DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-FULL TIME

Athelas Institute, Inc. • Columbia, MD

22d • Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides assistance, guidance, mentoring, coaching, and teaching to a supported person in activities of daily living, personal care, life skills, community integration, and transportation navigation. The role supports the person in pursuing the life they want and improving their quality of life through excellent services.

The DSP provides direct support, interaction, and supervision for daily needs, including meals, personal care, transportation, leisure activities, community integration, medical needs, and medication administration. The DSP follows the Person-Centered Plan, any applicable Behavior Support Plan, and Nursing Care Plan; maintains required documentation; supports a safe and compliant living environment; and communicates through agency systems. The role also includes transportation in company vehicles, required training and certification, and participation in scheduled meetings. Hours and location may be subject to change.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Current driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements.
• Ability to complete and maintain required training and certifications, including CPR/First Aid, Mandt Systems, and medication technician certification, as applicable.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit for up to 8 hours.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. or more depending on the assigned supported person, using safe lifting and turning techniques or assistive devices.
• Ability to demonstrate Mandt Systems physical interventions and techniques, including assisting a supported person to stand, providing ambulation assistance, physical releases, and physical restraints.

Nice To Haves

• DDA core competencies.
• Mandt Systems training.
• CPR/First Aid training.
• MTTP.
• Experience working with people with IDD/DD.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support, interaction, and supervision for supported persons' daily needs, including meals, personal care, transportation, leisure activities, community integration, medical needs, and medication administration.
• Complete state- and agency-required documentation according to guidelines and deadlines.
• Maintain positive, professional working relationships.
• Perform required onsite household tasks and maintain the living environment in accordance with COMAR and Health Department standards.
• Support the person in accordance with the Person-Centered Plan, applicable Behavior Support Plan, and Nursing Care Plan.
• Obtain and maintain Medication Administration Certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
• Administer and document medications according to state and agency requirements using the eMAR and DDA nursing delegation model.
• Transport supported persons in company vehicles.
• Complete all required and assigned training, and maintain current certifications within applicable renewal timelines.
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings.
• Check and respond to email daily.
• Use agency electronic systems for communication, time and attendance, progress notes, and incident reports.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect and provide opportunities for supported persons to participate in decision-making and daily planning.
• Perform other duties requested by the Operations Manager and Division Director.

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental, and supplemental coverage through Aflac.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Company-paid term life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Sunny Day Fund.
• Vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, and jury duty leave.
• 403B plan.
• Employee Credit Union (SECU).
• Paid DDA and new-hire training.
• Paid Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification.
• Paid medication administration training, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED