Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves providing direct support to individuals in various aspects of their lives, including health, safety, personal hygiene, domestic responsibilities, and transportation. The Direct Support Professional will assist individuals in meeting their personal outcomes, support their choices, and facilitate community integration. This position requires adherence to agency policies and procedures, accurate documentation, and the ability to administer medications and perform personal care tasks. The role also includes maintaining the living environment, assisting with vehicle maintenance, and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals at all times.

Requirements

Standard high school diploma or GED is required.
An acceptable three-year Motor Vehicle Report is required.
Social Security Card is required.
Driver's license with F endorsement (if applicable).
Basic computer skills required.
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 physician.
Must be found to be 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.
Continuously lift 1-20 lbs.
Frequently lift 21-50 lbs.
Occasionally lift 50-100 lbs.
Continuously carry 1-10 lbs.
Frequently carry 11-50 lbs.
Continuously grasp.
Frequently stoop/bend, squat, reach, push, pull, twist, stand, walk.
Occasionally crawl, climb, sit, drive.

Nice To Haves

Specifics about the position in question will be addressed later in the description.

Responsibilities

Support individuals in meeting their personal outcomes and monitor/record data.
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, intruder).
Follow emergency procedures accurately (CPR, First Aid, CPI).
Observe and record accurate seizure reports.
Practice Universal Precautions.
Support individuals at healthcare appointments and promote positive lifestyle choices.
Administer medications accurately per agency policy.
Physically assist in Hydrotherapy Pool and recreational pool as needed.
Keep chemicals and cleaners securely locked.
Complete all required documentation per shift.
Perform personal hygiene tasks and assist individuals with bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, dressing, and toileting.
Utilize mechanical lifts as per individual program plans.
Utilize proper lifting techniques and assist in lifting, moving, and positioning individuals.
Bend, stoop, squat, push, pull, reach, and stretch.
Run as needed in emergency situations.
Work in noisy environments, indoors and outdoors.
Assist with laundry, including washing, drying, folding, ironing, and maintaining inventories.
Prepare snacks and meals per individual guidelines.
Clean kitchen, eating areas, and appliances.
Check expiration dates of food and discard expired items.
Ensure refrigerator and freezer thermometers are accurate.
Organize closets and drawers, make beds, and change linens.
Dust, sweep, and mop daily.
Keep bathrooms stocked and clean.
Sweep, mop, vacuum, and dust community, work, and classroom areas daily.
Empty trash and recycling containers daily.
Maintain the perimeter of the worksite.
Disinfect common and shared surfaces and items daily.
Report maintenance needs and safety concerns.
Clean and care for wheelchairs and cushions daily.
Change air filters as needed.
Unstop backed-up toilets.
Ensure wheelchair and mechanical lift batteries are charged daily.
Clean and care for heavy equipment and machinery.
Purchase fuel for vehicles per guidelines.
Safely secure passengers, including those in wheelchairs.
Operate vehicle wheelchair lifts safely.
Support individuals in arranging transportation.
Maintain a valid driver's license with an F endorsement and liability insurance (if applicable).
Drive vehicles safely per environmental conditions and defensive driving guidelines.
Keep vehicle exterior and interior clean.
Keep vehicle fuel tank at least ½ full at all times.
Become familiar with local community routes and sites.
Know the location and use of safety equipment in vehicles.
Complete daily vehicle pre-trip inspections and report defects.
Complete post-trip inspections to ensure no passenger is left unattended.
Operate vehicles per local, state, and federal laws and agency policy.
Understand and adhere to Orange Grove Center 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, receipts, and personal documentation on individuals (BSPs, MARs, Communication Books).
Recognize and provide the necessary level of supervision or assistance to encourage independence.
Respect the privacy and personal rights of individuals.
Express oneself professionally and maintain emotional control.
Be open-minded and act as a mediator during disputes.
Treat others with dignity, respect, and courtesy.
Act as an encourager, counselor, teacher, and advocate for individuals.
Become familiar with individuals through interaction and observation.
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.
Arrive promptly and work 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 and create a warm environment.
Follow written bus duty schedules and guidelines.
Be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality.
Be a team player.
Maintain a positive attitude while representing the agency.
Attend all scheduled meetings.