Direct Support Professional

Qualifications:

• Eligible staff must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience supporting adults with developmental disabilities is preferred but not required.
• Candidates must be able to pass pre-employment checks which include a background check, driving record and drug screening; DSP’s will be required to complete and maintain required trainings such as CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, CPI and TOOLS. A good driving record is required, and staff must have a Class E license or obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Accountability: Direct Support Staff report to and are immediately supervised by the Day Program Lead and Supervisor. The lead and Supervisor are assisted by the Manager and Coordinator/Director. Direct Support Staff are required to attend all scheduled staff meetings and maintain all agency training. All Direct Support Staff should arrive on time, ready, willing and able to support any individual assigned to them to the best of their ability.

Responsibilities: Direct Support Staff strive toward excellence in the following areas of competence.

I – Program Management: Direct Support Staff are responsible for completing daily and weekly cleaning tasks to maintain a clean and safe environment and for keeping their work areas tidy. These responsibilities are expected to be completed before the end of your workday.

ll- Health and Wellness: Direct Support Staff promote the optimal health and wellness of all consumers through health maintenance and prevention strategies, accurate and timely medication administration as prescribed and following the rights of medication administration as learned during Med Level 1 class. Direct Support Staff promote the knowledge of general health, safety rules, first aid/CPR, and emergency procedures. They follow all body substance precautions and participate in emergency drills, knowing the proper techniques to respond appropriately to situations such as accidents, fires, tornadoes, or other emergencies. Direct Support Staff also support individuals with daily living skills and personal care needs, while utilizing positive behavioral techniques to prevent challenging situations and promote respect and dignity.

lll – Organizational Participation: Direct Support Staff are knowledgeable of the organization’s mission, values, policies, and procedures, understand their roles and responsibilities, and represent the organization in a responsible and respectful manner.

lV – Documentation: Direct Support Staff meet the requirements for accurate and approved documentation of the services provided to the consumers of Warren County Pathfinders. Daily shift notes must be completed before the end of each shift.

V – Advocacy: Direct support staff advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting self-determination, dignity, and inclusion in all aspects of daily life. The Direct Support Professional supports individuals in expressing their preferences, making informed choices, and accessing community resources, while ensuring their rights, safety, and well-being are upheld. This role involves collaborating with families, service coordinator, and other team members to encourage meaningful participation, and empower individuals to achieve personal goals in accordance with their individualized service plans and values.

VI - Communication & Professionalism: Staff maintain open and respectful communication with their team, promote a positive and friendly environment, and serve as positive role models for both the people they support and the broader community. Confidentiality and privacy are always maintained.

Direct Support Staff help individuals choose, understand, and learn new skills, while facilitating activities that provide social opportunities, teach independence, and strengthen community connections. They listen carefully and communicate respectfully and clearly with the individuals they support.

Direct Support Staff are safe and conscientious drivers, meet established deadlines, maintain satisfactory attendance, attend staff meetings and other assigned agency functions, complete duties assigned by supervisors and responsibly maximize the use of agency and community resources.

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Paid orientation

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20