Direct Support Professional

Sevita•Greenwood, IN

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional provides direct support within a program or unit, typically serving 4–6 individuals in residential settings or up to 10 individuals in periodic programs. The role supports individuals according to their service or program plans, including socialization, health maintenance, medication support, skill development, and activities of daily living. The position may involve personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, recreation, transportation, community integration, shopping, financial management, and support with citizenship and other daily activities. The employee documents progress and activities, protects confidentiality and individual rights, monitors health and safety, and communicates concerns or incidents according to applicable policies and requirements. The employee works scheduled hours, attends required training and staff meetings, and helps maintain a safe, clean environment. Work takes place at the program location and may include accompanying individuals into the community. The role is classified as non-exempt and may be full-time or part-time.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
At minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent is required under the New Jersey addendum; the general qualifications section describes it as preferred.
Working knowledge of computers.
Valid driver’s license in good standing; New Jersey employees must hold a valid license in their state of residence.
If providing transportation, have vehicle registration and insurance; drivers must meet company insurance and driving-record requirements and receive management approval.
Complete all state-required training and certifications within mandated timeframes and demonstrate proficiency in required training areas.
New Jersey employees hired after June 15, 2018, must submit to drug testing before employment; employees are also subject to random and for-cause/suspicion testing.
Submit to criminal background checks and be determined not disqualified by the Department of Human Services before working with individuals served.
Agree to name checks against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and complete an application for a Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI) check.
Meet the physical demands of heavy work: exert up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience in human services.
High school diploma or equivalent (listed as preferred in the general qualifications section; required at minimum by the New Jersey addendum).

Responsibilities

Provide support in accordance with individual service or program plans, including socialization, behavioral and skill development, personal care, housekeeping, recreation, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
Document individuals’ progress and activities accurately; review records and logs for service-plan changes and maintain confidentiality.
Make appropriate, cost-effective purchases using individuals’ budgets and respecting their choices and preferences.
Maintain professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians, and case managers; welcome visitors and follow Sevita Customer Service Standards.
Report alleged abuse or neglect, as well as medical, behavioral, and other incidents, in accordance with applicable policies and requirements.
Respect individuals’ rights, maintain confidentiality, follow universal precautions, and support individuals in exercising their rights.
As needed, accompany individuals to medical appointments and relay information and orders to and from medical providers.
If assigned, administer or support self-administration of medication, document medications and treatments, report errors promptly, and secure medications and supplies appropriately.
Monitor health, document concerns, communicate with a nurse or supervisor, call 911 in emergencies, and follow individual health care directives.
Use medical equipment according to procedures and report malfunction or disrepair.
Prepare or support preparation of food according to menus, individual preferences, and special diets; monitor meals and follow dining plans.
Attend orientation, ongoing training, and monthly staff meetings; work scheduled hours, arrive on time, remain until a replacement arrives, and notify a supervisor when unable to work as scheduled.
Work cooperatively and respectfully with others and communicate openly.
Follow workplace safety policies, report hazards, and participate in safety-related training and activities.
Transport individuals into the community when needed, drive safely and lawfully, use required safety equipment, and report accidents and safety concerns promptly.
Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping, maintain a clean and safe environment, and report hazards.
Monitor environmental safety; make minor repairs or perform yard maintenance when needed, and report repair needs.
Check water temperature as required when assisting with bathing, participate in safety drills, and protect individuals during emergencies.
Perform other duties and activities as required.
Cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff during inspections, inquiries, or investigations.