Direct Support Professional/TELFORD

Support Solutions • Telford, TN

22d • $15 - $15

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional provides support to individuals with disabilities, empowering them to lead self-directed lives and develop or maintain skills that enhance their quality of life. The role aims to help supported individuals stay happy, healthy, and safe while enjoying life to the fullest extent possible. Work takes place primarily in a home environment and also in community, work, and outdoor settings.

The employee supports personal care, daily routines, and goals identified in each person’s Individual Support Plan (ISP). They encourage choice, independence, dignity, community connection, relationships, and participation in preferred activities. The role also includes transportation, meal preparation, household tasks, medication storage and administration, documentation, and protecting confidentiality. The position may require additional hours beyond 40 per week.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be able to read and write effectively.
• ECF staff must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Must satisfy applicable state and local criminal background, sexual offender, abuse registry, drug, and felony offender screening requirements.
• Must meet all training requirements and keep training current.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational skills, including managing heavy workloads within established time frames and working amid interruptions or distractions.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and interact appropriately in varied contexts.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in matters concerning clients and employees.
• Ability to perform varied duties and adapt to changing tasks, technology, techniques, environmental factors, physical demands, and work situations.
• Must provide medical records required by governing entities or Support Solutions policy; examples include TB skin tests, Hepatitis B vaccinations, and flu vaccinations.
• Must maintain a valid Medication Certification throughout employment.
• Must maintain valid CPR/First Aid Certification throughout employment.
• Must maintain valid CPI training throughout employment if required.
• Must provide valid automobile insurance when working at homes where the agency does not provide a vehicle; the agency may request proof of insurance regardless of site or vehicle availability.
• Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods and sit for short or long periods as duties require.
• Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, bend, and climb when needed.
• Ability to drive and travel for short periods to transport individuals, attend appointments, community outings, meetings, and trainings.
• Full range of body movement, including ability to perform CPR compressions, abdominal thrusts, CPI techniques, and pursue a person on foot to prevent injury.
• Ability to use all five senses; vision sufficient for close and distant work, depth perception, shifting focus between documents and electronic devices, and operating a vehicle.
• Ability to talk and listen for prolonged periods, in person and by telephone.
• Ability to lift more than 50 pounds to assist with transfers and repositioning of individuals requiring total care.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with personal care, daily routines, and outcomes identified in their Individual Support Plans.
• Respect each person’s dignity and choices, empower decision-making, and encourage self-directed living.
• Provide person-centered support that helps individuals pursue goals, build relationships, and participate in their communities.
• Transport and accompany supported individuals to events, job sites, medical appointments, and community activities; arrange alternate transportation when needed for safety.
• Ensure appropriate use of personal and agency resources, including funds, vehicles, equipment, food, and supplies.
• Attend assigned training meetings and keep required training current.
• Prepare meals according to scheduled menus.
• Perform daily living activities or teach individuals to complete them, supporting independence and personal skills.
• Work toward individual outcomes and document progress consistently.
• Use the electronic records system and complete required daily shift notes.
• Follow Customer Service Standards when communicating with supported individuals, families, conservators, vendors, ISCs, case managers, and others.
• Oversee the storage and administration of medications.
• Assist with personal grooming as desired, supporting independence where possible.
• Assist with housekeeping and laundry as desired by the supported individual.
• Protect the confidentiality of supported individuals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors, managers, or authorized staff.

What This Job Offers

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