DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

About Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Behavioral Health (MPNN BH)

At MPNN BH, our mission is “PROMOTING WELLBEING…. ONE INDIVIDUAL… ONE FAMILY… ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME”

Our organization provides services designed to help members of our community achieve their individual goals. MPNN BH has over 60 distinct programs to aid and support all ages and many situations.

Job Summary

This position provides services that insure a good quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Insure the happiness, safety, and security of these individuals. Other duties as assigned to provide overall support of the well-being of the participants. Provides instruction, support, and personal care to individuals according to the Person-Centered Plan for each individual. Provides services and supports in residential programs, and in the community depending upon the needs and wants of the individuals. Work involves the implementation of Individual Support Plans which enable individuals to participate in community lifestyles. When supporting individuals uses general knowledge of the person-centered principles, practices, and techniques. This position reports to the Manager and/or Lead DSP.

The position of Direct Support Professional is responsible for:

• Uses basic manners and polite language to show individuals we support, co-workers and members of the community dignity and respect to achieve their desired lifestyle.
• Encourages dreams, desires, and ambitions, no matter the size or seeming impossibility.
• Treats all individuals in ways that maximize their fullest potential and permits the best possible therapeutic outcome.
• Focuses on each individual as a Person not a disability, behavior, or by the equipment the individual uses. Shows that they value the individual as a contributing member of society rather than focusing on their disability label.
• Supports meaningful lives and relationships without judgment by listening and learning the person's concept of what a meaningful life and/or relationship is defined as, and not imparting our own ideas or biases.
• Never misses the opportunity to support a positive change in someone's life by remaining ever mindful and vigilant for information that helps us understand what a person wants for their life.
• Truly understands what is Important To and Important For a person in order to improve that person's quality of life, rather than imposing our own view of quality.
• Assists in coordinating schedules for individuals' activities and appointments; provides transportation for community outings, appointments, etc.
• Attends community activities with individuals; acts as advocate for individual in the community.
• Seeks community resources for the individuals; incorporates available resources into daily individuals' activities.
• Plans and implements direct support activities which include assisting individuals with daily living skills such as grooming and personal hygiene, dressing, etc., as well as assisting individuals in activities to promote greater self-sufficiency, such as money management, community awareness and safety, cooking, laundry, cleaning, etc.
• Administers medication for individuals and/or monitors individual's self-administration of medications. Assists with the maintenance and general cleaning of the program sites, equipment, and supplies.
• Provides services based upon the goals and objectives of each individual's support plan.
• Participates in the development of Individual Support Plans including defining outcomes and routine supports needed based on what is Important To and Important For that individual.
• Provides general supervision and supports as needed in activities and ensures safety.
• Practices intervention techniques for challenging circumstances or incidents of aggression; assists individuals during emergencies; provides first aid when needed.
• Prepares incident reports as needed.
• Follows established program policies and procedures during medical and environmental emergencies.
• Records accurate and objective log entries for all required documentation of shift activities, progress towards individuals' outcomes, medications, support activities, required summary reports, etc. according to Medicaid and program guidelines.
• Performs other related work as required.
• Training in, and adherence to, Behavioral Interventions
• Willing to work at other Development Services locations when needed.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED.

Experience

• 2 to 4 months' experience providing direct support or personal assistance to a person with a disability is preferred or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Must possess a valid Virginia Driver's License and driving record acceptable to agency insurance carrier.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must be certified tuberculosis free on an annual basis as required by licensing authority.
• Must be able to obtain CPR, First Aid, Medication Management, and Certification for Medicaid Waiver DSP Competencies and Home and Community Based Services upon hiring.
• All training provided by the BH.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance (TLC Anthem BCBS)
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay (12 paid holidays, PTO accrued monthly)
• Professional development opportunities
• Retirement plan through Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Work site qualified under NHSC, click the link to check eligibility for loan forgiveness http://www.nhsc.hrsa.gov/

The agency of MPNN Behavioral Health maintains a drug free workplace.

Benefits listed are for full time qualifying employees. EOE