Direct Support Professional

People's Arc of Suffolk Careers•Bohemia, NY

19d

About The Position

A Direct Support Professional works collaboratively with the Support Team to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting their health, safety, and wellbeing. The role serves as a caring and understanding advocate, helping people communicate their needs and accomplish their goals. It can provide skills and training relevant to various career paths. The position supports individuals with self-care, daily living, household and program-site skills, travel, social needs, and personal hygiene. It also involves assisting with transportation, supporting and documenting individual goals through electronic health records, planning recreational activities, maintaining confidentiality, and completing required safety and other training. Depending on the assignment, duties may include medication administration, site maintenance, shopping, facility oversight, and lifting or transferring individuals.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Excellent written communication skills for clear and articulate documentation.
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to engage productively with others.
Strong people skills and a passion for helping others.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Valid driver's license and at least one year of driving experience.
Computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft products and web-based applications used by the agency.
Ability to use proper body mechanics and transfer techniques.
Readiness to learn and use relevant agency computer applications.

Responsibilities

Teach and assist individuals with self-care and daily living, including cooking, household and program-site skills, travel, social support, and personal hygiene.
Maintain current safe-driving training and assist with transportation to activities, appointments, and other destinations.
Provide assistance and oversight as individuals work on goals, and accurately complete related documentation and billing in electronic health records.
Plan and participate in recreational activities based on program-site needs.
For Residential Department assignments, maintain current medication-administration training and administer medication in accordance with state regulations and specific training, including maintaining medical records.
Perform duties that may include site maintenance, shopping, and facility oversight.
Assist with lifting and/or transferring individuals when required.
Maintain current HIPAA training and protect confidential information about individuals supported and their families.
Maintain current training in safety and universal precautions.
Demonstrate care, consideration, and professionalism while encouraging an independent and fulfilling lifestyle.
Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.