DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Job Description

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional is responsible to assist the consumer/participant in the GROWTH CPS program to develop skills necessary to achieve success and satisfaction in the community through accessing community resources and establishments, volunteer sites and work experiences. The DSP will demonstrate the ability to protect and maintain the health and safety of the consumer.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) works together with GROWTH participants in the community. The DSP creates and facilitates daily outings designed to promote community integration, vocational skill development, build cultural identity, and connect participants with relevant opportunities to help meet their larger goals as participants of GROWTH. GROWTH participants may spend time in the community engaging in anything from cultural activities, museum visits, life skills-based excursions, volunteer opportunities, parks and more. The DSP will accompany up to three people at a time in the community and transport in a GROWTH vehicle for these outings.

Essential Duties and Functions

Accompanies groups of 1 to 3 GROWTH participants into the community on a daily basis to take part in community activities and/or volunteer activities.

Meet the basic needs of our participants while in the community. This may include medication administration, or other ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living),

Provide continuous supervision for participants while in the community.

Be an “ambassador” of GROWTH while in the community.

Attend to basic first aid when needed.

Implement ISP’s (Individual Support Plans) and behavior support plans.

A basic knowledge of area community integrated opportunities.

Be knowledgeable of calendar of scheduled outings.

Protect all HIPAA related information while out in the community or around others whom are not on a need-to-know basis.

Provide emergency medical procedures as needed, including Basic First Aid, and CPR (after completion of CPR Training)

Provide transportation in an RHD vehicle in a safe manner when accessing community activities, volunteer sites, work experiences, and homes as directed.

Attend staff meetings and in-service

Complete all required paperwork.

Complete daily progress notes in MyAvatar; must be completed and forwarded to Program Specialists on daily basis.

On-going engagement of participants throughout the day.

Excellent communication skills.

Team participation, willingness and understanding of working with people with intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge of participants’ ISPs and needs in order to work with them in a meaningful and productive way.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or High School Diploma with minimum of three years’ experience working with people with Intellectual developmental disabilities.

Valid Driver’s License

Demonstrate strong professionalism, organizational, leadership and time management skills.

Demonstrate the ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.

Ability to support and implement RHD’s and GROWTH’s values and beliefs.

Ability to engage participants in effective, therapeutic and healthy interactions.

Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities a plus.

Ability to work cooperatively with others.

Strong ability to relate in a professional manner with other staff, individuals we serve, other support professionals, families and the community.

Ability to problem-solve.

Good writing and record keeping skills.

Ability to provide direct care and hands on care as needed.

Ability to lift minimum of 25 pounds.

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Basic Computer skills.

Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in written form. Ability to interact with all levels of staff.

Self-motivated with the ability to apply and continually develop professional/organizational skills.

Ability to take initiative and accept ownership and responsibility for assigned projects.

Ability to establish priorities, coordinate work activities, multi-task, and meet deadlines in a dynamic, open, fast-paced work environment.

Ability to work well in a team and independently.

Check emails and respond/follow up no less than weekly (daily preferred)

Other duties as needed.

Resources for Human Development is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran, or disability status.

Part-time