Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves providing essential support to individuals in various aspects of their lives, including health, safety, personal hygiene, domestic responsibilities, and transportation. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for assisting individuals in meeting their personal outcomes, ensuring their safety, administering medications, and supporting their community integration and lifestyle choices. The position requires adherence to agency policies and procedures, accurate documentation, and maintaining a positive and respectful environment 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.
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, squat, 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.
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

Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training.
CPR and First Aid certification.
Hydrotherapy Pool experience.
Experience with mechanical lifts.
Familiarity with local community routes, roads, major sites, and attractions.
Knowledge of safety equipment in OGC vehicles (First aid kit, web cutter, triangles, etc.).

Responsibilities

Support individuals in meeting their personal outcomes and monitor/record data on personal outcomes.
Provide the appropriate level 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 the relief person arrives.
Monitor and report health and safety concerns of individuals.
Ensure the safety of all individuals during emergency events (fire, tornado, armed intruder) and follow emergency procedures accurately and promptly.
Observe and record accurate information on seizure reports.
Practice Universal Precautions.
Support individuals at healthcare appointments and promote positive lifestyle choices.
Administer medications accurately in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
Assist in the Hydrotherapy Pool and recreational pool as per individual program plans.
Keep all chemicals and cleaners securely locked up.
Complete all required documentation per shift.
Perform personal hygiene tasks and assist individuals with bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, shaving, fingernail care, dressing/undressing, and toileting.
Utilize mechanical lifts according to individual program plans.
Utilize proper lifting techniques and be able to lift, move, and position individuals according to Physical Therapy guidelines.
Bend, stoop, squat, push, pull, reach, stretch, and run as needed in emergency situations.
Work in noisy environments, indoors and outdoors as needed.
Assist and support individuals with laundry (washing, drying, folding, ironing, maintaining inventories, labeling clothes).
Prepare snacks and meals per individual guidelines, 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 community, work, and classroom areas by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces daily.
Report maintenance needs and safety concerns.
Clean and care for wheelchairs, cushions, and change air filters as needed.
Unstop backed-up toilets and ensure wheelchair and mechanical lift batteries are charged daily.
Purchase fuel for vehicles, safely secure passengers (especially those using wheelchairs), and operate vehicle wheelchair lifts safely.
Support individuals in arranging transportation and while riding in the vehicle.
Drive vehicles safely per environmental conditions and defensive driving guidelines.
Keep vehicle exteriors and interiors clean.
Keep vehicle fuel tanks at least ½ full at all times.
Become familiar with local community routes, roads, major sites, and attractions.
Know the location and proper use of safety equipment in OGC vehicles.
Complete daily vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any defects.
Operate vehicles per local, state, and federal laws and OGC policy.
Adhere to OGC Policies and Procedures including Mission Statement, attendance, behavior management, individual rights, and emergency procedures.
Complete 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, seizure reports, accident/injury reports, timesheets, mileage sheets, daily notes, data collection sheets, flow sheets, receipts, and personal documentation on individuals.
Recognize and provide the necessary level of supervision or assistance to encourage independence.
Respect the privacy and personal rights of individuals.
Communicate professionally, respectfully, and with a calm tone of voice.
Act as a mediator during individuals' disputes.
Treat others with dignity, respect, and courtesy.
Support individuals by being their encourager, counselor, teacher, and advocate.
Become familiar with individuals through interaction and observation.
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.
Be alert and ready to work, arriving promptly and working 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.
Follow written bus duty schedules and guidelines.
Be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality.
Be a team player and represent Orange Grove positively in all work environments.
Attend all scheduled meetings.