Direct Support Professional – Waiver

• Provide support for individuals and/or groups of people with disabilities in the community as part of waiver services
• Help individuals identify and communicate requests and needs for services and supports
• Implement services and supports addressing each person's goals and desired outcomes through their Centered Plan
• Support people in their homes and communities as an advocate, teacher, coach, role model, and companion
• Promote healthy living and prevent illness and accidents
• Increase awareness of self-advocacy and support individual choice and decision-making
• Accompany people to work, movies, concerts, shopping, and other community outings
• Teach independent living skills and provide transportation to appointments
• Foster positive community relationships and promote decision-making about living, work, and social relationships
• Assist with personal care, bathing, laundry, cleaning, and decorating
• Document care provided and protect confidentiality
• Provide education on human, legal, and civil rights
• Use advocacy strategies to address diverse challenges of people living with disabilities
• Connect people with career, education, volunteerism, and other resources
• Promote effective communication
• Assist with medication administration where state law allows

• High School Diploma or GED (Preferred (TN))
• At least 18 years of age
• Valid driver's license
• Conflict resolution skills
• Some computer skills preferred
• Decision-making skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to maintain good work attendance
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Completion of criminal background screening
• Registry checks, including OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
• Drug testing
• Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements
• For driving positions: proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle if required for transportation

Demonstrates the ability to support individuals with disabilities through advocacy, teaching independent living skills, and promoting self-advocacy. Proficient in communication, decision-making, and maintaining confidentiality while providing personal care and community support.

• Advocacy Strategies
• Independent Living Skills
• Conflict Resolution Skills
• Communication Skills
• Decision-Making Skills

• Personal Care Assistance
• Medication Administration
• Documentation of Care
• Transportation Services
• Computer Skills

• Conflict Resolution
• Effective Communication
• Decision-Making
• Confidentiality Maintenance

• High School Diploma or GED
• Criminal Background Screening
• Registry Checks

• Waiver Services
• Self-Advocacy
• Community Support
• Healthy Living
• Civil Rights Education