Direct Support Professional

About This Role

Direct Support Professionals implement person-centered services for individuals, ensuring their goals and outcomes are met through program-based and community inclusion activities. This role is directly responsible for the overall physical and emotional well-being of the individuals they support.

Responsibilities

• Implement individuals’ plans, consistent with their specific services, goals and outcomes
• Participate in the planning and implementation of activities, both at the program and in the community, that address these goals and outcomes
• Support and teach individuals according to their services, goals and outcomes
• Actively engage individuals in skills development, socialization and task participation across all settings
• Ensure that supports are provided with consideration for each person’s individualized needs and routines
• Promote and support the inclusion of individuals in their community according to their unique needs, interests, and desires
• Model and encourage interaction between individuals and community members
• Foster individuals’ personal growth by assisting in forming and maintaining friendships with neighbors, co-workers and peers
• Assist in maintaining positive communications with family members, advocates, and service providers as per program needs
• Transport individuals or assist them in taking public transportation, as required
• Participate in planning recreational activities and outings
• Participate as requested in the Program Planning Team (PPT) meetings
• Document necessary information and data in areas such as medical, behavioral, individualized services, goals and outcomes, fire safety, community inclusion, communication books, etc., ensuring their accuracy and completeness
• Complete all written reports and documentation on a timely basis
• Provide appropriate levels of supervision on an individualized basis for staff and individuals, ensuring staff are trained on the LOS for each person
• Actively engage in all program services such as toileting, showering, behavioral interventions, community inclusion, emergencies, meal prep, physical plant cleanliness, etc. as needed and required
• Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of all staff and individuals
• Report all incidents to program management immediately upon discovery
• Ensure that equipment and supplies are appropriately and safely stored
• Clean as frequently and thoroughly as necessary to meet program cleanliness standards
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to supervisor
• Maintain certification in AMAP, CPR/First Aid and SCIP, as required
• Meet or exceed the DSP Core Competencies Standards by the end of the 1st year of employment