LEAD DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Apis Services Inc•Bridgeton, MO

About The Position

The Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) directly supports the Residential Manager in maintaining program operations in accordance with industry, federal and local regulations and requirements. In addition to providing direct care to consumers and performing the duties of the Direct Support Professional, this leadership position serves as a mentor to other Direct Support Professionals via modeling effective interpersonal interactions, developing creative strategies aimed at enhancing consumers’ independent living skills, and maintaining professionalism. The LDSP will perform responsibilities assigned by the Residential Manager to ensure that quality services and operations are maintained.  A commitment to RHD values should be demonstrated as job duties are performed.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required, Associates or bachelors degree preferred.
Basic computer and internet literacy with the ability to utilize applications like emails, time recording
and other programs to enter and retrieve data as necessary to perform the essential functions of the
job.
Two years of experience working with individuals with IDD and/or Mental Health issues
Understanding of trauma, trauma-informed care, and the creation of trauma-informed environments
Valid driver’s license.
Subject to employment clearances such as Family Care Safety Registry.
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Computer literacy, experience with Microsoft Office, email, time-recording and other applications
Knowledge of trauma, trauma-informed care, and the creation of trauma-informed environments
Knowledge of and ability to work with developmentally disabled individuals

Responsibilities

Assists with daily living activities, including but not limited to planning and preparing meals,
housekeeping, and assisting with personal hygiene, cleaning.
Supports the independence of people served by providing the assistance necessary to maximize them
quality of life.
Models hope and optimism when encouraging people to serve to achieve their potential.
Supports people served in developing relationships and becoming involved in their communities.
Cultivates a safe and supportive relationship and environment.
Provides supervision and guidance to individuals serve to build skills and competence.
Documents interactions and activities per policies and procedures
Monitors and responds to crisis situations or potential crisis situations consistent with best practice,
Policies and procedures
Utilizes skills and competencies to respond to crises.
Reports suspected incidents of neglect, abuse or mistreatment consistent with the organizations policies and
procedures
Maintains client confidentiality and adheres to the organization’s ethical code.
Assists in maintaining the well-being and safety of people served.
May assist individuals with daily medications.
Performs other duties as requested or assigned, verbally or in writing
Able to engage consumers in the development and acquisition of personal hygiene and grooming,
nutrition, menu planning, food shopping, meal preparation, home maintenance, laundry, safety and
health education.
Relays accurate information re: individual’s personal care capabilities, needs, health issues and concerns
to supervisor.
Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of assigned areas of the group home or apartment with the
assistance of residents. If individuals are unable or unwilling to provide their average daily livings skills/
ADL’s the Residential Support Leader works with/assigns staff on duty to ensure completion to tasks.
Example: if a resident is unable/unwilling to wash the dishes the staff will do the task.
Demonstrates knowledge of community resources to include recreational and social activities.
Oversee and/or accompany and support individuals to medical, psychological, and other related fields
appointments. Review documentation and communicate clearly and legibly information obtained from
service provider and assure follow-up as needed.
Builds the individual’s appreciation for his/her own skills and potential to be a productive and valued
member of his home and community.
Improves the individual's ability to cope with problems in a socially and positively acceptable way.
Assures that each individual served has appropriate involvement in the community.
Assures the environment is home-like and staff utilizes approved protocols (i.e.: family meetings,
consultation, feedback, etc.).
Follows and demonstrates understanding of medication policy and procedures in the monitoring of the
consumer’s medication. Auditing of medication administration.
Educates individuals served re: medication policy, procedures, medication interactions and side effects.
Accurately and thoroughly completes all documentation pertaining to medication, i.e.: medication
administration record, medication count log form, syringe sign out, count sheet as appropriate, etc.
Implement a broad curriculum aimed at teaching the consumers new skills in several areas: self-care
skills, family living skills, independent living skills, academic and social skills, pre-vocational and
vocational skills.
Demonstrates a basic understanding of developmental disabilities and mental illness to the individual
needs related to their culture, age, gender, etc
Set examples through commitment to the job and an effort to excel.
Overlook personal differences and promote teamwork within his/her area of responsibility and
throughout the company.
Reflect dedication to the company and respect for each other in all interactions with clients, families,
coworkers and those in the community.
Set the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct in all dealings
Show fiscal responsibility by controlling costs whenever and wherever possible.
Create a culture of open communication and trust where issues are discussed honestly and
appropriately.
Encounters an environment of change and challenge with acceptance and creativity.
Always treats consumers and families with respect and caring and gives priority to client needs and
respects client’s rights as demonstrated through direct contact with consumers and families, and as
indicated in the company’s policies, procedures, practices and training programs.
Thoroughly completes all assigned work within the prescribed timeframes.
Consistently arrives at work. Minimizes absences and gives advance notice of lateness and other
absences.
Works flexible hours to meet the needs of the individuals served and organization including day,
evenings, overnights and holidays.
Provides management oversight weekends and after hours by responding to the on-call system
personnel when needed.
Attends and participates in internal and external training as relevant to improving job skills.
Regularly performs related duties to enhance the functionality of the department or Apis Services and
affiliates’ needs.
Supports the company mission, vision, and values. Inspires others to support the organization.
Successfully satisfies annual competency requirements.
Professionally interacts with organizational personnel and external contacts according to Apis Services
and affiliates
Promptly addresses all facility issues
Teaches personal safety and community awareness skills to consumers by actively engaging them in
maintaining the safety of themselves, their roommates, and facility.
Take initiative in maintenance of facilities and vehicles.
Carries out inspections according to policy and procedures in apartments, group homes and other sites.
Completion and/or follow-up safety inspections and fire drills according to policy and procedure.
Utilizes safe decision driving techniques to ensure client safety.
Promptly addresses all facility, vehicle and equipment issues, which compromise client or staff safety or
require repair, utilizing appropriate procedures.
Actively reviews own work practice and area for safety.
Actively pursues information relating to safety, security, equipment and utilities for each facility.
Vehicles, Fire Alarm, Sprinklers, Utilities, Security
Able to operate safely