Job Summary

The Lead Direct Support Professional is responsible for the continuity of quality care through their assigned shift by providing support and supervision to Direct Support Professionals. The Lead Direct Support Professional is counted in ratio while providing guidance and training for staff on shift and ensures the support of children in a safe, structured environment that meets the needs of the children while maintaining professional and acceptable boundaries at all times. This position ensures all staff documentation is completed in accordance with all regulatory, licensing and accreditation standards.

Essential Duties:

• Supervise residents to ensure their safety and wellbeing, adjusts the level of supervision according to the circumstances, and needs of the residents in care.
• All shifts, including overnight shifts, must stay awake throughout shift and document headcounts per program requirement, use of bathroom and any unusual sleep patterns or behaviors. Provides supportive supervision for residents unable to sleep. On night shifts, must stay in contact with other night staff as program required.
• Organize shift personnel and assignments, and complete checklist for shift change.
• Provide on-the-job training to Direct Support Professionals.
• Assist supervisor in collection of required documentation.
• Verify completion of all required daily documentation before dismissing Direct Support Professionals from their shift.
• Complete shift logs prior to the end of each shift worked and ensures appropriate information is reported to next shift.
• Participate in development of activity schedules. Implement daily activity schedules including, but not limited to, hygiene, mealtime, chores, schoolwork and recreation.
• Supervise and implement emergency procedures and therapeutic interventions with residents when necessary.
• Monitor off-site travel activities, completion of travel request form, ensure safe use of transportation. May transport residents in facility vehicle to activities and appointments and monitor residents while on off-site travel.
• Supervise delivery of all prescribed medications, with proper logging and observation of side effects. May administer all prescribed medications and properly record medications given and observe for side effects.
• Supervise and provide training to residents in personal hygiene, grooming, and dressing as required by the program.
• Ensure residents attending school are ready for school on time. If residents attend school onsite, monitors classrooms.
• Prepare and supervise meals and snacks as required by program.
• Supervise and facilitate all recreational and leisure time and monitors visits as necessary.
• Facilitate weekly house cleaning, teaching residents to see dirt and clean effectively.
• Ensure homes are clean and laundry is washed, folded and put away.
• Provide input in staff meetings to develop individual service plans as necessary.
• Follow individual habilitation and behavioral plans.
• Observe and document changes in behavior or symptoms of illness.
• Model appropriate behaviors, judgement, and language.
• Assess and correct any problems within skill level or social appropriateness.
• Submit work order requests through supervisor for any work that requires a skilled worker such as major electrical and plumbing issues.

Education & Experience

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have at least a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of successful experience as Direct Care Staff in a residential treatment center serving children in the child welfare system is preferred.
• Experience working with children diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral and emotional disorders is preferred.
• Demonstrated mastery of all direct support professional skills needed to be successful in our programs.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated positive leadership and necessary clinical intervention skills.
• Good documentation, organization and communication skills.
• Understanding of and knowledge in TDFPS rules and regulations.
• Ability to assist residents during meal preparation, housekeeping responsibilities, personal hygiene, grooming and other activities as needed.
• Ability to support the agency's culture, growth, and success through communication, accountability, and positivity.
• Ability to be clear headed and decisive based on the scope of the position.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively both individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to appropriately accept feedback through the supervision process thus displaying the willingness to learn, grow, and improve.
• Competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, the Internet, electronic records management system and other software applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Additional Requirements

• Proof of valid Driver's License (Type C).
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Proof of valid/current auto insurance.
• Cleared motor vehicle driving record.
• Three employment references.
• Cleared criminal background check and signed statement regarding felony indictments/convictions.
• Cleared TB test results (current within 12 months prior to employment).
• Cleared pre-employment drug test.
• Working cellular telephone.

Physical and Mental Demands

With or without reasonable accommodation, the physical and mental requirements of this job include the following: frequent bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, carrying, pulling, climbing and kneeling in interactions with residents. Approximately 50% of the time on shift spent walking or standing. Must hear, speak and see well to drive and respond quickly in emergencies. Frequent lifting and moving of up to 50 pounds. Ability to recognize the needs and moods of non-verbal children recognize the difference between angry and combative and the ability to differentiate tone and volume in conversations. Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in tense situations and use appropriate de-escalation skills as trained. Requires participation in field trips, recreation and social activities (both indoors and outdoors).Manual dexterity and use of a computer frequently. Ability to analyze and interpret data and write meaningful, concise reports.