Direct Support Professional - Pool (A/B or B/C)

Easterseals Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for a variety of duties related to the overall care and support of individuals who have physical, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. The DSP will support assisting the individual in increasing their independence and skill development by providing training and assistance on individualized goals and objectives for daily life skills (i.e., personal care, education, recreation, social and community engagement) in a supportive and positive learning environment. The DSP will provide or assist with personal care activities and will support the health, safety and an active lifestyle of the individual served. This role involves implementing individual treatment, education, and behavioral plans, ensuring active engagement in meaningful activities, and maintaining accurate documentation of progress and incidents. The DSP will also manage challenging behaviors, assist in various activities, monitor health and safety, and protect individual rights. Transportation of individuals may be required, adhering to all vehicle safety procedures. The position requires completion of annual training and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including HIPAA regulations.

Requirements

Minimum High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
Ability to read and the ability to follow, give and receive written and/or verbal instructions
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form
Valid Arkansas Driver's License (if hired in a position where employee will drive)
First Aid and CPR certification within the first 90 days of employment and maintained throughout employment
Ability to obtain additional credentials based on future organizational and/or regulatory requirements
Ability to lift and transfer individuals according to weight guidelines for lifting

Responsibilities

Implement individual treatment, education and behavioral plans using a variety of methodologies and best practices based on the needs of the individual
Ensure that all individuals remain actively engaged in meaningful activities according to their individual functional level
Record accurate and detailed documentation within required timeframes regarding each individual’s progress in meeting goals and objectives, personal care, behavior reports and health and safety as required by the program
Maintain a safe and organized training area that supports learning and personal growth
Address challenging behaviors proactively and utilize positive behavior intervention to manage and promote improved behavior while remaining supportive of individuality
Assist individuals in educational/classroom, recreational, social and community activities based on preference and individual plans
Monitor the health and safety of the individual at all times
Respond to and report unsafe conditions, environment and equipment to the Supervisor, verbally and in writing
Observe individuals for injury or bruises
Follow incident reporting procedures including documentation and submitting report to a Supervisor
Assist individuals by providing for special health care and personal care needs
Evaluate the individual for changes in emotional and/or physical status and report verbally and in writing any concerns to a Supervisor
Ensure that each individuals’ rights are protected
Use person first language and treat individuals with dignity and respect
Dress appropriately and professionally for the responsibilities of the position
May provide transportation to individuals served
If required to drive, will maintain a valid Arkansas Driver’s License and current car insurance, will complete annual Rules of the Road training and if required, will obtain a CDL
Will follow all vehicle procedures including but not limited to vehicle pre-check inspection, using seat belts, wheelchair tie-downs, not using cell phone or engaging in any prohibited conduct
Complete annual training as required by Easterseals Arkansas and program licensing agency by participation in trainings offered by Easterseals, licensing agency, other sources and self-study
Use tools and information from trainings to enhance the quality of services
Comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas
Not attempt to access any protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer