Responsibilities 

The Direct Support Professional II provides support to adults with developmental disabilities in activities of daily living. Working in community and residential settings, the direct support professional encourages individual choices and self advocacy, interpersonal communication skills, problem solving abilities, money management skills, and community integration. The goal of the direct support professional is focused on enriching the life of each individual they support. 

Primary Accountabilities 

1. Act as a role model and encourage positive interactions with others.
2. Work with individuals to encourage positive choices
3. Become familiar with the program plan for each individual in the facility.
4. Understand behavior modification techniques and how to correctly implement them.
5. Understand and assist individuals in exercises designed to improve or maintain, mobility range of motion and self-help skills.
6. Document incidents that occur and maintain current progress notes and data frequency counts on each client assigned to them.
7. Attend necessary staff meetings and in-service training.
8. Assist individuals in all areas of grooming and personal hygiene skills.
9. Assist with basic medical treatment as prescribed.
10. Assist in medication administration and monitoring and ensure proper documentation of such. 
11. Ensure open lines of communication with individuals, staff members, and administrator.
12. Assist in supervision of meal preparation and housekeeping, as assigned.
13. Have the ability to exercise mature judgment and relate to individuals in a warm, caring manner.
14. Assist in maintaining a clean and safe home environment for individuals residing in the home.
15. Participate in recreational activities in a variety of settings.
16. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

1. Have a valid California Drivers License
2. Complete pre-employment requirements including in-house training and orientation
3. Complete a background check
4. High School Diploma or GED
5. Direct Support Professional Certification Level 1 and 2.
6. Minimum one year experience in a residential setting working with adults with developmental disabilities.
7. Familiarity with charting, medication administration, and positive behavior support. 

Key Competencies

1. Knowledge of individuals with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis.
2. Knowledge of behavioral issues, including aggressive, non-verbal and self-injury behaviors. 
3. Ability to exercise mature judgment and relate to individuals in a warm, caring manner. 
4. Knowledge of state and federal laws, Regional Center, Department of Developmental Services, and of Title 17 and 22.
5. Ability to clearly speak English (Bilingual in Spanish and/or the primary language of the individual assigned is a plus).
6. Working knowledge and understanding of Individual Program Plans and Individual Service Plans.
7. Ability to work with a diverse group of people at all levels within the organization.
8. Self starter with the ability to multi-task.
9. Results oriented, sound judgment, service oriented, assertive/persuasive.
10. High energy level, comfortable performing multifaceted projects, plus day-to-day activities.
11. Have good organizational skills, ability to set priorities, and be flexible based on changing priorities.
12. Superior interpersonal abilities, teamwork mentality and social perceptiveness.
13. Active listening skills with the ability to interact effectively with management.
14. Ability to establish credibility, be decisive, recognize priorities.
15. The Direct Support Professional works in both indoor and outdoor settings. Frequent lifting and/or carrying objects/individuals up to 60 plus pounds is required. Standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, balancing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, and traveling may be required. 
16. If required to drive, candidate must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid California Driver's License along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration. 
17. Report any incidents or evidence of abuse or violation of residents’ rights to Administrator and appropriate agencies.