Direct Support Professional

Our Vision

The elimination of barriers that restrict individuals with disabilities from community inclusion.

We strive to eliminate all barriers that keep our clients from being a part of their community.

Our Mission

To provide services and supports to people with barriers to attain self-direction, inclusion, personal fulfillment, and productivity in all life areas.

At DSI, we provide these services and supports to our clients to help them attain self-direction, inclusion and personal fulfillment and be productive in all areas of life.

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Direct Support Professional

DIVISION: Community Living/Services

SUPERVISOR: Assistant Director, Community Living

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

PURPOSE:   

The primary goal of this position is to help individuals build strong social skills and encourage independence while creating an environment that allows the client to thrive.  Must provide support to ensure the client can attain self-direction, inclusion, personal fulfillment, and productivity in all life areas.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Plan and provide active care for designated clients, wherever needed. Develop an individualized approach to client care by providing instruction in communication skills, daily living skills, socialization skills, fine and gross motor skills, perceptual skills, and any other areas based on programming and client needs.
2. Must remain actively engaged with all clients. Clients may have medical and / or behavioral needs that will require some form of care.
3. Document the major activities and supports provided for client(s) in daily notes. Complete all documentation in a professional, accurate, and timely manner according to agency standards
4. Input documentation into Accel of clients programming including but not limited to: behavior, seizures, accidents/incidents, and progress on objectives on a daily basis.
5. Must be able and willing to use personal cell phone as needed, or company device as available for time entry.
6. Responsibly pass or monitor medication administration based on needs of the client.
7. Must be willing to drive / take clients to appointments, work, and other daily living activities.
8. Provide a safe environment for all clients. Plan and participate in all special community based activities for clients. Discover and foster activities that promote a meaningful day.
9. Display patience in all situations involving clients. Speak in an even and positive tone of voice when conversing with clients.
10. Appropriately respond to client's behavior via verbal and/or physical intervention based on the needs of the client.
11. Provide services in compliance with all funding sources and governing bodies (CARF, BQIS, State Board of Health, State and Federal Law). Maintain confidentiality by adhering to HIPAA guidelines and agency policies.
12. Follow policies/procedures set forth by the agency in specific department you are working.
13. Create a positive environment for clients, parents, guardians, and participating staff.
14. Must be able to care for the physical needs of the client including feeding, hygiene, and toileting. Must be capable of assisting in physically transferring/moving clients when needed.  Physical activities may include but not be limited to:  lifting up 25-50 pounds (depending on client); bending; reaching; stretching; grasping; visual acuity; walking; squatting, kneeling, twisting, climbing, crawling, stooping, carrying, pushing, pulling, guiding, transporting and wheelchair securement. Provide first aid and physical assistance to the individual as needed.
15. Use of medical adaptive equipment including, but not limited to: wheelchair, Hoyer lift, shower chairs, blood sugar testing equipment, CPAP, oxygen, BP and any others required.
16. Monitor physical condition of the client's home while ensuring a safe and sound environment. Be willing to clean all areas of the house and conduct routine inspections to ensure cleanliness.
17. For the safety of our clients you must be punctual and have consistent attendance. This includes the ability to work irregular shifts outside the standard agency operating hours including weekends and holidays as necessary to meet the needs of the clients. Must be willing to work at different direct care locations within the agency, as needed.
18. Maintain professional communication with client, family members, and other stakeholders.
19. Remain awake and available to support the client at all times during scheduled hours.
20. Attend meetings and trainings as authorized.
21. Display a team-oriented, cooperative attitude while maintaining a positive working relationship with co-workers, supervisory staff, and clients.

JOB ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasional high noise levels may require the use of hearing protection.
• Potential exposure to bodily fluids, pests, contagious pathogens, and/or bed bugs.
• Must be able to climb stairs on an occasional basis to access work areas.
• Occasional exposure to fumes, oils, paints and other industrial odors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School diploma or GED preferred.
2. Previous experience working with clients with intellectual disabilities is preferred.
3. Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining annual certification in CPR, First Aid, CPI and Med Core A & B and perform if necessary.
4. Maintain a valid Indiana driver's license, insurance on personal vehicle (minimum of PLPD with Medical liability coverage), and maintain insurability as defined by the agency liability insurance carrier preferred.
5. Possess and maintain reliable transportation that meets state requirements for transporting clients, preferred.

The above statements reflect general functions of this job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements inherent to the job.  The immediate supervisor may elaborate on the above list if the duties come within the employee's realm of responsibility.

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