Self Direction DSP (Direct Support Professional) - Per Diem

Liberty Resources / Liberty POST•Syracuse, NY

22d•$16 - $28

About The Position

Liberty Resources is a dynamic human services agency and a great place to work! Working for Liberty Resources means you’ll have access to great career opportunities, benefits and a fun atmosphere. Our employees have passion around the services they provide and our corporate values of excellence and staff support. We pride ourselves on high quality, integrated, community-based services that meet the evolving needs of our communities. We’re committed to building a diverse workforce that values contributions of all team members and work to recognize cultural beliefs, values, traditions, language preferences, and health practices of the communities that we serve and how they apply to provision of positive health outcomes. Liberty Resources is dedicated to providing a wide array of services and supports to help individuals live their best lives. We value service, excellence, and responsibility, seeing opportunity where others see barriers to success. We strive to create and sustain an inclusive environment where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging. Position Summary Self-Hired Direct Support Professionals work to provide person-centered services that enrich the lives of individuals receiving services from Liberty Resources. These services focus on maximizing a person’s independence while promoting individual choice and maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Emphasis is placed on creating an environment that encourages the individuals to experience a full life. Direct Support Professionals assist the individuals in participating in daily and weekly activities such as shopping at the grocery store, exercising, personal interests and hobbies and other desired activities. Direct Support Professionals advocate for individuals to be integrated into community life.

Requirements

HS diploma or GED required.
Bachelors/Associates or prior experience preferred.
Must have a valid Driver’s License and be able to use personal car for transporting individuals.
Individual qualifications defined by the individual or their Circle of Support may also apply.
Strong interpersonal skills. Effective oral and written communication skills.
Must be able to work independently ascend/descend stairways; observe, instruct, supervise individuals in all activities of daily living.
Possess technical skills in the area of household management.
Some programs may require the following: regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, climb stairs; ability to lift, transfer or physically assist individuals may be required.
Demonstrate sound judgment, aptitude and ability to work with individuals with developmental disabilities population.
Possess computer competency.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors/Associates or prior experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Health and Wellness: Direct support professionals promote the health and wellness of all individuals through health maintenance and prevention strategies, knowledge of general health and safety rules, first aid and emergency procedures. Direct support professionals assist individuals in completing personal care activities (e.g., hygiene) while ensuring an individual’s privacy and promoting independence.
Individual Empowerment: Direct support professionals cultivate and promote the ability of the individual to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, assertiveness and independence. Direct support professionals show respect for individuals by soliciting and honoring choices, and encouraging personal responsibility and independence in all day-to-day events or activities.
Household Management: Direct support professionals assist the individual served with household management (e.g., shopping, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning and decorating) and transportation to maximize the individual’s skills, abilities and independence.
Advocacy: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the diverse challenges facing individuals and understand their role as an advocate. Direct support professionals understand and communicate individual needs, wants and choices to his/her family, coworkers, the organization and the service system. Direct support professionals identify and promote the rights of individuals. Identifies and reports untoward incidents as required.
Facilitation of Services: Direct support professionals have knowledge sufficient to fulfill their role related to service plan development, implementation and review. Direct support professionals know the history, needs, and preferences of the individuals served, including characteristics of disability, behavior, cultural background, and medical issues.
Documentation: Direct support professionals maintain and update documentation and reports required by the organization and the individual/Circle of Support who has hired them, in a thorough and contemporaneous manner.
Organizational Participation: Direct support professionals understand and adhere to organizational mission, policies and procedures, understand their role and responsibilities within the organization, and represent the organization in a responsible and respectful manner. Direct Support Professionals participate in all required trainings by the organization.
Professionalism: Direct support professionals perform job duties and interact with supported individuals and coworkers in a professional, respectful and positive manner at all times.
Community and Service Networking: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the formal and informal resources and supports available in the community and are skilled in assisting the individual to gain access to such supports. Direct support professionals assist individuals in identifying, planning, and participating in community events and activities preferred by the individual.
Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships: Direct support professionals assist the individual in building and strengthening skills necessary to develop and maintain friendships and other personal relationships. Direct support professionals promote community integration and identify opportunities for the individual to develop and maintain relationships (e.g. involvement in community group, inviting neighbors to birthday party).
Crisis Intervention: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about crisis prevention, intervention and resolution techniques and should match such techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.
Technology: Direct support professionals are required to have mobile internet access in order to electronically log daily service delivery times, mileage, and necessary documentation when working with the individual.