Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This full-time position involves providing direct support to individuals in various settings, including their homes and community. The role focuses on assisting individuals in meeting personal outcomes, promoting independence, and ensuring their health, safety, and well-being. Responsibilities include supporting daily living activities, personal hygiene, medication administration, and community integration. The position also entails domestic responsibilities such as laundry, meal preparation, and maintaining living spaces, as well as transportation duties and vehicle maintenance. A strong emphasis is placed on adhering to agency policies, procedures, and ethical standards, while fostering positive interpersonal relationships and demonstrating excellent work habits.

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 Orange Grove physician, finding the applicant to be in good physical health.
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.
Possess 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.

Nice To Haves

Physical ability to assist in Hydrotherapy Pool (hot and humid conditions) and recreational pool according to individual program plan.
Familiarity with local community routes, roads, major sites, and attractions.
Knowledge of the location and proper use of safety equipment present in an OGC vehicle (e.g. First aid kit, web cutter, triangles, etc.).

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, and leisure activities.
Support community integration and family relationships.
Remain on shift until relief arrives.
Report health and safety concerns of individuals.
Ensure the safety of all individuals during emergency events and follow emergency procedures accurately.
Administer medications accurately and in accordance with agency policy.
Assist in bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, shaving, fingernail care, dressing, and toileting.
Utilize mechanical lifts according to individual program plans.
Complete all required documentation per shift.
Assist with laundry, including washing, drying, folding, ironing, and maintaining inventories.
Prepare snacks and meals per individual guidelines, and maintain kitchen cleanliness.
Organize bedrooms, make beds, and maintain cleanliness.
Maintain bathroom cleanliness and stock.
Maintain cleanliness of community, work, and classroom areas.
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 and safely secure passengers.
Operate vehicle wheelchair lifts safely.
Support individuals in arranging transportation and while riding in the vehicle.
Drive vehicles safely and maintain a valid driver's license with an F endorsement.
Keep vehicle exterior and interior clean.
Complete daily vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
Adhere to Orange Grove Center Policies and Procedures, including mission statement, attendance, behavior management, individual rights, and emergency procedures.
Participate in required training, including orientation, person-centered training, crisis prevention, First Aid & CPR, and defensive driving.
Complete all required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner, including incident reports, seizure reports, accident/injury reports, timesheets, and daily notes.
Recognize and provide the necessary level of supervision or assistance to encourage independence.
Respect the privacy and personal rights of individuals.
Act as a mediator during individuals' disputes.
Treat others with dignity, respect, and courtesy.
Support individuals by being their encourager, counselor, teacher, and advocate.
Maintain professional relationships with individuals, team members, and community partners.
Communicate respectfully toward supervisors, staff, family members, and individuals.
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 being reminded.
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 have a positive attitude.
Attend all scheduled meetings.