Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves providing direct support to individuals, focusing on their health, safety, personal outcomes, and daily living activities. The Direct Support Professional will assist individuals in achieving their personal goals, making choices, and participating in work, social, and leisure activities. Responsibilities include ensuring safety, administering medications, assisting with personal hygiene, and maintaining a clean and organized living environment. The position also requires transportation duties, including operating vehicles safely and assisting passengers. Adherence to Orange Grove Center Policies and Procedures, completion of required training, and accurate documentation are essential. The role demands strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and good work habits, including initiative, punctuality, and teamwork.

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 in good physical health.
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.
Ability to work in hot and humid conditions (Hydrotherapy Pool).
Familiarity with local community routes, roads, major sites, and attractions.
Knowledge of the location and proper use of safety equipment in an OGC vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Orange Grove Center Policies and Procedures, including Mission Statement, Attendance policy, Behavior management policy, On call procedures, Individual rights, Conduct Violation Policy, Time keeping system, Departmental policies and procedures, Dress code, Substance Abuse policy, Criminal Charges policy, Incident Management policy, Accident Reporting policy (employee and individual), and Emergency Procedures.
Completion of specific training such as Person Centered Training, Behavioral Management programs, Crisis Prevention techniques, Physical & Nutritional Management, Right to Know, and Positive Behavior Supports.
Familiarity with personal documentation on individuals such as Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Medication Administration Records (MARs) and Communication Books.

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.
Report health and safety concerns of individuals.
Ensure the safety of individuals during emergencies (fire, tornado, armed intruder) and follow emergency procedures accurately.
Administer medications accurately and in accordance with agency policy.
Assist with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, dressing, and toileting.
Utilize mechanical lifts according to individual program plans.
Complete all required documentation per shift.
Assist with domestic duties including laundry, meal preparation, cleaning, and organizing living spaces.
Maintain equipment, including wheelchairs, mechanical lifts, and vehicle maintenance.
Purchase fuel for vehicles and operate vehicle wheelchair lifts safely.
Secure passengers, especially those using wheelchairs, in vehicles.
Drive vehicles safely, adhering to environmental conditions and defensive driving guidelines.
Keep vehicle fuel tanks at least half full.
Complete daily vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
Adhere to Orange Grove Center Policies and Procedures, including mission statement, attendance, behavior management, and emergency procedures.
Participate in required training, including orientation, person-centered training, crisis prevention, First Aid & CPR, and defensive driving.
Complete all required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner, including incident reports, seizure reports, accident/injury reports, timesheets, and daily notes.
Recognize and provide the necessary level of supervision or assistance to encourage independence.
Respect the privacy and personal rights of individuals.
Act as a mediator during individuals' disputes.
Treat others with dignity, respect, and courtesy.
Support individuals by being their encourager, counselor, teacher, and advocate.
Maintain professional relationships with individuals, team members, and community partners.
Communicate respectfully with supervisors, staff, family members, and individuals.
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.
Immediately report any suspicion or knowledge of neglect, abuse, or wrongdoing.
Respect the individual’s home and work space.
Be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality.
Be a team player and represent Orange Grove positively.