Relief Direct Support Professional

POSITION SUMMARY

Relief Direct Support Professionals (RDSPs) provide support and services directly to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in various settings. The DSP’s role is to support everyone in reaching the highest possible level of independence, community involvement, and economic freedom. The aim is for each person receiving services to direct their activities and create a meaningful life, including developing unpaid relationships. Support may include providing personal care, assistance with daily living activities, job coaching, teaching/developing skills, advocating with the person, assisting with communication and self-expression, and ultimately supporting the person to meet their goals. The RDSP schedule may change frequently, as they will fill staffing shortages as needed. 35 hours of shifts weekly are guaranteed.

To be an RDSP, an employee must be capable of working in any home. The ideal DSP believes in the Vision and Values of the agency, has a broad range of skills and talents that empower wellbeing and achievement for all, and brings their own vitality to the Mission of IEI.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Read and write English.
• Maintain required training and certifications.
• Use of a computer and an internet browser
• Routinely push, pull, and lift to 25 lbs (some programs require capacity for 50 lbs)
• Scheduled for a minimum of 35 hours weekly with at least 2 weeks' notice for assignment changes

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support people to achieve their desired outcomes.
  • Support people to choose, understand, and learn new skills.
  • Understand, follow through, and document support plans, goals, activities, progress, etc.
  • Support people with daily living and personal support needs.
  • Facilitate activities that provide people with social capital and connections to the community
  • Provide Day Support and/or Employment services in the community as assigned.
  • Assist people in planning and structuring activities.
  • Bring your own skills, strengths and interests in support of each person’s activities.
  • Support people to exercise their rights and responsibilities in all areas of their lives.
• Engage in respectful communication.
  • Listen carefully and communicate respectfully and clearly with everyone in the work environment.
  • Communicate positively and assertively with your supervisor and coworkers.
  • Use person-first or preferred language.
  • Maintain confidentiality and support privacy at all times.
  • Include the people being supported in discussions about their own lives.
• Support people to achieve and maintain optimal health and well being.
  • Understand and follow approved supports for optimal health.
  • Administer medications as prescribed.
  • Monitor medical conditions.
  • Support nutrition and follow dietary guidelines.
  • Assist with preparing and eating meals.
  • Follow each person’s preferred rituals and routines.
  • Ensure that people are free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
  • Complete needed reporting and documentation.
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary living environment with the people supported.
• Maintain a safe environment.
  • Ensure all adaptive equipment and devices are functioning and in good repair.
  • Ensure each person’s home is free from hazards, and follow safety reporting procedures.
  • Support individuals with positive behavior techniques to avoid challenging situations and promote respect and dignity.
  • Be a safe and conscientious driver.
  • Know the proper techniques and be able to respond to emergencies such as accidents, fires, ice storms, or other situations.
• Promote financial stability and prevent financial exploitation.
  • Follow each person’s Financial Plan.
  • Adhere to agency financial and money-handling policies and procedures.
  • Report suspected financial exploitation.
  • Maximize and responsibly utilize agency and community resources.
• Promote the professionalism of the industry.
  • Model behavior that reflects IEI’s values.
  • Represent IEI in a positive manner.
  • Understand and follow agency systems, policies and procedures.
  • Complete time and attendance records (e.g.: Timesheet) according to agency expectations.
  • Meet established timelines and deadlines.
  • Maintain satisfactory attendance to work shifts, staff meetings and other assigned agency functions.
  • Complete duties assigned by supervisor or designee.
• Other duties as assigned.

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QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license for three (3) consecutive years unless otherwise specified
• Participate in state/federal-mandated background check.
• 2 years of experience providing residential support to people with I/DD

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Read and write English.
• Maintain required training and certifications.
• Use of a computer and an internet browser
• Routinely push, pull, and lift to 25 lbs (some programs require capacity for 50 lbs)
• Scheduled for a minimum of 35 hours weekly with at least 2 weeks' notice for assignment changes