Direct Support Professional

REQUIRED AVAILABILITY:

• Evenings
• Weekends
• Overnights

BASIC FUNCTION: 

Under the general supervision of the Developmental Disabilities Professional (DDP). Responsible for meeting all aspects of the client's needs, and trains clients in developing their independent living skills. Responsible for following and carrying out programs for assigned clients in accordance with Nova Center of the Ozark’s procedures and policies. Coordinates programs with other staff members to ensure consistency of programming. Collects and records data on all assigned programs.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Working towards a B.A./B.S. in the human services field preferred.
• Experience working with developmentally disabled persons considered.
• High school diploma required.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Ability to follow intervention and program plans.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, if needed.
• Certified or able to be certified in CPR, First Aid, Mandt and Medication Administration.
• Ability to stand, stoop, lift up to 50 pounds as well as pull or push items.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Ability to maintain a record of punctuality and good attendance.
• Ability to work without constant supervision.
• Have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance.

REPORTS TO: Developmental Disabilities Professional (DDP)

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Personnel Requirements

• Follow all policies and procedures of Nova Center of the Ozarks.
• Become certified in CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, Mandt and other necessary in-service training classes, and keep current certification in all areas required by the Department of Mental Health. § Submit to a background check and drug test.

Inventory Requirements

• Responsible for keeping inventory of resident's personal items current.
• Notify Residential Manager or DDP when client needs additional clothing or other necessary personal items.
• Ensure that all clothing is in presentable condition.
• Assist clients in organizing and maintaining orderliness within client's room.

Money Management Requirements

• When necessary, purchase needed supplies for personal hygiene from personal spending money.
• Support client in choosing and the purchase of needed clothing or personal items.
• Keep accurate accounting of client's personal spending money.

Program Management Requirements

• Have a working knowledge of the Personal Plan or Behavior Support Plan and goal/objective implementation.
• Provide feedback to other staff, volunteers, and others in each client's program goals, objectives, and behavior management strategies to ensure consistency of programming across all residential hours.
• Ensure that accurate records are kept on the client with appropriate, accurate, and informative logs, data, incident/behavior reports, etc.
• Keep records of all parent contacts and visitations.
• When necessary, accompany client to doctor's appointments, dental appointments, etc. as needed.
• Keep the DDP informed of all health needs of the client.
• Submit all required forms and daily documentation promptly. Forms, reports, and data must be of professional caliber and appearance.
• Serve as an advocate for each assigned client across programs and settings.

Other Duties Required

• Be aware of the location of and assist in the supervision of assigned clients at all times while on duty.
• Pass medications as needed to clients.
• Assist in and help to teach residents, when appropriate, various independent living tasks daily. These duties may include but are not limited to the following:
• Basic nutrition and diet
• Menu planning
• Meal preparation and cleanup
• Various housekeeping tasks
• Appropriate conduct and manners
• Laundry skills and basic care of clothing
• Selecting appropriate clothing for various activities
• Social/Recreational skills including daily exercise of residents
• Other related duties as assigned from time to time
• Assist with emergency coverage for clients as needed.
• Provide safe, clean, and cheerful environment for assigned clients and associated staff. Leave work area in orderly condition at the end of each shift.

Professional Requirements

• Act in a professional manner and continue to develop as a professional.
• Demonstrate ability to relate effectively with co-workers.
• Give and receive feedback in a cooperative manner.
• Safeguard confidentiality and civil rights of clients and co-workers.
• Communicate directly and clearly in verbal and written form.
• Show initiative and creativity in problem-solving.
• Always maintain proper role as a representative of Nova Center of the Ozarks in the community.

WORK HOURS: This position is an hourly paid position, part-time with opportunity to go full-time.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: 

This position will be formally evaluated at least one time per year by the Residential Manager and DDP. Performance will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. Performance results will be reported to Program Director upon each evaluation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Nova Center of the Ozarks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Salary : $22