Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Summary:

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) need people in their lives who provide them with assistance and instruction on completing tasks that most people take for granted. Professionals who provide this help and training are known as direct support professionals (DSPs).

DSPs aid people who suffer from a variety of disabilities and across a wide range of tasks, including transportation, personal care, cooking, and cleaning. The goal is to help people with IDD achieve a more comfortable level of independence.

Responsibilities:

• Report any instances of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Assisting clients with activities (ie: personal hygiene, eating, meal preparation, dressing, toileting needed, exercise and ambulation)
• Maintaining current/accurate charting
• Facilitate resident's inclusion in the community's experiences and activities.
• Assist with ambulation and transfers using proper techniques and equipment as needed
• Assist with personal care tasks (ie:personal hygiene, grooming, feeding)
• Establishing secure, positive environment that nurtures residents' needs, self-expression and goals Ensuring client safety and maintaining a safe environment
• Encourage self-help activities
• Report changes in client's condition or family situation to the office
• Performing housekeeping duties
• Accompanying client to scheduled appointments
• Transporting clients or running errands for clients
• Assist individuals with behavior plan
• Consistent attendance and punctuality for scheduled shift.
• Maintaining knowledge of residents' requirements.
• Complying with facility's policies and procedures
• Advancing residents' decision-making, productivity and participation in a range of activities. Promoting independence in daily activities, such as work, learning and leisure.
• Follow principles of infection control and Universal Precautions
• Maintain daily documentation record for each assigned client (tracking sheets, Learning Logs, etc.) Must successfully pass pre-employment physical, drug screen, and have a negative TB test result. Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds or more when needed which consists of pushing and pulling 50 pounds when assisting in the operation of adult size wheelchairs (electric and manual) and frequent bending.

Education:

• High school degree/GED required

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must have a valid Georgia Driver's license and have operated a vehicle for three (3) years Own reliable vehicle and good driving record
• Pass a Criminal Background Check
• Must maintain at least liability vehicle insurance coverage
• 18 years of age or older
• Ability to work in a group home, home-like settings
• Ability to communicate (verbally and written) with all levels of personnel, internal and external to the company

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds
• Bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking for long periods of time