Per Diem Direct Support Professional - Wyoming County (1314)

Summary:  

Responsible for the oversight and guidance required by each individual's Residential Habilitation Services Plan. Staff may be required to work holidays, weekends and awake overnight shift based on program needs and as requested by supervisor(s). Support efforts to enhance the quality of services to individuals by accomplishing the mission and goals of the Arc of Livingston-Wyoming.  

Essential Functions:   

• Implement Residential Habilitation Services and Periodic Staff Supports, as developed from ISP and Residential Habilitation Service Plan for each individual served  
• Ensure level of supervision meets the IPOP, MHMMP, Behavior Support Plan and any other applicable plan. Implement individual goals based on Service Plan(s) as developed by each individual, family/advocate and Service Coordinator  
• Ensure supervision of individuals based on each individual's physical/medical needs, and according to the person's IPOP.  
• Demonstrates adherence to the Direct Support Professional Code of Ethics and Core Competencies.   
• Responsibility for the constant monitoring of each individual's medical needs and communicating concerns to supervisor(s) and/or Community Services Registered Nurse   
• Responsibility for successfully completing all required Agency trainings, including any medical training based on individual's needs (i.e. blood pressure, pulse, respiration, glucometer testing, pace maker checks, utilizing oxygen apparatus, nebulizer treatments, insulin injections, etc.)   
• Become certified in medication administration and maintain certification on an annual basis.  
• Responsibility for administering medications, as per Agency Policy and Procedure.  
• Provides hands on assistance to ensure good personal health care of each individual as needed. This includes showering, bathing, oral hygiene (tooth brushing), shaving, hair combing, toileting, toe and fingernail care, changing of adult protective underwear, etc  
• Provide one on one assistance with dressing each individual in age appropriate, proper fitting and seasonal attire as needed.  
• Responsible for meal preparation and cooking based on each individual's dietary needs  
• Provide direct supervision and monitoring at each meal time to prevent incidents of choking and adherence to dietary regimen, implement family style dining  
• Responsibility in completing the "Cleaning Schedule" as per OSHA requirements Responsibility for the cleanliness of the entire home by completing household tasks outlined on the monthly maintenance checklist (i.e. dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, etc)  
• Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of all tools, equipment (i.e. wheel chairs, walkers, hearing aids, electric tooth brushes, shavers, etc) needed by each individual  
• Responsibility for washing, drying and maintenance of all personal clothing and bedding of each individual  
• Provide transportation, assistance and support to each person in all community cultural and educational resources, such as libraries, restaurants, stores, medical facilities, banks, churches, theater and social services, as desired  
• Conduct fire drills as requested by supervisor, ensuring all individuals exit home when fire alarm sounds by providing verbal and physical assistance  
• Assist and support people with interpersonal relationships in their home and community  
• Work within the constraints of the house budget by responsibly shopping for household/grocery items  
• Complete all required paperwork on daily/as needed basis (i.e. Non-Goal Directed Progress Notes, goals, filing, etc)  
• Drive Agency vehicles when needed and complete required transportation paperwork (i.e. Daily Vehicle Reports, etc)  
• Promote cooperation and successful interaction by maintaining open and positive communication with people receiving services, their advocates, family members, and other Agency staff members  
• Uphold each individual's rights  
• Respect the individual's right to privacy by using written and verbal information to ensure confidentiality  
• Advocate for individual's needs, interests and desires, as necessary  
• Present and ready for work as assigned in include presenting a professional appearance  
• Responsibility for assisting individual's in receiving needed/desired medical services and communicating/documenting pertinent information as per Agency policy, as designated (i.e. medication administration, transportation to appointments)  
• Overnight employees are required to remain awake, performing their specified job responsibilities. There is no sleeping on the overnight shift, unless prior approval has been obtained from your supervisors.   
• Report for duty as scheduled. Although all employees are assigned a home base, the location of a scheduled shift may be subject to change according to program needs.  
• Check employee email/schedule and other correspondence each scheduled shift.   
• Attend and participate in meetings, as requested  
• Participates in corporate compliance and quality assurance activities as required  
• Adhere to all program policies and procedures  
• Other related duties as assigned   

Nonessential Functions:   

• Participation on agency committees and at agency functions.   

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   

• Requires attentive listening skills, excellent oral and written communication skills and good reading abilities.  
• Basic computer skills  
• Be able to maintain composure during emergency/conflict situations and be able to use sound judgment in decision making.  
• Be a positive role model and possess good interpersonal skills.  
• Work independently.   

Physical & Mental Requirements:   

• Be physically able to assist individuals in transferring from wheelchair to other seat when needed.  
• May be required to prevent an adult from falling, assisting an adult to his/her feet, etc. (adults weighing up to 200 pounds, plus).  
• Walk up and down stairs.  
• Shovel and remove snow and ice from walkways and driveways when necessary.  
• Maintain outside appearance of home including gardening, weeding, trash removal, etc.   

Minimum Qualifications:   

• High school diploma or equivalent.  
• Experience with geriatric and/or individuals with developmental disabilities, or CNA certification preferred.  
• Valid NYS driver's license with safe driving record per agency policy.   

Working Conditions:   

• Will be required to use office equipment, i.e., phone, copier, fax, and computer, in addition to household appliances (i.e., washer/dryer, stove/oven, refrigerator, etc.).  
• Work may require offsite travel to events/outings.