stand, providing ambulation assistance, and performing physical releases and restraints.

Nice To Haves

DDA core competencies.
Mandt Systems training.
CPR/First Aid training.
MTTP training.
Experience working with people with IDD/DD.

Responsibilities

Provide direct support, interaction, and supervision, including assistance with meals, personal care, transportation, leisure activities, community integration, medical needs, and medication administration.
Complete state- and agency-required documentation according to applicable guidelines and deadlines.
Maintain positive and professional working relationships.
Perform onsite duties that may include general household tasks and maintain the living environment in accordance with COMAR and Health Department standards.
Support each person in accordance with their Person-Centered Plan, Behavior Support Plan when applicable, and Nursing Care Plan.
Obtain and maintain Medication Administration Certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Administer and document medications under state and agency requirements using the eMAR and DDA nursing delegation model.
Transport supported persons in company vehicles.
Complete all required and assigned training and maintain current CPR/First Aid, Mandt Systems, and medication technician certifications within required timelines.
Attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings.
Check and respond to emails daily and use agency electronic systems for communication, time and attendance, progress notes, and incident reports.
Treat everyone with dignity and respect, and provide supported persons with opportunities to participate in decision-making and daily planning.
Perform other related duties as requested by the Operations Manager and Division Director or as negotiated to meet organizational needs.