Direct Support Professional A​/B

Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for a variety of duties related to the overall care and support of individuals who have physical, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. The DSP will support assisting the individual in increasing their independence and skill development by providing training and assistance on individualized goals and objectives for daily life skills (i.e., personal care, education, recreation, social and community engagement) in a supportive and positive learning environment.

The DSP will provide or assist with personal care activities. The DSP will support the health, safety and an active lifestyle of the individual served.

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Implement individual treatment, education and behavioral plans using a variety of methodologies and best practices based on the needs of the individual.
• Ensure that all individuals remain actively engaged in meaningful activities according to their individual functional level.
• Record accurate and detailed documentation within required time frames regarding each individual’s progress in meeting goals and objectives, personal care, behaviour reports and health and safety as required by the program. Additional documentation may be required when necessary.
• Maintain a safe and organized training area that supports learning and personal growth.
• Address challenging behaviours proactively and utilise positive behavior intervention to manage and promote improved behaviour while remaining supportive of individuality.
• Assist individuals in educational/classroom, recreational, social and community activities based on preference and individual plans.
• Monitor the health and safety of the individual at all times.
• Respond to and report unsafe conditions, environment and equipment to the Supervisor, verbally and in writing.
• Observe individuals for injury or bruises. Follow incident reporting procedures including documentation and submitting report to a Supervisor.
• Assist individuals by providing for special health care and personal care needs.
• Evaluate the individual for changes in emotional and/or physical status and report verbally and in writing any concerns to a Supervisor.
• Ensure that each individuals’ rights are protected.
• Use person first language and treat individuals with dignity and respect.
• Dress appropriately and professionally for the responsibilities of the position.

• May provide transportation to individuals served. If required to drive, will maintain a valid Arkansas Driver’s License and current car insurance, will complete annual Rules of the Road training and if required, will obtain a CDL.
• Will follow all vehicle procedures including but not limited to vehicle pre-check inspection, using seat belts, wheelchair tie-downs, not using cell phone or engaging in any prohibited conduct.

• Complete annual training as required by Easterseals Arkansas and program licensing agency by participation in trainings offered by Easterseals, licensing agency, other sources and self-study.
• Use tools and information from trainings to enhance the quality of services.

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas.

Employee has access to all protected health information of the individuals directly served by this person, except psychotherapy notes. Employee will not attempt to access any other protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED). CNA license preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with individuals receiving services with diverse ability levels and employees with diverse experience and knowledge levels.
• Ability to be self‑directed, creative and to take initiative.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

Valid Arkansas Driver’s Licence (if hired in a position where employee will drive)

First Aid and CPR certification within the first 90 days of employment and maintained throughout employment.

Ability to obtain additional credentials based on future organisational and/or regulatory requirements.

Ability to lift and transfer individuals according to weight guidelines for lifting.

The physical demands described here are…