106-03 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc•Sturbridge, MA

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for the daily care, supervision and safety of developmentally disabled individuals in both the residential and community settings. This includes ensuring overnight awake coverage is alert and responsive to the needs of individuals. The Direct Support Professional will follow through on assignments set by the Residential House Manager and will be responsible for the day to day implementation of the Individual Support Plans and Behavioral Management Plans. This position will be compensated on an hourly basis.

Requirements

Maintain First Aid, CPR, MAP & Safety Care certifications
Complete Agency Orientation
Insure the program maintains the standards outlined in the Department of Developmental Services, the agency Mission Statement, the Survey and Certification Tool, as well as requirements of Performance Based Objectives
Obtain and maintain certification in Applied Non-Violence
Ability to work a flexible schedule based on programmatic coverage, weekend, holidays and program emergencies
Will not engage in actions that jeopardize the care and safety of individuals at any time
Ability to advocate and establish rapport with the disabled population, their families, co-workers and service providers
High School Degree or G.E.D.
Must be 21+ years old
Have a valid driver’s license
Be available by telephone for daily contact

Nice To Haves

Daily use of a car on site

Responsibilities

Monitor individuals for health and safety
Safely evacuate individuals from residence in the event of fire or disaster
Physically assist individuals, as needed, in transfer and carries, both ambulatory and non-ambulatory
Physically escort/restrain individuals during emergency situations or behavioral episodes
Physically assist individual, as needed, in bathing and personal hygiene tasks which may include lifts and support to individuals with body weights of 150 - 250 pounds
Educate, supervise and monitor individual self-medication programs
Educate and train individuals in goals and objectives specified in ISP and behavior plan
Assist with medical appointments scheduling/transportation
Educate and assist individuals with meal preparation and food shopping
Educate and assist with individual finances, banking, receipts, purchasing and maintain records
Educate, transport, accompany and provide supervision to individuals in/to their place of worship
Maintain records and document daily data
Responsible for daily housekeeping and cleaning of residence to include laundry, dishes, mopping, sweeping, snow shoveling, report repair and maintenance needs
Overnight Awake staff will assume primary responsibility for cleaning common areas and bathrooms
Overnight Asleep staff will be available for direct care duties for the morning routine
If Overnight Asleep staff are required for assistance during the overnight hours they will be paid the Direct Care rate if they have not had (5) uninterrupted hours available for sleep
Writing, evaluating and assessing individuals for programmatic planning
Able to work a flexible schedule based on programmatic coverage, weekend, holidays, and program emergencies
Implement Agency policies and procedures as defined in the Agency Policy and Procedure Manual
Maintain confidentiality and positive demeanor while successfully juggling multiple priorities simultaneously
Coordinate and assist with planning of leisure time
Provide emergency coverage to include overnight
Perform duties of individual advocacy
Assisting person’s served during the end of life reflective of palliative care and Hospice based supports and services
Ability to remain on duty after scheduled hours if you have not been relieved by oncoming staff
Attend weekly staff meeting and participate both verbally and written
Part Time Direct Support Professional is not required to attend staff meetings but must attend all mandatory training
All full time staff will have advocate responsibilities for one of the people living in the home
Responsible for preparation of Advocate Agenda for staff meetings and lead discussion concerning the person
Prepare all data and documentation for End of Month submission
Ensure all records are complete, neat and in proper order
Assure all medical, dental, personal, and social needs are met
Perform safety check of home, van and grounds utilizing safety checklist and report at staff meeting
Attend Safety Committee meetings quarterly
Bring report back to safety meeting regarding general and seasonal safety issues
Maintain ongoing focus on safety and best practice within the program
Comply with Agency standards set-forth in the Nutritional Healthy Eating Policy and Procedure, Agency training, any and all training materials utilized to support the policy and procedure, and all duties outlined in the Direct Care/Healthy Eating Officer job description
Participate in ‘Food for Health’ training
Prepare weekly menus in compliance with dietary orders/needs of the individuals
Lead staff meeting discussions around healthy eating
Take primary responsibility for preparing shopping lists and maintaining healthy pantry/freezer items in the house
Role model healthy eating practices (i.e. meal preparation and demonstrations)
Other job related duties, as requested
Handle related job duties in compliance with Agency policy
Review weekly staff meeting notes and provide input into the meeting agenda