ABLE Direct Support Professional

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

As an employee of ABLE, Inc., you are part of a team of family, friends, coworkers and community associates working together to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their lives. We support the life-long process of personal growth of all people.

In the role of a DSP there are key accountabilities that must be met:

• Maximize the emotional and social wellbeing of people we support.
  • Demonstrates awareness of how actions will directly and indirectly impact others
  • Listens to others attentively
  • Demonstrates regard for and sensitivity for the feelings of others
  • Values and respects the diversity of others and their beliefs
• Deliver the best health practices while honoring the person's dignity and respect.
  • Take personal interest in people we support by knowing and honoring their preferences
• Apply the tools of system management.
  • Initiate and develop business relationships in a positive way
  • Successfully work with a wide range of people at varying levels of the organization
  • Communicates with others in ways that are clear, considerate and understandable
  • Is personally accountable for their actions
• Be a good steward of the person's environment.
  • Promote a clean, safe, friendly environment and follow Safety and Sanitation practices.
  • The ability to interact with others in a positive manner

In the role of a DSP you are expected to:

Serve as a "role model" of commitment, energy, integrity, conduct and appropriate dress.

Unite people with families and their communities through participation and/or activity development.

Provide positive motivation for people to be as independent as possible in their daily routine.

Provide calm, respectful support when needed and acknowledge effort and achievement.

Offer stimulating activities for people to participate in the home and community.

Respect people's choices without judgment and honor each person's rights.

Take personal interest in people we support by knowing and honoring their preferences.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide quality care to people receiving services in an environment that promotes their rights, dignity, freedom of choice and individuality as illustrated by the following:
  • Is knowledgeable of the individualized Overall Service Plan for people supported and provide support to people according to their plans. Contribute to their Overall Service Plan process by providing information and observations regarding people's needs and preferences.
  • Assists people supported with personal cares, which may include bathing, oral hygiene, mealtime, incontinent care, cathing, grooming, transferring, using proper body mechanics, ambulation, OT/PT or other needs the person my require.
  • Performs all cares with comfort, dignity and respect. Interacts with people supported in a respectful, warm and caring way.
  • Understands and advocates for people's rights.
  • Observes, reports and documents any changes in people's health and/or behavior by completing the appropriate forms(s).
  • Documents all necessary information needed during a shift.
  • Immediately reports any suspected incidences of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
  • Ability to meet physical requirements of the position when performing the following: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing.
  • Ability to lift and transfer individuals manually and mechanically as required by program/plan; ability to lift and carry approximately 50 pounds as needed during any shift.
  • Performs all job responsibilities in accordance with prescribed safety and infection control procedures.
  • Follow all ABLE, Inc. policy and procedures including but not limited to confidentiality.
  • Communicates effectively with people supported, guardians, families, supervisors, various professionals and coworkers.
  • Able to problem solve independently.
  • Performs various tasks assigned by supervisors and ABLE, Inc.
  • Promotes a homelike environment for people.
  • Support People in the swimming pool for Physical Therapy.
• Able to work a variety of shifts, which may include days, evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays.
• Completes all necessary training requirements within timeframe given.
  • Statewide Training Modules
  • Classroom inservices and recertifications
  • Other training as scheduled by supervisors
• Able to drive a company vehicle or privately owned vehicle to safely transport people if a requirement of my position.
• Be proficient in writing, reading, speaking and comprehension of English.
• Have basic computer and typing skills.

SUPERVISORY LEVEL:

This position has no staff supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCIES:

• Valid driver's license and insurable driver per ABLE, Inc.'s insurance provider
• Dependable
• Flexible
• Self-initiating
• Teamwork Oriented
• Honest and Dedicated
• Stress Management/Composure
• People Oriented
• Positively Advocate on a Person's Behalf

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The essential job functions listed above are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job. This position is very active and requires standing, bending, walking, kneeling and the ability to lift and carry approximately 50 pounds as needed during any shift.

EXPECTATION OF WORK HOURS/TRAVEL:

This position requires the ability to work a rotating schedule with varying shifts which may include days, evenings, overnights weekends and holidays. At times there may be travel involved for appointments and activities.

OTHER DUTIES:

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