Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This full-time position involves providing direct support to individuals, focusing on their health, safety, personal outcomes, and daily living activities. The role requires assisting individuals with personal hygiene, administering medications, supporting community integration, and ensuring a safe and clean living environment. Responsibilities also extend to domestic duties such as laundry, meal preparation, and maintaining household cleanliness, as well as transportation duties including vehicle maintenance and safe passenger transport. The position demands adherence to agency policies, procedures, and training requirements, with a strong emphasis on interpersonal skills, professional work habits, and advocating for 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.
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.
Lifting: Continuously 1-20 lbs, Frequently 21-50 lbs, Occasionally 50-100 lbs.
Carrying: Continuously 1-10 lbs, Frequently 11-50 lbs, Occasionally 50-100+ lbs.
Grasping: Continuously.
Stoop/bend, Squat, Reach, Push, Pull, Twist, Standing, Walking: Frequently.
Crawl, Climb, Sit, Driving: Occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with local community routes, roads, major sites, and attractions.
Knowledge of the location and proper use of safety equipment in an OGC vehicle (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 and report any health and safety concerns.
Ensure the safety of individuals during emergencies and follow emergency procedures (CPR, First Aid, CPI).
Observe and record accurate information on seizure reports and practice Universal Precautions.
Support individuals at healthcare appointments and promote positive lifestyle choices.
Administer medications accurately according to agency policy and individual program plans.
Assist in the Hydrotherapy Pool and recreational pool as needed.
Keep chemicals and cleaners securely locked.
Complete all required documentation per shift.
Assist with bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, shaving, fingernail care, dressing/undressing, and toileting/changing adult briefs.
Utilize mechanical lifts according to individual program plans.
Utilize proper lifting techniques and be able to lift, move, and position individuals.
Bend, stoop, squat, push, pull, reach, stretch, and run as needed in emergency situations.
Work in noisy environments, indoors and outdoors.
Assist with laundry, including washing, drying, folding, ironing, and maintaining inventories.
Prepare snacks and meals, clean kitchen/eating areas, and manage kitchen supplies.
Organize closets and drawers, make beds, change linens, and dust/sweep/mop bedrooms daily.
Keep bathrooms stocked and clean daily.
Maintain cleanliness of community, work, and classroom areas, including emptying trash and disinfecting surfaces.
Report maintenance needs and safety concerns.
Clean and care for wheelchairs, cushions, and change air filters.
Ensure wheelchair and mechanical lift batteries are charged daily.
Purchase fuel for vehicles, safely secure passengers, and operate vehicle lifts.
Support individuals in arranging transportation and while riding in the vehicle.
Drive safely according to environmental conditions and defensive driving guidelines.
Keep vehicle exterior and interior clean.
Keep vehicle fuel tank at least ½ full.
Become familiar with local community routes and safety equipment in vehicles.
Complete daily vehicle pre-trip 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, and emergency procedures.
Complete all required training, including orientation, person-centered training, behavioral management, crisis prevention, First Aid & CPR, and defensive driving.
Complete all required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner, including leave requests, incident reports, timesheets, and daily notes.
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, team members, supervisors, and family members.
Act as a mediator during disputes and treat others with dignity and respect.
Serve 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 and be alert and ready to work.
Arrive promptly to work and work required shift hours.
Take initiative to complete duties without reminders and follow through to completion.
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 with a positive attitude.
Attend all scheduled meetings.