Direct Support Professional
Basic Function
To integrate CCRI’s Guiding Principles by providing professional, client-centered guidance and support to individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions and/or medical care needs. This position provides personal or medical cares as needed, teaches appropriate behaviors and provides behavior management assistance. Assists in developing and/or teaching daily living skills as written in the Support Plan (SP). Assists people with reaching personal goals, learning new skills and community integration.
Classification
Full-time or Part-time/Non-Exempt/Service
Reports To
Residential Coordinator(s)
Qualifications
High school education or equivalent preferred. Dependability and reliability required. Essential functions of the position include English language proficiency in both written and spoken English. Applicants must exhibit good communication skills and the ability to verbally express thoughts clearly. Ability to independently problem solve on a daily basis. Ability to work independently with little or no supervision. Applicant must accurately complete documentation in a timely manner. Must have the ability to operate and navigate a personal computer. Must have the ability to work well with others, show a positive attitude, and maintain confidentiality. Must be able to transfer clients (if required) using proper lifting techniques. Required to have a cell phone or device with GPS capability, dependable transportation, a current driver’s license, car insurance and driving record that meets our insurability standards. Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check and be at least 18 years of age. Must pass First Aid competency, CPR competency and the CCRI Medication Administration Course (SLS only).
Essential Functions
- Follow, implement, and provide feedback with person-centered and behavioral outcomes.
- Plan, perform, or assist with cares or activities with individuals according to their preference or needs, to include, but not limited to, household chores (cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry, dishes, vacuuming, fixing bed, household maintenance, etc.), community involvement, social, recreation and leisure skills, communication skills, personal safety skills, appropriate behavior.
- Provide opportunities for new experiences in the community or home.
- Focus on the individual rather than the disability.
- Maintain professional boundaries between team members, families and individuals served.
- Serve as a mentor and coach to individuals. Provide guidance and direction while being a positive role model to the individual.
- Assist in problem-solving issues.
- Be creative by trying new ideas that create a more positive impact for the individuals we serve, team-members, CCRI, and our community.
- Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of the individual(s) served at all times.
- Assist clients with self-advocacy skills and promote independence.
- Transport individuals (adhering to all safety policies and laws) as needed to meet program objectives and individual needs.
- Support new team members by providing on-the-job training.
- Exhibit flexibility to changing situations and be able to adapt as necessary.
- Participate in required meetings.
- Take direction and initiate actions that will allow for cross-training at multiple sites if required.
- Build relationships by facilitating friendships, partnerships, and personal and professional relationships.
- Create memorable moments that create a positive impact for our community.
- If applicable to the person, apply therapeutic intervention techniques as needed to individuals with verbal or physical aggression.
- If applicable to the person, assist or perform personal cares by repositioning client if necessary—bathing, bowel and bladder cares (suppositories), showering, exercising, range of motion, feeding (oral or feeding tube), hair care (brushing, washing, styling, shaving), dental care (brushing, flossing, dentures), nail clipping, etc.
- Connecting individuals we serve and CCRI with our community through volunteerism, integration, events, partnerships, memberships, etc.
- Medication management, if applicable to the individual. Follow the six rights to ensure proper medication administration. Ensure medical appointments are attended, physician orders and medical protocols are followed.
- Display patience when working with those we serve, guardians, and co-workers.
- Assist with teaching and preparing healthy meal plans to encourage optimal health.
- Accurately complete, maintain, and submit all documentation and written records as required by the department and/or Vulnerable Adult/Maltreatment to a Minor, Positive Behavior Support Plan, Rule 245D or other rules, regulations, and policies or procedures of the agency.
- Attend workshops and complete ongoing training as required.
- Prioritize multiple tasks according to need and have the ability to multitask under pressure.
- Look for ways to promote and improve the quality of CCRI services.
- Complete progress notes/flow charts, service outcomes and support plans, according to outcomes and supports of individual’s SP.
- Assist with updating training packets, site emergency numbers, possessions lists, team member phone lists, individual served info sheets, etc. Complete team leader reports; attend team leader meetings as scheduled. (SLS team leaders only).
- Maintain accurate financial management and documentation of client funds.
- Ensure routine and emergency medical services are provided.
- Assist individuals served in the development and implementation of Person-Centered Training Packets.
- Assist with coordination of Community Residential Setting (CRS), if applicable. (SLS only).
- Assist with ensuring van maintenance is completed (SLS only).
- Positively support and promote CCRI’s Wellness in Action program to individuals served.
- Adhere to CCRI’s Guiding Principles—Person-Centered, Team-Oriented and Professional by maintaining confidentiality, having a positive attitude, treating others with respect, being flexible, accepting responsibility and utilizing open and effective communication.
- Be a positive mentor and coach for new team members to ensure their job success and future.
- Ability to effectively manage and redirect behaviors, both physical and verbal.
- Ability to be trained or operate a Hoyer Lift, Van Lift (wheelchair), and/or manual lifts.
- Other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the team member is required to continuously (67–100%) walk and use hands for simple and firm grasping and fine manipulation. Must continuously be able to manage and cope in sometimes stressful situations.
Frequently (34–66%) the team member will be required to do the following:
- Lift and carry 25–100 lb.
- Squat/Kneel/Stoop
- Twist upper body
- Stand
Occasionally (16–33%) the team member will be required to do the following:
- Push/Pull 25–175 lb.
Rarely (1–15%) the team member will be required to do the following:
- Climb a ladder
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands may vary for each person we serve. You will be provided with more information if special physical demands are needed for a specific individual.
