DC - DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL - DSP

Mission: Advancing community support and opportunities for people living with disabilities

Core Values: We believe each person should:

Be included, respected, and valued.

Have ongoing information, experiences, and expectations from which to make choices.

Have a variety of relationships.

Live and participate in the communities of their choice.

Have a career, dreams for the future, and make meaningful contributions.

JOB TITLE: Support Specialist, Residential

Grade: 1

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Revised: May 4, 2016

SUPERVISED BY: Team Leader I, Residential

Job Summary: Provides support to individuals with disabilities in developing and/or maintaining skills that will enhance the quality of their lives in the community; assists with personal care, household tasks and daily routines; performs other job related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

Observe and respond to individuals physical, social, behavioral and personal needs;

Provide adequate supervision to individuals to facilitate their health and safety;

Will:

Administer medication to consumers; ensure that administration is timely and in the right dosage;

Transport consumers to and from appointments, community sites, etc.;

Document consumer responses to programming

Assist consumers prepare for their appointments, community activities, employment, etc.;

Assist with the planning and implementation of daily activities;

Prepare meals or assist with the preparation of meals;

Assist with the daily household chores, to include but not limited to laundry, meal preparation and cleaning up;

Attend and participate in all relevant agency events, workshops, training and meetings;

Ensure responsible usage of consumer and agency resources, e.g. vehicles, buildings, finances, etc and

Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to gain working knowledge of St. John's Community Services policies and procedures;

Ability to act as a representative of St. John's Community Services to the public;

Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with other staff members and individuals from diverse backgrounds;

Ability to pass a criminal background check;

Knowledge of acceptable food preparation and safety practices and procedures; and

Skilled in the operation of relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or G.E.D. required

Experience in community based programs preferred

Must meet SJCS and funding jurisdiction current requirements for criminal background/records check.

Valid health certificate to meet current funding jurisdiction requirements;

Valid state-issued driver's license with current driving record in good standing preferred.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work may require lifting heavy objects up to 30 pounds.

Work environment involves risks or discomforts that require special safety precautions e.g. safely operating a motor vehicle; lifting, transferring and/or positioning consumers; exposure to aggressive human behavior; practices with office equipment; and/or avoidance of trips and falls.