Direct Support Professional-Residential Services LaPorte County

POSITION PURPOSE: Responsible to attend to personal health care needs and perform person-centered activities designed to assist individuals with disabilities to learn, maintain, or increase their independent functioning skills. May also include areas of entertainment, relaxation, and education. Activities may occur in individual’s home or group settings within the agency or in the community.   May also provide support to the industrial operation through completion of assigned tasks which is essential to revenue producing production.  May be asked to provide supervision in various programs per the individual program plan(s).

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. Good public relations and communication skills.
2. Ability to recognize and respond to medical and emergency needs.
3. Basic knowledge of various disability types and the impact of functional limitations in developmental learning.
4. Basic knowledge of curriculum planning and instruction of classroom activities.
5. Valid driver's license or PPC license (if required).  Good driving record.
6. Must provide Paladin, Inc. with on-going, up-to-date "proof of vehicle insurance" in employee’s name for vehicle driven while working for Paladin.
7. Basic knowledge of local community organizations’ activities and events.
8. Ability to independently organize time and duties to meet work floor and consumer demands.
9. Basic math skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Frequent lifting; may require team lifting up to 150 lbs.
2. Ability to bend, crouch, or kneel.
3. Ability to twist, push, or pull.
4. Quick reflexes and skill in non-aversive crisis intervention.
5. Ability to project voice, listen, and to observe classroom areas.
6. Frequent lifting and carrying up to 75 lbs.
7. Standing, walking and sitting for extended periods of time.
8. Sitting to write records and in meetings.
9. Speaking, hearing, visual ability to communicate.
10. Ability to project voice, listen and observe program areas.
11. Subject to frequent interruptions
12. Frequent hand washing
13. Quick reflexes and skill in non-aversive crisis intervention.
14. Capacity to handle extremes in environmental conditions (i.e. heat, cold).
15. May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset individuals throughout the day.
16. May be subject to infectious diseases.
17. Must be able to pass physical components of required trainings (i.e. CPR, BIP)

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Patience and diplomacy in dealing with difficult clients (participants), staff, family members and agency staff.
2. Ability to observe significant changes in conditions or actions of clients (participants).
3. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
4. Initiative and flexibility to handle changes in routine.
5. Compassion and concern for the well-being of people with disabilities.
6. Ability to work as a team member.
7. Ability to handle multiple tasks and/or demands of one's time from others.
8. Must be proficient in basic math skills; addition, subtraction, fractions, multiplication, and division.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS/JOB EXPERIENCE:

1. High school diploma or equivalent preferred
2. One to two years’ experience in social services, special education, nurse's aide, and/or working with people with disabilities preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Compassion and concern for the well-being of persons with disabilities.
2. Must adhere to all necessary safety requirements.
3. Responsible for the safety of all staff and clients (participants) under your supervision.
4. Understands the need for maintaining professionalism at all times.
5. May pursue grant opportunities and/or special projects.
6. May be asked to serve on various agency committees.
7. Must have a working cell phone.

Salary : $18 - $18