The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for assisting participants with Activities of Daily Living (ADL's), including group and individual tasks, while maintaining a safe, supportive and comfortable program environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES (FUNCTIONS) include the following:

* Interacts with participants in a respectful, age-appropriate, and culturally-appropriate manner by honoring participant preferences and requests, in conjunction with behavior plans and care information.

* Works cooperatively with Adult Day Care Supervisor to provide interesting and stimulating program activities that are appropriate for most participants, which include community outings (i.e., planning, accompanying, transporting), sports, recreation, exercise, and educational enrichment.

* Supports participants with ADLs (toileting, bathing, ambulating, transfers, feeding, changing clothes, etc.).

* Cleans up spills/bodily fluids using appropriate infection control procedures.

* Reports all possible cases of illness to Adult Day Care Supervisor, and provides assistance to participants that become ill while at the center.

* Ensures the safety of each participant by monitoring activities, maintaining a sanitary, clutter-free environment, and participating in safety training and emergency drills.

* Reports suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of participants immediately per program and agency policies and procedures.

* Prepares, serves, and oversees feeding activities for daily snacks and lunches.

* Maintains program areas, supplies, and equipment ensuring that they are clean/disinfected stocked/replenished, and in good working order daily.

* Employs assistive equipment and practices throughout the day when transporting, lifting, and working with participants.

* Stays abreast of emergency procedures and/or updates for each program scenario to ensure awareness of protocols in the event of an emergency.

* Engages in assigned professional development and training.

* Participates in assigned meetings, professional development, and training as required.

*NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES*

* Provides input and support to the Adult Day Care Supervisor, which includes completing daily/weekly record keeping and other administrative duties as assigned (attendance, case notes, etc.).

* Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, providing appropriate information for participant's plan of care.

* Accompanies participants into the swimming pool, as assigned.

* Performs other duties (or functions) as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

* High school diploma, GED, or HSED required.

* A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals with disabilities in a health care or social service setting required.

* Current CPR, First Aid, CPI, and/or Universal Precautions training/license preferred.

* Successful physical examination/TB test required.

* Valid driver's license with proof of insurance preferred. No more than 20% of employees in this position (at each location) can be non-drivers.

* A Criminal Background Check must meet the requirements of the State of WI licensure for day programming.

Specialized Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

* Ability to work effectively with other agency staff, family members of those served and the community at large.

* Able to exercise appropriate personal care techniques.

* Ability to follow directions.

* Knowledge of Universal Precautions and infection control procedures.

* Ability to swim (for Kenosha location).

* Ability to exercise safe lifting techniques and operate a mechanical lift and durable medical equipment.

* Ability to maintain confidentiality.

* Awareness of disability issues and geriatrics.

* Ability to interact with people from culturally diverse backgrounds and display strong customer relation skills.

* Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

* Ability to problem-solve issues.

* Self-motivated and able to work independently.

* Must be organized and able to handle multiple tasks.

* Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines.

* Must exercise sound judgment in making decisions and act accordingly.

EQUIPMENT USED/MACHINERY REQUIRED TO OPERATE:

Includes, but is not limited to:

* Adaptive physical education equipment

* Standard medical equipment used in rehabilitation or adult daycare centers

* Various types of mechanical lifts

* Telephone

* Copier

* Computer

* Fax

* Operate a motor vehicle safely

* Durable Medical Equipment (as required)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

* May be required to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds.

* Frequently requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, kneeling and reaching.

* Perform 1 to 2 person transfers from chair to toilet and back; from floor to chair and back.

* May be required to drive, and transport clients, which includes assisting individuals in and out of vehicles.

* Will be exposed to loud/noisy environments.