Direct Support Professional- Float

Job Description
Job Title: Direct Support Professional-Community Living Float
Department: Community Living
Reports To: Program Director
FLSA: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY
This position provides comprehensive support in all areas of daily living, including personal care assistance, skill development, community integration, and ensuring personal safety across multiple work sites. In addition to hands-on support, this role is designed as a leadership development opportunity, preparing the individual to step into a supervisory position. You will receive coaching and mentoring from the Program Director, gaining experience in staff guidance, decision-making, and program oversight. This position goes beyond traditional DSP responsibilities, offering a pathway to leadership while fostering professional growth.

BASIC FUNCTIONS AND GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provides high quality services that are person-centered and meet best practice standards.
• Understands and provides services in accordance with each Individual Support Plan (ISP) and behavioral support plans (BSP) as needed. Provides appropriate levels of supervision and support as indicated in the plan(s).
• Offers activities that are individualized and person-centered.
• Provides supports on an individualized basis in making informed choices, growing in self-esteem and personal dignity, and achieving community integration and participation.
• Ensure that all support is provided according to best practice and individual choice, including attending social, recreational, and religious activities.
• The ability to effectively and efficiently use computers or mobile devices to input, access, modify, or output information. This includes the ability to quickly access, store and retrieve data.
• Ensures documentation is compliant with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Completes all required documentation prior to the end of shift, including electronic documentation, according to program requirements.
• Completes Event Reports (GER) timely and according to agency policy and state rules and regulations.
• Keeps all client records confidential and secure.
• Ensures all financial policies and procedures for use of agency and individual funds are followed and all documentation is completed as funds are used.
• Complies with all health and safety guidelines, rules, policies and procedures.
• Ensures the health and safety of all individuals through teaching and providing support in areas of personal care needs, dental hygiene and other health-related duties, including those delegated by a registered nurse (RN).

• Support individuals with medical appointments which includes Station MD appointments as deemed necessary; provides appropriate follow-up with team supervisor and/or health coordinator.
• Administer and document medications on individual Medication Administration Record (MAR) and monitor individuals who self-medicate according to guidelines taught in Level 1 Medication Administration (L1MA) classes.
• Keeps hazardous and potentially harmful materials locked and out of individuals’ reach unless the individual has demonstrated safe handling skills.
• Ensure personal care tasks are carried out as detailed in the ISP, including but not limited to assisting individuals with shower routine, shaving and nail trimming.
• Knows and observes guidelines for drills and emergencies and conducts drills according to monthly schedule.
• Keeps hazardous and potentially harmful materials stored out of individuals’ reach unless the individual has demonstrated safe handling skills.
• Contributes to a home-like, safe, sanitary environment for person-centered living. Ensures adequate supply of food, home supplies, personal-care supplies – goes shopping for the work site as necessary.
• Ensures soiled laundry/trash is treated/disposed of according to safety guidelines.
• Demonstrate strengths in cooking and menu planning, money management, organization of resident’s schedules and activities, home maintenance, and the ability to develop a positively evolving and capable team.
• Prepares for time away from home, including family visits and vacations, by assisting with preparing luggage and medications/supplies with accurate printed instructions, and provides appropriate documentation that includes dates and times of departure and return.
• All Other Duties as Assigned

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Demonstrate Life Unlimited’s Core Values in daily work:
• Use resources efficiently and follow through on all tasks (Responsible)
• Communicate openly with team members, supervisors, and individuals served (Open)
• Be accountable for your role, actions, and supporting team goals (Accountable)
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect in every interaction (Respectful)
• Prioritize the needs of the people we serve and the success of the team (Selfless)
• Protects the rights of all individuals:
• Is knowledgeable about the rights of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Respects and advocates for the capabilities, dignity and rights of each individual and files report of any human rights violation immediately.
• Understands that all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation are unacceptable. Reports any observation or suspicion of abuse or neglect to a member of administration.
• Complies with all company policies and procedures, and maintains certifications and credentials including but not limited to the following:
• Keeps current certification in all areas required by agency policy and Medicaid Waiver, including CPR, FA, Crisis Intervention, and Level 1 Medication Administration.
• If unable to work a scheduled shift due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, the team member must notify the team supervisor, on-call contact and relevant personnel promptly-ideally at least 2 hours prior to shift. When possible, the team member should arrange coverage. Sick leave will be honored per company policy and applicable laws.

• Gives and accepts feedback appropriately:
• Communicates concerns to the appropriate person, in a professional manner.
• Accepts feedback and makes an effort to improve performance and correct mistakes.
• Interacts with other employees in a professional and supportive manner, consistent with the mission of the agency and the interests of people served.
• Attends team/program/agency meetings as requested.
Physical Expectations
• This position requires extended periods of walking and standing with some periods of sitting which is dependent upon the needs and activities of the individuals supported. It may require light to heavy lifting, up to 50 pounds independently, and occasional stooping, kneeling, bending, and/or climbing stairs depending on the needs of the individual supported.
• The position will require occasional physical intervention if confronted by a person displaying combative or potentially dangerous behavior.
• Driving an agency or personal vehicle is a part of community integration for the individuals we support.
Working Conditions
Office/home environment with noises from appliances, telephones, and occasional small machinery (lawn mower, etc.). May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and/or infectious diseases. Occasionally, prolonged hours or unusual chores to meet the unexpected needs of the individuals (i.e. medical and/or behavioral).

QUALIFICATIONS
• Must have a minimum of three years’ experience providing person-centered support to people with disabilities.
• Must be complete (MODD Level 3) within 9 months of hire
• Must complete Philosophy of Supervision training within a year of hire
• Be at least 18 years of age and provide proof of high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English – both in writing and orally.
• Must demonstrate patience, professionalism, and compassion when supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Must be comfortable working with and providing support to individuals of all genders.
• Must not have been convicted of any disqualifying felony and must not have been substantiated for abuse or neglect in the state of Missouri, as recorded by the Department of Mental Health’s Employee Disqualification List.
• Must have reliable transportation for transporting clients.
• Must demonstrate safe practices in all areas and exemplify positive professional standards.
• Must obtain a Class E driver’s license during new hire orientation– must carry minimum coverage applicable by law for auto insurance
• Must Receive Seasonal Flu Vaccination
Employee’s Acknowledgment:


Equal Opportunity Employer