Direct Support Professional Haywood County & Buncombe County

IRENE WORTHAM CENTER - POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

Provide inclusive care to all clients including feeding, bathing, dressing, incontinence changing, etc.  Ensure clients safety and well-being at all times.  Carryout client individualized programs and services.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Implement programs and procedures as prescribed in client IPP and accurately document client performance.
2. Ensure the safety and well-being of the clients at all times.
3. Ensure client’s basic needs (i.e. toileting, eating, bathing, etc) are met.
4. Attend all mandatory in-service training and staff meetings and contribute to problem identification and solution.
5. Report and document any relevant changes in behavior/performance.
6. Report and document any medical concerns.
7. Attain and maintain all required training.
8. Must successfully complete medication administration training, receive a passing score on the Medication Administration Exam, and complete of observed error free medication passes.
9. Follow Universal Precautions and OSHA Guidelines related to Exposure to Blood and Bodily Fluids.
10. Follow Emergency Plan as needed.
11. Interact with residents and other employees using proper voice tone, tolerance, and patience.
12. Have knowledge of individual’s rights and ensure that rights are respected at all times.
13. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of each resident.
14. Understand resident’s immediate needs and address them in a therapeutic manner.
15. Demonstrate a working knowledge of ICF/IID Policies and Procedures.
16. Seek out information needed to perform duties by following proper chain of command.
17. Work closely with co-workers in a team approach and communicate information accurately.
18. Complete assigned tasks and, when needed, be willing to complete special tasks.  Must also be willing to work assigned shifts in any residence, or ADA.
19. Transport residents to Doctor/Dentist appointments and other meetings as necessary.
20. Complete a resident inventory for each resident every three months as directed.
21. Complete household/housekeeping duties as assigned.
22. Other Duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Maintain acceptable driving record, and report any tickets/accidents to immediate supervisor or Human Resource Director.

Education/Training

Graduation from High School or successful completion of GED program.

Necessary Special Qualifications

Must be eighteen years of age or older, possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License, Clean criminal background and health care registry check.

Special Skills/Abilities

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.  Ability to record basic data and document observations, events and medications.  Ability to communicate with other staff and members of the community.

Contacts Inside/Outside Organization

IWC/IWRC employees and clients.   Parents, guardians, and other agencies.

Other Qualifications or Requirements

Mental Effort:                            Ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions.  Good common sense thinking and ability to function independently.  Must be able to make sound decisions and respond professionally/calmly in emergencies.  Must be able to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.

Visual Effort                              Must be able to read and document on data sheets.  Must be able to drive without restrictions.

Physical Requirements:              Must be able to lift 40-60 pounds routinely and independently.  Must be able to assist other staff members with two-person lift, endure prolonged periods of bending and standing, and be able to work long shifts with a great deal of physical labor/activity.  Must have good reflexes and response time.

Safety:                                      Behavior problems such as aggression of clients and/or lifting could cause bodily injury.  Must be familiar with and able to follow OSHA Guidelines and Universal Precautions.  Personal Hygiene should include short fingernails, non-offensive clothing/odors, and no dangling jewelry.  Must be able to meet job requirements with regard to required training.  (i.e. CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, NCI, Client Rights, Documentation, Blood borne Pathogens, Protect Your Back, etc.)

Working Conditions:                   Employees work primarily indoors in residential facility with some exposure to conditions, which are slightly disagreeable such as toileting and feeding.  Must provide a pleasant, positive atmosphere for clients and staff, be a team player (willing to assist co-workers), and avoid gossip and prejudices.

Scope of Position:                     Number of employees supervised:  0