Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Summary/Objective:

This position is responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being, happiness, growth and development of the individuals Home to Stay supports. 

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old and High School Diploma or High School equivalent 
• Acceptance and understanding of the Home to Stay’ Hallmarks of Success 
• Ability to successfully complete the interview and reference process
• Required federal and state clearances 
• Valid driver’s license
• Successfully complete and maintain all trainings as mandated by federal, state and agency
• Successfully pass drug test

 Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develops positive, respectful relationships with individuals supported by Home to Stay.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all rules, policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate books and manuals.
• Ensures the overall health, safety and accountability of all supported individuals, in the home, out in the community and during transport through safe driving.
• For each supported individual, knows and follows the Individual Service Plans (ISP), skill assessments and Outcomes.
• Offers information for Interdisciplinary Team Meetings.
• Understanding and following all emergency procedures, included but not limited to Unusual Incident reports.
• Ensures that individual’s personal rights are followed.
• Provides any direct assistance required by the individuals.
• Complies with work schedules; demonstrating good punctuality, attendance, and flexibility with continuing education and training.
• Interacts professionally with the individuals, employees, and people in the community.
• Provides detailed documentation of the day’s events on the provided forms with timely submission.
• Participates in the interdisciplinary process by carrying out the goals and services described in the individual service plan(s).
• Follows only Home to Stay’s approved prescribed behavioral guidelines and techniques.
• Understands individual medications and make certain doctor’s orders and medical treatment plans are followed when applicable.
• Transports individuals in their own vehicle as needed.
• Assists individuals with their personal finances to the extent listed in their service plan and and provides the necessary documentation when necessary.
• Involves individuals in community activities and events.
• Completes and/or assists with some home management activities, such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, etc.
• Assist individuals in keep up with their personal hygiene and grooming, such as showers, tooth brushing, shaving, haircuts and fingernail clipping.
• Promotes safety abd promote the development of adaptive behavior needed for greater independent functioning and the enjoyment of a healthy and productive life.
• Promotes community integration by demonstrating responsible, courteous behavior and a positive perception of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Cooperates with Home to Stay and staff from the Department of Human Services during any inspection or investigation.
• Additional tasks as needed or requested by the Program Director.

 Work Environment:

• This job operates in an individual’s home environment and routinely uses standard household and office equipment such as appliances, computers and phones.
• This job also includes community and recreational activities.
• Days and shifts may change as dictated by programming. 

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is also expected to drive, support, transfer, use various ambulatory aides, and lift up to 50lbs as needed.  

Confidentiality:

• The Direct Support Professional has access to the protected health information of people in the agency’s care. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations apply to confidential information in all areas of Home to Stay.
• General professional confidentiality is also expected in this position.  

Competencies:

• Ability to use a computer for essential job functions such as electronic time and recordkeeping.
• Read, write and speak the English language in order to perform job duties.
• Perform basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Ethical conduct
• Flexibility
• Focus on Individuals Supported
• Teaching skills
• Ability to accept direction and work as member of a team
• Positive and enthusiastic role model

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, schedules, program locations, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.