Description

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are responsible for supporting activities of people enrolled in programs and living in homes operated by Volunteers of America Chesapeake (VOAC). DSPs will teach independent living skills to the people and provide support with all activities of daily living. DSPs who are also Trained Medication Employees (TME) or (DSP/TMEs) have the added responsibilities of medication administration. These specialized staff, under direction of an RN, will administer medications in accordance with prescribing medical personnel. Additionally, the DSP will facilitate community integration, maintain the person’s safety and well-being in accordance with the Scope of Work and VOAC policies and procedures while contributing to the upkeep of the program environments.

Frequent positive interaction with individuals served and their families and Circle of Support Team members promoting the rights and dignity, health, welfare and safety to include reporting suspected allegations of abuse/neglect to proper reporting personnel.

· Implement training of program goals and objective as indicated in the ISP/IPP; utilizing the ISP as a working document modeling and demonstrating methodologies. Appropriate personal conduct, manners, appearance and active treatment process.

· Trains guides and assists the individuals with supports as indicated in the ISP/BSP/IPP and personal goals. Ensures use of behavioral supports and resources.

· Build an effective working relationship with the person using the service.

1. Listen to the person and learn how he/she communicates their feelings, preferences and interests, including through body language.

2. Initiate interactions with the person, include him/her in conversations and discussions and support others to communicate with the person.

3. Support the person to experience new opportunities, express preferences, and make informed choices.

4. Support the person to participate in activities and in everyday community life.

5. Support in a facilitative way i.e. one which maximizes the person’s participation in community activities and opportunities where the Community Navigator is doing things with and alongside the person, not for the person.

6. Support the person to achieve their highest potential and goals for community integration and contribution, relationship building, vocational exploration, self-determination, learning and personal growth.

7. Utilize adaptive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, etc.) in appropriate manner and informing supervisor of any problems

· Ensure the Activity Schedule is developed and followed, and that this plan is meaningful and beneficial for the person.

· Provide a high level of support to meet the person’s needs.

· Demonstrate a person-centered practice, an understanding of and commitment to inclusion, and the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

· Be responsible when handling expenses.

· Attend/complete case conferences, meetings, certifications and staff trainings as directed

· Write daily progress notes to summarize the services of each individual on IManage, Footholds, and/or programming books

· Complete follow-up documentation for individual progress notes, IPP goals, ISPs, Health Passports, HCMPs, incidents, ABC data, and clinical assessments on IManage, Footholds, and/or programming books to ensure that they are current and correct per DDS, DOH, VOAC, and the Health and Wellness guidelines

· Assist with developing new program content, program activities and community integration activities; revising and updating existing programs to meet the changing needs and preferences of the individuals served

· Support with actual hands-on service to the individuals including but not limited to toileting, leading recreational programming, community activities, feeding, administering medications (only when TME certified), etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

· The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.

· Move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment.

· Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.

· The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.

· Ability to lift, move, or assist non-ambulatory individuals and/or weights with a minimum of 60 lb

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age
• Earned a high school diploma or GED from an accredited educational institution
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language and have the ability to communicate with the people to whom services are provided
• Perform basic computer skills
• Possess a current Trained Medication Employee (TME) license.

  Preferred selection may be given to persons who have:

• Experience in a residential setting serving people with intellectual/developmental disabilities or with other types of special needs populations (rehabilitation settings, nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, other behavioral health settings, etc.);
• Experience in working with people who are medically fragile and/or have physical limitations;
• Experience in working with Evans Class Monitors, Quality Trust, HRLA, PCR, DDS, DDA in the District of Columbia; and/or
• A current Trained Medication Employee (TME) license for positions in Waiver and Residential Habilitation environments.

• Note: A bona fide occupation exception may be established for this position based upon sex/gender when it is necessary to ensure that the needs of the people supported are adequately met. New Employees must successfully complete:

• All Volunteers of America Chesapeake orientation components
• All New Employee orientation examinations as required by the District of Columbia Department of Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
• The Food Handler Certification to operate in DC (Must be obtained within the first 3 months of employment)