Direct Support Professional

I. JOB SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP1) provides services to children & young adults with developmental disabilities which focus on helping each individual to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. The DSP1 follows a person-centered model of care to assist individuals to participate fully and meaningfully in their daily routines at the Home and in the community. This includes ensuring that active, individualized treatment is a continuous, ongoing, and integrated effort focused on helping the individual develop the skills needed so that they can live the kind of life that they desire.

The DSP1 functions as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team supporting all services and activities identified in each Individual Support Plan (ISP). This position requires excellent communication skills, kindness and compassion, and an understanding of the kinds of supports required by children and young adults with special needs.

• participating in routine, scheduled and spontaneous activities at the Home and in the community, such as preparing for school, attending appointments, and participating in field trips and recreational activities such as sports, music, reading, arts and crafts, games, study groups, exercising in the hydra therapy pool, etc.
• assists with eating and following designated individualized feeding techniques
• applying splints and braces
• therapeutic positioning using a variety of adaptive equipment in multiple environments
• mobility, including lifting individuals from a seated or lying down position, pushing individuals in their wheelchairs, using adapted lifting equipment, and helping individuals walk and maintain stability

• provides as much care and assistance needed to promote good health
• helps individuals receive medical care and communicates appropriately with medical professionals
• monitors, records and reports information regarding health conditions, such as fluid input/output, etc.observes seizures, documents detail, and reports accurately.
• reports any changes in individual’s physical condition and seeks medical intervention when needed

• applies effective communication strategies and teaches necessary skills to the individuals served
• implements support programs as written and at the frequency required as identified in an individual’s ISP
• demonstrates accurate data collection procedures as required by the ISP to document progress on skill development and achievement
• can incorporate skill development opportunities in a natural manner throughout the regular daily routines
• participates in team planning meetings and provide feedback in order to ensure the development of meaningful and appropriate ISPs

• serves as role model and mentor, demonstrating desired behaviors, and coaching individuals using approved techniques and strategies
• uses approved physical intervention techniques as directed to protect individuals and others
• provides support and assistance by participating in each individual’s specific behavior training programs and completing necessary documentation

• assists individuals with achieving personal goals and works on behalf of individuals to overcome barriers
• helps individuals participate in activities of their choice and supports their gifts and talents
• supports individuals in the development of friendships and other meaningful relationships
• acts in the best interest of each individual’s personal beliefs, choices, and interests rather than in response to perceived shortcomings or staff interests
• works closely with the Support Coordinator to ensure plans are implemented effectively and modifications implemented as needed
• assists with data collection

• maintains and cares for each individual’s personal belongings and adaptive equipment
• maintains clean and orderly living units and program areas for the individuals served
• provides supervision and ensures safety of individuals at all times
• participates in shift report on living units and completes necessary documentation
• works collaboratively with others to implement and oversee a variety of recreational activities
• supports…