Direct Support Professional Full time; Meck

LIFESPAN INCORPORATED•Charlotte, NC

5d•$15 - $15

About The Position

Under direct supervision the Direct Support Professional (DSP) will guide, support and advocate for adults with I/DD and/or dual diagnosis (Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities or Mental Health and Substance Abuse to live successfully in their own home, the home of their family or natural supports and be an active member of their community. The DSP will assist the person(s) served to learn new skills and offers support in activities that are individualized and aligned with the person’s preferences. The DSP will support and advocate for the ongoing evaluation, planning and coordination of health and habilitative services for adults with disabilities. Through integration and goal setting, the quality of services provided will yield a positive outcome so that those served will improve and flourish to their greatest ability. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be compassionate, service-minded and dedicated to the LIFESPAN mission and able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Where applicable, continuing education and/or certifications are necessary. Common languages used are ASL (American Sign Language); English and Spanish. Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age
Possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of two consecutive years
Pass criminal record and healthcare registry check
Pass driving record check if providing transportation
High school graduate or equivalent (GED)
Commitment to achieve competency in required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Note: Current First Aid/CPR blended or classroom certification is required. If you do not currently have certification from an approved provider, our American Red Cross certified instructors will provide you the training.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds independently (per policy)
Ability to build trust and productive relationships with people, co-workers and others through respectful and clear verbal and written communication.
Uses person-centered practices, assisting people to make choices and plan goals, and provides services to help others achieve their goals.
Monitors a person's physical and emotional health, gathers information about the person, and communicates observations to guide services.
Ability to identify risk and behaviors that can lead to crisis and uses effective strategies to prevent or intervene in the crisis in collaboration with others.
Works in a professional and ethical manner, maintaining confidentiality and respecting individual and family rights.
Helps persons served to be a part of the community through valued roles and relationships and assist individuals with major transitions that occur in community life.
Respects cultural differences and provides services and supports that fit with an individual’s preferences.

Responsibilities

Ensure that all support provided is respectful, person-centered, and aligned with the person’s preferences and long-term aspirations.
Provide direct support and guidance to people with disabilities to promote meaningful choice and control in their daily lives.
Assist people in building and maintaining nurturing personal relationships. Assist people performing and improving daily living activities.
Foster inclusion by identifying and working with people in a community environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute, without regard solely to the level of disability.
Assist in creating a supportive and inclusive environment which provide resources to community-based organizations that will help promote and maintain positive self-care, healthy relationships, financial and digital literacy, and good physical health while promoting a more engaged and productive lifestyle.
Assist with skills to use appropriate assistive/adaptive technology to reduce the need for long-term support where applicable.
Assist with respect and dignity with personal hygiene needs as required. E.g. toileting, bathing, dressing
Assist where required with meal preparation, feeding and other activities.
Encourage and promote active participation within the community to achieve long-term personal goals related to independence, employment, and quality of life.
Promote and teach cultural humility by respecting cultural differences while providing services and supports that fit with an individual’s preferences.
Upon approval, utilize established personal goals for independence, employment, quality of life, autonomy, and choice as referenced within the approved individual support plan (ISP) and/or resources to promote meaningful choices.
Under the supervision of the Clinical Manager monitor, maintain awareness and communicate observations about the person, includes but not limited to their physical, mental and emotional health where services are rendered to achieve expected goals and outcomes.
Perform administrative duties in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring all tasks are completed by established deadlines determined by management.
Maintain a high level of accuracy in all documentation and data entry for monitoring and evaluation.
Administer medication as directed when applicable.
Ensure that all work complies with applicable regulations, organizational policies, and procedural guidelines.
Monitor tasks to support internal operations and service delivery, while upholding confidentiality, accountability and attention to detail in all aspects of administrative performance.
Communicate with families, team members and other stakeholders timely and professionally in a positive manner to establish person centered goals.
Abide by, enforce, and participate in the implementation and ongoing oversight of all LIFESPAN safety standards and regulations.