Job Summary

What is a Direct Support Professional?

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for implementing person-centered services for each individual. This includes ensuring implementation of the individuals services, goals, and outcomes in relation to program-based and community inclusion activities. In addition, the Direct Support Professional is solely responsible for the individual's overall physical and emotional well-being.

We are currently looking for ON-CALL direct care support for our residential programs. Please be aware that this position is not a permanent schedule and you will be contacted if there are any programs looking for coverage.

Job Responsibilities

You would be responsible for:

• Under supervision, provide support and services which involve advocating for, encouraging, guiding, and teaching individuals in expressing personal choice, ensuring community integration, assisting individuals with personal hygiene care, toileting, lifts and transfers, dining, dressing, and meal preparation.
• You would help individuals to participate in games and recreational programs; coach and encourage individuals to develop daily living skills; and provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
• You would collaborate with other staff to implement and record care plans and, in accordance with special instructions, you may administer medication. These positions are physically demanding.
• You would need to be prepared to act to ensure the health and safety of individuals in emergency situations.
• You will participate in staff meetings, in-service training and on-site workshops as required for professional growth and development. Attending external training and workshops in the direction of direct supervisor or program management. Maintain certification in *AMAP, CPR, First Aid and SCIP, as required. *Note: Failure to maintain AMAP certification can result in removal of full-time employee status.
• You must be able to stand for extended periods of time, bend, stretch, and lift bedridden and/or incapacitated individuals.
• You will help to promote and support the inclusion of individuals in their community according to their unique needs, interests, and desires. Model and encourage interaction between individuals and community members. Help foster individuals’ personal growth by assisting in forming and maintaining friendships with neighbors, co-workers, and peers.
• You will help with transporting individuals or assist them in taking public transportation.
• You will assist in maintaining positive communications with family members, advocates, and service providers as per program needs.

To learn more about what direct support professionals do on the job every day, go tohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnK4z3KAqtE.

Qualifications

You are a good fit if you have:

• High school diploma, GED, CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant certification) or possess a Direct Support Professional (DSP) certificate from an accredited public or private organization.

• One year or more work experience with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Excellent written, communication and mathematical skills.
• Valid NYS driver license preferred but not required.
• A flexible work schedule.

• High School Diploma, GED or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) strongly preferred but not required.
• One or more years' experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Drivers License preferred.
• HeartShare requires all new hires to provide proof of the Covid-19 vaccination prior to their start date. Employees who require an accommodation for medical or religious reasons should notify Human Resources.

A few highlights of the Direct Support Professional job role

• Implement individuals plans, consistent with their specific services, goals and outcomes. Participate in the planning and implementation of activities, both at the program and in the community, that address these goals and outcomes.
• Promote choice and self-determination to support individuals to direct the course of their own lives. Ensure that services and goals reflect what the individuals want for themselves.
• Respect and affirm the human rights, civil rights and responsibilities of the people supported.
• Support and teach individuals according to their services, goals and outcomes. Actively engage individuals in skills development, socialization and task participation across all settings. Ensure that supports are provided with consideration for each persons individualized needs and routines.
• Promote and support the inclusion of individuals in their community according to their unique needs, interests, and desires. Model and encourage interaction between individuals and community members. Foster individuals personal growth by assisting in forming and maintaining friendships with neighbors, co-workers and peers.
• Assist in maintaining positive communications with family members, advocates, and service providers as per program needs.
• Transport individuals or assist them in taking public transportation, as required.
• Participate in planning recreational activities and outings.
• Participate as requested in the Program Planning Team (PPT) meetings.