Direct Support Professional

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This full-time position involves providing direct support to individuals, ensuring their health, safety, and well-being. The role requires assisting individuals with personal outcomes, daily living activities, community integration, and healthcare appointments. Responsibilities also include administering medications, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring a safe living environment. The position also entails domestic responsibilities such as laundry, meal preparation, and maintaining household cleanliness, as well as transportation duties and vehicle maintenance. A strong understanding of agency policies and procedures, along with completion of required training, is essential. The role demands excellent interpersonal skills, professionalism, and strong work habits, including punctuality, initiative, 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.
Successful completion of a required physical examination by an approved Orange Grove 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.
Physical ability to assist in Hydrotherapy Pool (hot and humid conditions) and recreational 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, and Emergency Procedures.
Completion of required training such as Orientation/Annual Refresher, Person Centered Training, Behavioral Management programs, Crisis Prevention techniques, First Aid & CPR, Physical & Nutritional Management, Defensive driving, Needs Specific to Individuals, Universal Precautions, Right to Know, Positive Behavior Supports, and On-line Training.
Familiarity with documentation requirements including Leave request, Behavior incident reports, Seizure reports, Accident/Injury reports, Timesheets, Mileage sheets, Daily notes, Data collection sheets, Flow sheets, Receipts, 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 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 and report any health and safety concerns.
Ensure the safety of individuals during emergencies and follow emergency procedures accurately.
Administer medications accurately and in accordance with agency policy.
Assist in bathing, hair care, dental hygiene, shaving, dressing, and toileting.
Utilize mechanical lifts and proper lifting techniques.
Assist with laundry, including washing, drying, folding, and ironing clothes.
Prepare snacks and meals per individual guidelines and maintain kitchen cleanliness.
Organize closets and drawers, make beds, and change linens.
Maintain cleanliness of bathrooms, including stocking supplies and cleaning fixtures.
Maintain cleanliness of community, work, and classroom areas.
Clean and care for wheelchairs, cushions, and other equipment.
Purchase fuel for vehicles and safely secure passengers.
Operate vehicle wheelchair lifts safely and drive vehicles safely.
Keep vehicle exteriors and interiors clean.
Complete daily vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
Adhere to Orange Grove Center Policies and Procedures, including attendance, behavior management, and incident reporting.
Complete all required training, including orientation, person-centered training, crisis prevention, and first aid/CPR.
Complete all required documentation per shift, 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.
Communicate professionally and respectfully with individuals, team members, supervisors, and family members.
Demonstrate good problem-solving and judgment skills.
Consistently complete responsibilities on time and within policy guidelines.
Focus on work assignments without personal distractions and be alert and ready to work.
Arrive promptly to work 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.
Be trustworthy and maintain confidentiality.
Be a team player and maintain a positive attitude.