JOB SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional provides direct, interactive and supportive supervision and instruction to individuals in various environments to assist them to explore, discover and achieve their desired outcomes. Areas of support include, but are not limited to life skills, personal development, community access and integration, and independent living.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide direct, interactive supervision and support to children in desired activities to foster independence and the achievement of their goals
Understand and implement the strategies and goals identified in the child’s Care Plan. This may include goals related to community and volunteer activities, home skills, meal preparation, budget and money management, personal care, and social interaction skills.
Assist and/or prompt the children with daily personal care tasks (toileting, bathing, etc.) in a manner that is respectful and timely to their respective needs.
Use personal vehicle to provide transportation to support the individual in accessing community activities, visits, appointments, etc.
Administer medication as prescribed by the person’s health care provider and document according to the company’s medication administration procedures.

COMMUNICATION, REPORTING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor the home and community environments for general cleanliness and potential safety hazards and provide appropriate training & support for emergencies (evacuations, seat belt use, smoke alarms, etc.).
As directed by the supervisor and/or Nurse, assist designated persons served with scheduling and attending medical appointments, ensuring appropriate documentation is obtained and filed.
Maintain confidential information in accordance with HIPAA & Cornerstone guidelines.
Use various means of communication (verbal, written and electronic) to complete work and effectively interact with internal and external customers.
Ensure that all communication is professional and consistently reflects dignity and respect.
Actively participate in meetings as directed, acting and following up on assigned items.
Actively support a safe and healthy environment, monitoring for hazards and safety concerns of the children served.
Immediately alert supervisor of any critical or potentially critical issue or crisis.
Prepare reports according to timelines and in adherence with company and regulatory guidelines (daily documentation, incident reports, timesheets, mileage reimbursement, etc.)
Network with customers and other professionals to develop and maintain positive, supportive and collaborative relationships to support the company’s mission and initiatives.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure work time is recorded accurately and submitted to supervisor within designated timelines.
Regularly check email and other forms of electronic messaging and respond to communications within 48 hours or immediately in urgent/time sensitive situations.
Provide mentoring, support and/or assistance to colleagues as necessary or as directed.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must be 21 years of age or older.
Must have a High School Diploma or G.E.D
Medication administration training is provided before any youth contact.
At least 6 months experience working with children/youth and/or experience in a human services field beneficial.

BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply general understanding and knowledge to carry out instructions in written, verbal or schedule form.
Ability to handle and carry out multiple tasks.
Basic computer skills with the ability to learn and effectively utilize identified computer software applications to accomplish tasks.
Ability to read, comprehend, interpret and apply information from general procedures, safety rules, instructions, data and reports.
Ability to use Basic English grammatical skills to write routine reports and general correspondence.
Organizational skills and ability to accurately document data and maintain records.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTION SKILLS

Verbal and written skills to effectively communicate information to various audiences and customers.
Ability to effectively work as a team member and promote a positive work culture.

SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Maintain regular attendance, punctuality and accurate record of attendance.
Ability to organize self, work activities and take initiative to accomplish tasks.
Demonstrate cooperative attitude and tolerance for stress when confronted with critical situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, integrity and accountability within the scope of responsibilities.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Must have ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include days, evenings, weekends, and/or overnight shifts.
Must provide own transportation, have valid driver’s license and driving record must meet insurability requirements.
Must maintain and provide documentation of auto insurance.
Must have ability to lift/move/transfer individuals or materials weighing up to 75 lbs. periodically.
Must have ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend frequently.
Must have manual dexterity sufficient to reach, handle items, work with the fingers, and perceive attributes of objects and materials (such as medication, first aid supplies, with meal preparation and household tasks).
Must maintain CPR, TB and First Aid certification, and must stay current on all other training as defined by Indiana state guidelines, industry accreditation standards and company guidelines.
Successful background check upon hire (prior to providing care to youth) and at a minimum of annually.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic and caustic chemicals, and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

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