Direct Support Professional

Description

Major Responsibilities:

A. Assist and support people to realize their goals and attain personal outcomes.

B. Assist and support people to develop and/or maintain a natural support network.

C. Assist and support people to develop and maintain social roles.

D. Assist and support people to maintain their health and well-being.

E. Assist and support people to utilize their community and its resources.

F. Assist and support people to make informed choices in all aspects of their life.

G. Assist and support people to live and work in a safe environment.

H. Advocate for people with disabilities and teach members of the community to treat people with dignity and respect by modeling positive attitudes and respectful communication and interactions.

I. Work as a member of a team to complete tasks as instructed, be receptive to new ideas, and be creative in solving problems. Work cooperatively with respect to all team members and their contributions.

J. Support people to achieve outcomes by providing opportunities to learn and grow regardless of their disability. Provide training and support to help people recognize their rights and actively self-advocate.

K. Maintain confidentiality of information about people served, records, personnel practices, internal practices, and the Agency’s business affairs.

L. Promote teamwork within and between settings and maintain communication channels. Consistently use people first language in all communication.

M. Provide accurate, unbiased, and consistent documentation relating to training goals and medical/behavioral events on a daily basis.

N. Display a positive and professional attitude in your interactions with people served, other employees, and other persons with whom your work for Lake Region Corporation brings you into contact.

O. Consistently incorporate the Agency’s philosophy in daily services that meet state licensure and regulation requirements as well as Agency determined expectations.

P. Abide by all Lake Region Corporation policies and procedures.

  Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Work hours assigned. 

2. Attend in-services and workshops as appropriate and approved. Attend meetings as requested.

3. Provide assistance to complete hygiene, grooming, and clothing care. Assist people to maintain their home and assure people have a safe environment. 

4. Support people to maintain and expand connections in their natural support network of family and friends. This includes telephone calls, email, Facebook, visits, writing letters and opening mail. 

5. Ensure all necessary agency forms and assessments are completed accurately. Follow all emergency procedures and drills. Assure proper documentation in Therap is completed for the people supported. 

6. Provide people supported with training and support to maintain their health. Assist with medication administration and follow medical provider’s recommendations. Prepare well-balanced meals and snacks following each person’s diet orders. 

7. Assist people to access their community and use its resources. This includes grocery shopping, personal shopping, attending special events/activities, and exploring interests. Provide financial assistance by training on budgeting, monitoring petty cash, and getting checks for larger purchases. 

8. Encourage people to participate in opportunities that facilitate assertiveness and self-esteem. Assist people to fully exercise their rights and make choices. 

9. Assist people to celebrate the achievement of personal successes/milestones.

10. Participate in the personal planning process by providing information to the team about what you know to be the dreams and goals, strengths, needs and preferences of people you support.

Requirements

Essential Requirements:

A. High school diploma or GED preferred.

B. Valid driver’s license preferred.

C. Computer experience preferred.

D. Certification in developmental disabilities preferred. Must be willing to meet certification requirements for the position.

E. Must be able to perform CPR, AED, First Aid upon certification.

F. Must be able to implement Therapeutic Response Techniques.

G. Must be able to occasionally lift/carry up to 50 lbs. and lift 10 lbs. overhead.

H. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and squat frequently throughout shift.