DSP OPWDD - Services

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to work alongside the people we support in order to help them to achieve their Personal Outcomes. This includes working with them to develop daily living, professional and informed decision-making skills while also supporting their overall health and safety. This role requires the ability to speak, read, and write in English at a level sufficient to successfully complete required training, understand and follow support plans, communicate with care teams and providers, accurately document services and patient information, and to comply with health and safety standards.

• Works with the people we support to help them identify and realize their personal life goals.
• Advocates with the people we support in a variety of situations.
• Works with the people we support to teach them new life skills.
• Works in partnership with the people we support to promote their health and safety.
• Assists the people we support to overcome barriers and challenges to establishing and maintaining a network of relationships and valued social roles.
• Works with the people we support and other members of the interdisciplinary team to develop service plans that aid the person in achieving their personal life goals.
• Provides positive behavior support to the people we support as necessary.
• Prevents, recognizes and reports abuse toward the people we support.
• Accurately documents service provision, daily notes and other information as required.
• Promotes and supports community involvement for the people we support.
• Transports clients to locations outside the home, such as to physicians' offices or on outings, using a motor vehicle.
• Performs other healthcare-related tasks as needed.
• Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Administers bedside or personal care as needed (OPWDD Only).
• Assists with personal care and hygiene as needed.
• Cares for individuals during periods of incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care, or help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
• Performs housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, or running errands.
• Plans, shops for, or prepares nutritious meals or assists individuals in planning, shopping for, or preparing nutritious meals.

• Supports individuals in achieving employment-related service plan goals by providing instruction in transferable soft skills through volunteer opportunities, lectures, information sessions, and other community-based experiences and resources.
• Evaluates progress and identifies barriers for each program participant via internal documentation and assessment tools provided by OPWDD.
• Performs community outreach on behalf of the people we support to identify viable and meaningful volunteer opportunities.
• Assists with resume development, interview preparation, travel training, hygiene education, and other areas of need to help prepare supported individuals for competitive employment.
• Communicates with other members of the employment team on behalf of participants looking to pursue competitive employment or further intensive job development.
• Collaborates with families and other members of interdisciplinary team when necessary to ensure person-centered services are provided for the supported individuals.

• Always communicate in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.

• Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
• Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
• Meets all job requirements for participating in or delivering training.
• Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Please note the above duties,…