Description

Would you like to make a lasting impact in your local community? Put your talents to use by joining Easterseals Blake Foundation! We are offering a one-time sign on bonus for full time ($300) and part time ($150) positions after providing 90 days of dependable and consistent services!

General Position Description:

This position is responsible for a variety of direct supports and activities in the Blake Employment and Community Living programs. This position will provide supports to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in the community, a person’s home or program-based setting assisting them to develop a sense of identity, self-worth and independence. The Direct Support Professional independently performs the following in all BECL programs:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and support a variety of community activities and experiences, encourage members to participate in social, recreational, vocational, counseling, and other activities identified in their support plans while promoting individual choice and decision-making opportunities
• Assist supervisor in writing planning document objectives/skill plans for each member. Follow skill plans and document progress on each objective
• Assist individuals with personal care and hygiene needs. This includes assistance in the restroom, assistance with eating, and demonstrating proper carrying and lifting techniques (using one-person, two-person, and mechanical lift transfers.)
• Administers medications and/or assists members in the self-administration of medication including non-prescription and prescription as prescribed by licensed medical specialists
• Keep individual file on each person up-to-date. Records and maintains records, progress notes, records daily activities in communication logs, maintains records as needed and may be required to write reports
• Reads and implements members individual support plan (ISP), medical/medication directions, and formalized records concerning member behaviors and activities\Per State of Arizona Regulations
• Communicates and interacts with members on an individual and group basis in a respectful manner
• Reports incidents on proper forms and informs appropriate staff regarding incidents involving vocational, day, social, recreational, behavioral, personal living, and community services problems within required time-frames
• Encourage and maintain active teamwork. Maintain positive communications and relations with employees, members, guardians, contract entities, authorities, and EBF. Deal with problem solving in a professional, non-hostile manner. Offer options and solutions, and give feedback in a constructive manner. Report any concerns to Program Coordinator or Lead Staff.
• Utilize work hours efficiently, including time to clean up work area and complete daily chores, complete paperwork, attend in-services/trainings, and prepare for the next day's activities. Perform duties within the specified hours of the work day, unless prior permission has been given by supervisor.
• Acts as an advocate in resolving problems and securing needed services for consumers as well as ensuring personal choice, freedom, responsibility, and support for consumers
• Assess and provides behavior/physical management techniques in crisis situation and attains assistance if needed
• Performs other duties and assignments as required

Requirements

• Clean criminal background check and the ability to obtain and maintain a level one clearance card
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Meet the minimum combination of education and experience required by the funding source.
• Operate desktop computer, agency cell phone and other technology as required
• Read, write and speak effectively in English
• Must complete all required trainings within 90 days of hire
• Current valid, unrestricted driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a driving record that meets the standards of the agency.
• Ability to work flexible schedules; In home - 8/12/16 hour shifts.
• Maintain current CPR, First, Aid, Article IX, and Prevention & Supports certification. (State of Arizona, DES, DDD requirement)
• Must successfully clear a criminal background check and a Child Protective Services/Department of Children, Youth and their Families central registry check.

Physical Requirements: Overnight positions: MUST remain AWAKE throughout entire shift Must be able to:

• utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• remain in a stationary position.
• work in outdoor weather work conditions.
• lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• operate a computer, phone, and other office equipment.
• Walk, run, climb, kneel, sit, stand, stoop, squat, reach, stretch, ascend, and descend stairs.
• operate a wheelchair brake, vehicle lifts, etc.
• communicate with individuals with disabilities.
• distinguish smells such as gas and other noxious fumes.
• typing and writing extended periods of time.

Psychological Requirements: Must be able to:

• remain calm, non-defensive with a supportive attitude during stressful, potential crisis, and crisis situations.
• work in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands.
• manage high volumes and unpredictability of work.
• remain flexible and reprioritize according to the changing demands of the day.
• manage stress in a fast-paced, unpredictable, intense setting.
• adapt to diverse cultural environments and communicate in a culturally inclusive manner.
• represent Easterseals Blake Foundation in a professional manner in all situations.
• requires individual to be highly engaged to perform the daily activities.

Easterseals Blake Foundation is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disabled Employer