Sr. Direct Support Professional

Under general supervision, is responsible for devoting his/her attention to the care and development of the residents in one of the Agencys residential facilities. Interacts in a manner which fosters dignity and learning in a way that helps lead to greater independence. Helps create a homelike atmosphere for residents in an agency facility.

• Provides care and assists with personal development and independence of residents.
• Ensures that all measures for safety and well-being are maintained at highest level.
• Trains residents in activities of daily living and in development of self-help and social skills.
• Maintains a personalized, homelike atmosphere in residence facility.
• Attends weekly staff meetings as well as any other assigned meetings and in-service training.
• Prepares concise written reports including Incident Reports, Residents Progress Notes and other reports as assigned.
• Responds to crisis situations and medical emergencies, including accidents by taking quick and decisive action.
• Ensures actions are conducted in a manner that prevents abuse and reports observations of co-workers who may be abusive in accordance with established procedures.
• Administers appropriate first aid based on visible symptoms and resident history in accordance with established guidelines and accepted first aid practices.
• Summons police, fire, ambulance or other emergency personnel if situation warrants it.
• If emergency has caused resident to exhibit behavior that is threatening or dangerous, in accordance with OPWDD approved Behavior Management guidelines, may have to restrain that resident.
• Transports residents in agency vehicles to and from work, shopping, programs, restaurants, movies, doctors appointments, etc.
• Assists with meal planning and preparation as well as with purchasing of food and supplies.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and implements behavioral programs.
• Participates fully as a member of interdisciplinary plan.
• Maintains an ongoing informal exchange of information. Maintains written logs for recording daily activities.
• Performs housekeeping, cooking, laundry, light maintenance and light preventative maintenance duties as needed in order to maintain a safe and homelike environment.
• Supervises any other activities as may be necessary in order to maintain quality of program.
• Dispenses prescribed medications to residents after successful completion of medication administration course and in line with Agency protocol. AMAPs are supervised by residence nurse in all areas related to medication administration.
• Completes all activities related to skill buildings as outlined in individual program plans.
• Attends to personal hygiene needs of residents i.e. toileting, bathing and changing as situation warrants.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with coworkers, employees, residents and their families
• Ability to analyze problems and determine corrective measures

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Six months of related experience is preferred but not required
• Salaried employees must be approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) at time of hire or within six months of date of hire in salaried status