Lead DSP

Lead Direct Support Professionals are directly involved in the daily routines and support of the individuals for whom SSLS provides services, and serve a crucial role in the safety, cleanliness, and smooth operation of their assigned site.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• Must pass the DSHS BCCU background check at time of hire and tri-annually thereafter
• Must be certified as NAR, CNA, or HCA
• Must have 75-Hr Training Certificate or Waiver Letter
• Must have Nurse Delegation Training
• Minimum 24 months of Industry Experience
• Must have current CPR/First Aid certification

Overview of Direct Support Professional Duties

• Perform all tasks in compliance with SSLS, DDA, State and Federal policies, procedures and laws.
• Following the guiding values of the Residential Services Guidelines, support clients in the core areas of improving Competency, preserving Health and Safety, advocating for Integration in the community, building positive Relationships, promoting personal Power and Choice, and increasing Status. (C-H-I-R-P-S)
• Help clients develop positive recognition of self and others, gain skills and achieve personal goals as outlined in their individual care plans.
• Read and understand individual Person-Centered Support Plans (PCSP) and implement Individual Instruction and Support Plan (IISP) objectives.
• Read and understand individual Functional Assessments (FA) and employ Positive Behavioral Support Plan (PBSP) strategies to support clients as they work to overcome maladaptive or challenging behaviors.
• Support clients in all activities of daily living (ADLs) including financial management as outlined in the Individual Financial Plan (IFP).
• Follow guidance from medical, dental, mental health and behavioral health professionals.
• Observe and/or assist with medication administration according to the individual’s care plans to ensure physician/nurse orders are followed.
• Follow the 5 Rights of Medication Administration:
• Right Person, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Time and Right Route
• Maintain a positive and caring relationship with all clients while observing professional boundaries so clients continue to be as independent as possible.
• Make client health and safety the top priority at all times.

The Lead DSP holds a critical position as the staff member who is present at the site during business hours 4 or more days out of the week. They are a role model and leader within the team. An effective Lead DSP ensures the highest quality of care for the clients.

Lead DSP duties include, but are not limited to, the DSP duties outlined on pages 4-6, and the following extended duties. Extended Duties for Lead Direct Support Professionals The Lead DSP has excellent oral and written communication skills

• Communicate with Managers and Staff before and throughout each shift.
• Lead effective shift change meeting with all arriving and departing staff.
• Seek guidance from Program Manager to prioritize tasks and/or find resources and staff support to meet all client needs.
• Set the standard for professionalism by being punctual, dressing appropriately, avoiding gossip, maintaining boundaries and completing job duties with a positive attitude.
• Update the Staff Planner with all appointments, instructions, and note-worthy events.
• Communicate with client guardians, medical providers, DDA staff and job coaches
• Assist Program Manager with training new staff.
• Follow the chain of command to address all client and team concerns: DSP >
  Lead DSP >
  Program Manager >
  Care Coordinator or Administrator

The Lead DSP maintains a high standard for documentation

• Review client site books for completeness and accuracy
• Notify Program Manager of incomplete or inaccurate entries
• Prepare new Monthly Paperwork before month-end
• Remove Monthly Paperwork after month-end and turn in to Program Manager
• Verify Client Financials monthly with another Lead DSP
• Inspect medication boxes on a weekly basis;
  Notify Program Manager and Medical Coordinator of any missing, expired, or low medications.

The Lead DSP ensures site is clean and in good repair at all times

• Document and report all site damage or wear-and-tear to Program Manager
• Do…