Job Summary:
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will provide Individualized Supported Living services, herein also referred as “ISL” or “ISL services”. This includes but is not limited to providing support, training, and oversight to clients with intellectual/developmental disabilities in their own home and/or in the community.
The DSP may also be required to provide different services defined by Department of Mental Health (DMH), including:
1. Personal Assistance (PA), which is provided in the individual’s home or community;
2. Independent Skill Development (ISD), which is provided only in the home; or
3. Community Integration (CI), which is only provided in the community.

Essential Job Functions:

• Report to and work with assigned clients according to the times specified on the support schedule.
• Read and know the content of the current Individual Support Plan (and addendums to ISP) of the client with whom he or she is assigned to work.
• Provide support as specified in the personal plan, which may include accompaniment to medical appointments, recreational activities, church, community resources, performing personal hygiene tasks, etc.
• Provide training to the client in areas specified in the personal plan such as personal hygiene; money management; safety and wellness; household skills; meal preparation; medication management, etc.
• Document progress or lack of progress on goals and objectives as stated in the Individual Support Plan.
• Complete detailed Residential daily notes.
• Obtain a receipt for each purchase made from client’s money and record on appropriate ledger.
• Have knowledge of and implement emergency and safety drills with the client as specified in the Individual Safety Plan.
• Complete GERs (General Event Reports) in Therap and Event Reports in accordance with State guidelines.
• Maintain current certification in CPR, Standard First Aid and Med Aide if administering medications.
• Attend meetings and specialized training as directed.
• Must complete competency-based Community Services orientation training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to interact and work with people effectively.
• Good verbal and written communication skills with ability to mediate, compromise, and collaborate in order to work with and in several related teams of people.
• Be punctual, maintain excellent attendance
• Good computer skills.
• Knowledge of the field of service provision.
• Must have a reliable means of communication;
• Must possess skills to read and understand written materials;
• Must possess skills to write clearly and legibly.
• Must have working air conditioner and heater in any vehicle being used to transport clients.

Experience and Education Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age; must have a high school diploma or GED.
• One year experience in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities or in lieu of experience, must successfully complete training in the Missouri Quality Outcomes approved by the Division of DD regional office.

Supervisory Requirements:

None

Employment Requirements:

• Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record and abuse/neglect.
• Must be 21 to drive a company vehicle.
• Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment.
• All training requirements including Relias at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
• Must have a reliable means of communication;
• Must have appropriate, reliable transportation, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license.
• Must have working air conditioner and heater in any personal vehicle used to transport clients.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have working air conditioner and heater in any personal vehicle used to transport clients.
• The physical demands vary depending on the support required by the client. While performing the duties of this job, the associate at times will be required to stoop, bend, use fine motor skills in extremities for cooking, cleaning, medication administration and operation of a vehicle, etc. The associate may occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
• Must be physically able to perform CPR (as instructed in the CPR manual) and First Aid.
• May be required to assist with physical transfers or lifting, depending on the needed support of the clients.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties and responsibilities.