Direct Support Professional 1

I. JOB SUMMARY: The Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP1) provides services to children & young adults with developmental disabilities which focus on helping each individual to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. The DSP1follows a person-centered model of care to assist individuals to participate fully and meaningfully in their daily routines at the Home and in the community. This includes ensuring that active, individualized treatment is a continuous, ongoing, and integrated effort focused on helping the individual develop the skills needed so that they can live the kind of life that they desire. The DSP1 functions as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team supporting all services and activities identified in each Individual Support Plan (ISP). This position requires excellent communication skills, kindness and compassion, and an understanding of the kinds of supports required by children and young adults with special needs. 

II. RESPONSIBILITIES:

Daily Supports - Assists individuals with all of their daily needs, including but not limited to:

• participating in routine, scheduled and spontaneous activities at the Home and in the community, such as preparing for school, attending appointments, and participating in field trips and recreational activities such as sports, music, reading, arts and crafts, games, study groups, exercising in the hydra therapy pool, etc.
• assists with eating and following designated individualized feeding techniques 
• applying splints and braces 
• therapeutic positioning using a variety of adaptive equipment in multiple environments 
• mobility, including lifting individuals from a seated or lying down position, pushing individuals in their wheelchairs, using adapted lifting equipment, and helping individuals walk and maintain stability 

Health Maintenance

• provides as much care and assistance needed to promote good health 
• helps individuals receive medical care and communicates appropriately with medical professionals
• monitors, records and reports information regarding health conditions, such as fluid input/output, etc.observes seizures, documents detail, and reports accurately.
• reports any changes in individual’s physical condition and seeks medical intervention when needed

Skills Development

• applies effective communication strategies and teaches necessary skills to the individuals served
• implements support programs as written and at the frequency required as identified in an individual’s ISP 
• demonstrates accurate data collection procedures as required by the ISP to document progress on skill development and achievement 
• can incorporate skill development opportunities in a natural manner throughout the regular daily routines
• participates in team planning meetings and provide feedback in order to ensure the development of meaningful and appropriate ISPs

Behavior Development

• serves as role model and mentor, demonstrating desired behaviors, and coaching individuals using approved techniques and strategies 
• uses approved physical intervention techniques as directed to protect individuals and others
• provides support and assistance by participating in each individual’s specific behavior training programs and completing necessary documentation

Advocacy

• assists individuals with achieving personal goals and works on behalf of individuals to overcome barriers 
• helps individuals participate in activities of their choice and supports their gifts and talents 
• supports individuals in the development of friendships and other meaningful relationships
• acts in the best interest of each individual’s personal beliefs, choices, and interests rather than in response to perceived shortcomings or staff interests
• works closely with the Support Coordinator to ensure plans are implemented effectively and modifications implemented as needed
• assists with data collection 

Operational Support

• maintains and cares for each individual’s personal belongings and adaptive equipment
• maintains clean and orderly living units and program areas for the individuals served 
• provides supervision and ensures safety of individuals at all times
• participates in shift report on living units and completes necessary documentation 
• works collaboratively with others to implement and oversee a variety of recreational activities 
• supports and supervises all individuals while promoting increased independence and choice
• reports any equipment problems, unusual incidents or injuries to the appropriate individual and completes necessary paper work.

Professional Behavior

• is familiar with and applies organizational mission and values at all times
• complies with all policies and procedures at St. Mary’s, including but not limited to: attendance, punctuality, dress code, infection control, safety, lifting, abuse and neglect, and confidentiality
• acts in a professional manner and communicates effectively with others 
• works promptly and efficiently so that individuals can arrive at scheduled activities prepared and on time
• is respectful and courteous to individuals, fellow employees, and visitors
• follows instructions with a positive attitude
• attends all job related mandatory training sessions 

Education/Experience:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; some college preferred.
• Previous experience working with individuals in an elementary educational environment or working with special needs children and young adults preferred.
• Drivers’ license, acceptable driving record CPR, Basic First Aid, and some DSP experienced preferred. 

Physical and Other Requirements 

• Must complete Person Centered Practice Training and pass competency assessments after the training.
• Must complete training and demonstrate competency of Safety Care concepts and physical interventions
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat for variable periods of time.
• Must be able to follow proper procedures to safely lift up to thirty-five (35) pounds, use lifting equipment, and position individuals in a variety of positioning equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. 
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Must wear company-issued ID badge at all times