Description

Direct Support Professional

Classification: Nonexempt

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range: $14.00 - $14.50/hour

Reports to: Case Manager

Date Created: May 8, 2023; Revised 7/20/23

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is an essential member of the Inspiritus Disability Services Team. This position provides care and assistance, support, and training to individuals with Developmental Disabilities allowing them to have their daily needs met. The supports provided are individualized and based on the specific needs and wants of each individual served. A DSP empowers and encourages individuals with disabilities to make choices, participate in activities and events in their community, and ensures the individual’s health and safety. The position requires a positive attitude, a high level of professionalism, the ability to deliver quality services, and a passion for helping others thrive.

Essential Functions

1. Provide in-home assistance with personal care needs which may include grooming, dressing, bathing, proper nutrition, ambulation, light housekeeping tasks, leisure activities, shopping, medical monitoring, and other similar tasks.

2. Safely transport and accompany individual(s) to appointments, shopping, social activities, and other events.

3. Encourage relationship building and choice-making.

4. Support and implement a person-centered plan tailored to meet the needs, wants, and interests of the individual.

5. Provide assistance and training to the individual in support of achieving and exceeding their goals.

6. Ensure client safety and a safe home environment.

7. Support and respect the individual’s religious, cultural, ethnic, and individual differences.

8. Communicate and interact with the individual(s) respectfully and in a manner in which they best communicate.

9. Communicate respectfully and professionally with family members, friends, guardians, and advocates who support the individual(s).

10. Accurately complete required documentation for service delivery as required.

11.Closely monitor individual’s health and well-being when providing services; document and clearly communicate concerns and observations to the Case Manager, RN, or designated team member.

12. Utilize positive behavior supports to prevent and manage any disruptive behaviors ensuring a safe environment.

13. Support and protect the human, civil, constitutional, and statutory rights of individuals served and their families.

Qualifications

Competencies

1. Ability to work professionally in home and community settings.

2. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively (effective listening, verbal, and writing skills) with clients, family members, Inspiritus personnel at all levels, and community members.

3. Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality requirements.

4. Ensure compliance with agency, local, state, and federal policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

5. Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Supervisory Responsibility None

Work Environment

This position operates in a home environment and in the community. This role requires the ability to use standard equipment including cell phones and computers.

Physical Demands

This position may require regular lifting up to 50 pounds when assisting individuals as needed

The position requires frequent movement including walking, bending, reaching, squatting, sitting, pushing, and pulling throughout a work shift

Duties may require walking up and down stairs

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

Part-time - 25 hours per week

Travel Travel to the client’s home and community locations.

Required Education and Experience

1. Must be 21 years of age or older

2. Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent

3. Have or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification

4. Ability to successfully complete behavior support training

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Associate’s degree or higher education in psychology, sociology, or special education

2. Experience working with individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

3. Caregiving experience: 1 year or more

4. Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

1. Valid Georgia driver’s license

2. Current vehicle insurance

3. Acceptable Motor Vehicle Report

4. Dependable vehicle

5. Successful FBI criminal background clearance

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable)

AAP/EEO Statement

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice