Direct Support Professional - PT Weekends (Walnut)

SESDAC INC•Vermillion, SD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Direct Support Professionals assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving independence in all areas of life. They support people in becoming and remaining active members of their community and help them reach personal goals that reflect their dreams, hopes, and desires. By fostering a structured and supportive environment, Direct Support Professionals promote overall well-being while providing ongoing guidance in life skills, academics, and employment to encourage meaningful social engagement. Eligibility for hire dependent upon drug and background screening results. Sesdac, Inc.'s mission is to build community resources to create a person-centered life, with a vision that all people are valued community members. The company values dignity, opportunity, and community inclusion for all people, believing that individuals served are people with abilities capable of full participation in their community of choice when provided appropriate services and supports. The goal is to encourage each person served to fully exercise personal preference and power daily, ensuring people with developmental disabilities lead lives of dignity and quality.

Requirements

Minimum of High School diploma or GED
Must be at least 18 years of age
Basic fluency in oral and written English.
Has computer experience and is comfortable with navigation with technology.
Pass qualifying criminal background checks which includes motor vehicle driving records.
Pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Upon hire, employees are subject to random and reasonable suspicion testing per Sesdac, Inc.’s Drug Free Workplace Policy.
A valid driver’s license and evidence of insurability is required upon hire.
Must have a safe driving record and be eligible for coverage under the agency’s insurance.
All employees must successfully complete required agency training within designated time frames and complete annual recertification.
Must be able to pass Medication training and testing.
Must have the ability to perform CPR and Safety-Care.

Responsibilities

Embody the mission of the agency and take pride in the job.
Be compassionate, honest, patient, encouraging, and treat all individuals supported, family members, and coworkers with respect and dignity.
Make ethical decisions.
Provide Person-Centered services to all people and adjust interactions from person to person.
Ensure all needs are met for each individual and coworkers.
Maintain good attendance and be highly dependable, use leave appropriately, be punctual and hardworking, and have a professional appearance.
Possess good communication skills, multitask, pay attention to detail, and handle stressful situations within Sesdac and with external parties.
Be a team player, providing positive and appropriate feedback and support to coworkers, team members, supervisors, and agency representatives.
Participate in and complete periodic training as required.
Attend and participate in all assigned meetings, sharing ideas, and discussing issues openly and honestly.
Report all concerns to the appropriate supervisor or administrator in a timely manner.
Mentor, train, and provide guidance to staff to ensure their success and be willing to learn from others.
Be flexible with work schedule and location, and adjust to changes quickly.
Display conduct at all times that enhances the image of the people supported and the agency.
Assume responsibility for all actions.
Be a self-starter, meet timelines/due dates, and complete assigned duties.
Recognize co-workers' workload and assist as needed without constant supervision.
Maintain peoples’ finances and resources ethically, honestly, and accurately with appropriate documentation and filing of receipts.
Follow all agency policies and procedures, state and federal regulations.
Provide emergency coverage, and serve as on-call relief staff when needed or assigned.
Take initiative in performing additional or less pleasant tasks and allow for cross-training at multiple sites if required.
Accurately complete, maintain, and submit all documentation as required by agency policy.
Be able to work independently without supervision and sometimes alone.
Demonstrate, develop, and facilitate the importance of community involvement, social interactions, maintaining relationships, and giving back to the community.
Aid individuals supported to participate in activities of their choosing.
Provide inclusive opportunities for activities in various settings and transportation as needed.
Allow people to lead self-directed lives by making informed decisions, experiencing risk, understanding consequences, and learning from their mistakes, while balancing safety and welfare.
Teach appropriate skills and assist all individuals in being actively involved in the daily activities to achieve greater independence using person-centered planning.
Maintain strict confidentiality of all information and records related to the people supported, in accordance with HIPAA, state and federal laws, and agency guidelines.
Provide guidance to others on identifying sensitive information and understanding when it can be appropriately shared.
Know, advocate, and respect the rights and privacy of individuals supported.
Assist people supported to have meaningful and fulfilling days.
Follow all agency policies, procedures, and protocols regarding safety in all environments.
Maintain an environment that is healthy, safe, peaceful, and comfortable at all times.
Monitor and report concerns/issues regarding maintenance and repairs to the facility or company vehicle.
Administer and inventory medications in accordance with Sesdac’s Medication Administration Policy.
Monitor and document safety, medical or dietary needs or concerns, and notify the proper person.
Assist people with all daily living skills with the least amount of assistance needed for the person to be as independent as possible.
Perform and be comfortable with assisting with personal hygiene/health duties such as bathing/showering, repositioning, brief changes/toileting, cooking/eating, special diets, shaving, brushing teeth, cleaning/laundry, appointments, activities, work, etc.
Understand a variety of diagnoses and how to respond to them (e.g., diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s, seizures).
Implement individual support plans and protocols as written and follow due process.
Respond to medical or behavioral emergencies rationally and constructively, remain emotionally detached, direct others, and choose the best response to the challenging situation.
Report all alleged instances of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and exploitation immediately to the appropriate person by following Sesdac policy.