Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This full-time position involves providing direct support to individuals in their daily lives, focusing on health, safety, personal outcomes, and community integration. The role requires assisting individuals with personal hygiene, healthcare appointments, medication administration, and daily living activities such as laundry, meal preparation, and maintaining living spaces. Additionally, the position involves transportation duties, including operating vehicles safely and assisting passengers. A strong emphasis is placed on adhering to agency policies, procedures, and ethical standards, while fostering independence and respecting individual rights.

Requirements

Standard high school diploma or GED.
Acceptable three-year Motor Vehicle Report.
Social Security Card.
Driver's license with F endorsement (if applicable).
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 physician.
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.
See Work Capacity Addendum, effective November 16, 2012.
Valid driver's license with an F endorsement and liability insurance (if driving personal cars for OGC purposes).
Inform agency immediately if license or insurance is revoked, suspended or expired.
No eating, drinking, or smoking allowed in vehicles at any time.
Use of cellphone or other electronic devices is not allowed while driving an OGC vehicle per OGC policy.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience preferred.

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.
Support individuals in choice making, work, social, and leisure activities, and community integration.
Support 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) and follow emergency procedures (CPR, First Aid, CPI).
Observe and record accurate information on seizure reports.
Practice Universal Precautions.
Support individuals at healthcare appointments and promote positive lifestyle choices.
Administer medications accurately according to agency policy and individual program plans.
Assist in the Hydrotherapy Pool and recreational pool as per individual program plans.
Keep chemicals and cleaners securely locked.
Complete all required documentation per shift.
Assist with bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, shaving, fingernail care, dressing/undressing, and toileting/changing adult briefs.
Utilize mechanical lifts as per individual program plans.
Utilize proper lifting techniques and be able to lift, move, and position individuals according to Physical Therapy guidelines.
Bend, stoop, squat, push, pull, reach, stretch, and run as needed.
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 areas, and manage food expiration dates.
Organize closets and drawers, make beds, and change linens.
Keep bathrooms stocked and clean.
Maintain community, work, and classroom areas, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and disinfecting surfaces.
Report maintenance needs and safety concerns.
Clean and care for wheelchairs, cushions, and change air filters.
Ensure wheelchair and mechanical lift batteries are charged daily.
Purchase fuel for vehicles and safely secure passengers, including those using wheelchairs.
Operate vehicle wheelchair lifts safely.
Support individuals in arranging transportation and while riding in the vehicle.
Drive vehicles safely per environmental conditions and defensive driving guidelines.
Keep vehicle exteriors and interiors clean.
Keep vehicle fuel tanks at least ½ full.
Become familiar with local community routes and safety equipment in vehicles.
Complete daily vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any defects.
Operate vehicles per local, state, and federal laws and agency policy.
Adhere to agency 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 incident reports, seizure reports, accident/injury reports, timesheets, mileage sheets, daily notes, and data collection sheets.
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.
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, arriving promptly and working required shift hours.
Take initiative to complete duties without constant 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 and maintain a positive attitude.
Attend all scheduled meetings.