Lead DSP

JOB SUMMARY?? 

This position provides on-site leadership to the service site and to Direct Service Professionals (DSP’s) providing support to persons residing in a 24-hour group home setting. These support services are provided under Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) rules, Corporate Foster Care and Rule 245-D licensing requirements. The Lead DSP position provides direct support as well as mentorship and coaching to DSP’s providing direct service support and training necessary to 1) ensure the health, safety, and protection of rights of each person served and 2) to implement the responsibilities assigned in each person’s Support Plan or Support Plan Addendum. Services are designed to address the person’s identified needs, interests, preferences, and desired outcomes, as specified in the plan. Services are planned in a person-centered manner, in a manner that supports self-determination and maximal integration and inclusion. Individuals providing direct service support are required to be competent, as demonstrated through skills and knowledge training, experience, and education relevant to the needs of the individuals served. Individuals in this position must have?demonstrated competency in the orientation and training areas required under MN Rule 245D, as determined by a staff trainer. This position works closely with the staff supervisor in implementing the activities and responsibilities outlined in the Support Plan or Support Plan Addendum, as well as taking care of household needs.? 

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QUALIFICATIONS 

Required Education and Experience:? 

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. 

• Post-secondary education or experience in psychology, behavior management, special education, child development, or related field is preferred.?? 

Required Skills & Characteristics 

• Must be at least 18 years of age to work with adults, and at least 21 years of age to work with children. 

• Good people skills, including sincerity, discretion, rapport, empathy, and persistence in the face of resistance 

• Must have sufficient written communication skills to complete required documentation, including daily progress notes and incident notes.  

• Must have sufficient reading comprehension skills to manage day to day charting and communication, as well as to meaningfully participate and complete required training 

• Must have fluid oral expression skills to communicate with clientele, co-workers and administrative staff??? 

• A current driver’s license, up to date car insurance and a safe driving record is required for most positions. A request for waiver may be considered at the time of hire, though is not guaranteed to be granted.  

• Must pass a comprehensive Criminal Background check.?? 

• Must complete orientation training within 45 days of hire, per MN State Statute 245-D. 

• Orientation to HCBS Program. Successful completion of orientation to the program, includes: 1) the job description; 2) responding to and reporting incidents; 3) following safety practices; 4) agency policies and procedures; 5) data privacy; 6) service recipient rights and staff responsibilities relative to the exercise of these rights; 7) child maltreatment and vulnerable adult reporting; 8) principles of person-centered service planning and delivery; 9) use of manual restraint on an emergency basis, and the definition of restraint, time out, seclusion and chemical restraint; 10) prohibited procedures; 11) basic first aid; 12) strategies to minimize the risk of sexual violence; and 13) other topics as determined necessary. Successful completion includes demonstrating the required knowledge and skills as outlined in Rule 245-D. 

• Orientation to Individuals Served. Prior to providing unsupervised direct services, the staff must receive instruction about the individual’s needs. including training and competency evaluation in: 1) appropriate and safe techniques in personal hygiene and grooming; 2) healthy diet and food preparation; 3) Skills to support instrumental activities of daily living; 3) the Support Plan or Support Plan Addendum, the person’s individual abuse prevention plan, an understanding of the person as a unique individual, as well as how to implement their plan; 4) medication setup, assistance or administration; 5) safe and correct operation of any medical equipment used by the person; 6) mental health crisis response, de-escalation techniques, and suicide intervention when providing direct support for an individual with a serious mental illness. Successful completion includes demonstrating the required knowledge and skills as outlined in Rule 245-D.? 

• Fluid typing skills required for the completion of documentation? 

• General computer skills are required, with the expectation that the employee be able to utilize Solutions’ email, navigate the electronic health record (Therap), the Human Resource Information System (Workforce Ready) for time card completion and completion of human resource documents such as performance reviews, employee incidents, requests for leave, etc. Successful completion of orientation includes demonstrating the required knowledge and skills to use these systems.? 

Required Training 

The DSP is required to complete training as outlined in HCBS regulations. These are organized on a monthly basis. Additionally, Solutions’ policy requires that each employee complete 20 hours of training each calendar year. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS? 

Primary Responsibilities? 

• Attend shifts as scheduled. Shift coverage is an essential component of this job 

• Follow and implement?the duties outlined in the CSSP/CSSP Addendum for individuals served.? 

• Ensure the health, safety, and protection of rights of each person served.? 

• Provide person-centered services, which focuses on the individual’s goals and preferences, respects their dignity and cultural background, provides opportunities for development and exercise of functional and age-appropriate skills, decision making, choice, personal advocacy and communication. Person-centered services also maximize community inclusion, integration, participation, self-sufficiency, and natural social relationships. The least restrictive supports are to be provided in the most inclusive manner possible. 

• Follow the individual’s abuse prevention plan. 

• Plan cares and activities with individuals to include cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, community involvement, recreation and leisure skills, social activities, communication skills, personal safety skills,?and social skills. ? 

• Provide input and feedback to the?person’s?team with respect to?progress on the Support Plan or Support Plan Addendum.? 

• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.? 

• Maintain competency with state standards, including documentation and reporting requirements? 

• Performs home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, and cleaning.? 

• Completes assigned tasks each shift. 

• Accompanies clients to scheduled activities and appointments as outlined in individual programming.?Activities may include recreational activities, shopping, attendance for church activities, social activities, and medical appointments. 

• Serve as a mentor and coach to DSPs; provide leadership to staff and to the site. 

• Problem solves issues regarding the individuals being served 

• Ensure the safety and well-being of the client.? Follow the necessary safeguards in the client’s risk assessment.? For example, do not leave a client unsupervised unless this is authorized in the risk assessment.?Ensure that there are groceries available for meals 

• Practice and document quarterly fire drills 

• Ensure the site is kept clean and neat, as outlined in the Downtime Checklist 

• Complete Site Checks regularly 

• Order and ensure that client medication is available at the home site 

• Complete weekly vehicle inspection 

• Assist with training new staff 

• Act as a role model for staff 

• Provide guidance and direction to staff as needed 

• Maintain daily communication with the Supervisor regarding the status of individual and site needs 

Administrative Responsibilities?? 

• Complete required documentation prior to leaving the shift, including progress notes, medication administration activity, and general event reports. 

• Attend team meetings as assigned. 

• Attend training and supervision meetings as scheduled.??This is non-negotiable. 

• Complete time and expense sheets accurately, and within expected time frame. 

• Timely completion of administrative tasks and requests for communication, e.g., agency email, alerts/tasks assigned in the electronic medical record (Therap) or the Human Resource Information System (Workforce Ready)?? 

• Follow Safety Care procedures when working with clients 

• Follow all agency policies and procedures 

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Professional Expectations?? 

• Reliable attendance and punching in and out timely for shifts 

• Follow the dress code  

• Work in a positive and cooperative manner with others.? 

• Resolve problems constructively.? 

• Taking initiative. Be willing to pitch in. Be energetic.?? 

• Communicate directly with colleagues; manage your emotions on the job.? 

• Support new staff by modeling person-centered programming  

• Show flexibility when situations change and re-prioritize work tasks when needed.?? 

• Display a positive attitude about your job and the agency.?? 

• Show pride in your work.? 

• Be patient with clients, co-workers, and other team members.? 

• Be willing to give and accept constructive behavior.? 

• Accept responsibility for your own behavior and decisions. 

• Behave in an ethical manner, maintaining professional boundaries in relationships with clients, following agency standards for expected ethical behavior 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Setting 

This position works in a group home setting housing with up to 4 individuals. Generally, other direct support staff will also be in the work area. This position provides some support to individuals while in community settings, e.g., the library, stores, church activities, community events, etc. While the focus is on independence with transportation, some driving is required. A company car is generally available for use in these instances, and if not, mileage is reimbursed.  

Activity Level 

The group home setting may be noisy, and individuals served may present with social difficulties; some individuals may have difficulty with emotional regulation. Staff are trained in the use of Safety Care strategies to de-escalate situations. Staff are not expected, nor advised to physically intervene with clients, unless redirection or blocking techniques are built into the client’s program.  

The expectation for this position is to be physically active, matching the activity level of the individual being served. This includes supporting the individual with a variety of activities, including recreational events, leisure activities, household tasks, and personal cares. This position also requires a small portion of time in documenting on the computer. 

Schedule / Hours 

This is a 24-hour program. Generally, the schedule is divided into three shifts, i.e., morning/early afternoon, late afternoon/evening, and overnight. There are both full time and part time positions within the Corporate Foster Care program. Staff provide availability upon hire. Supervisors construct the schedule each month. There may be some variability with work shifts, depending upon the needs of the individuals served. Staff are required to work every other weekend and alternating holidays. 

Travel 

This position requires some local travel each day, between the office, school, home and community locations.?This may be through the use of public transportation with individuals served or staff driving. Staff are expected to show ongoing evidence of current car insurance and driver’s license.  

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS 

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job: 

Physical Demands 

Work is primarily performed in the group home environment and requires the ability to conduct typical activities of home living and general maintenance. This may include organizing groceries, cooking, cleaning, and assisting with personal hygiene tasks for individuals served, such as bathing, showering, or toileting. This position is required to use a computer for documentation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; see, talk and hear. The employee must have the ability to lift and carry parcels, packages and other items and to walk short distances. This employee is occasionally required to drive a vehicle. 

Under normal circumstances the employee will need to have to physical capacity to continuously use his/her hands for simple and firm grasping and fine manipulation. The employee may be required to do the following:?? 

• Life and carry 25 – 100?lbs.?? 

• Push/Pull? 

• Squat/Kneel/Stoop?? 

• Bend? 

• Twist upper and lower back?? 

• Climb a ladder?? 

Mental Demands 

This employee must have the cognitive skills to learn new tasks, remember group home procedures and program procedures for the support of individuals served, complete tasks independently, integrate information for decision-making, comprehend, problem solve, make timely decisions in the context of a work flow, and communicate effectively with supervisors, management staff, and individuals associated with those we serve, such as family members and county social workers. Stress level varies from low to high at times, given the needs of those individuals being served. This position may need to manage safety concerns at times. 

ACCESS / SECURITY LEVEL 

This employee is provided basic employee access to: 

• A key for the group home 

• Agency email 

• Therap for purposes of recording information regarding individuals served. 

• Workforce Ready, the Human Resource Information Management System 

AAP/EEO STATEMENT?? 

Solutions does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, creed, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation, or number of dependents. As part of the Solutions team, no provider or staff member shall aid, coerce, or conspire to cause a termination or resignation of another team member because of illegal discriminatory factors.? 

OTHER DUTIES? 

Employees with essential positions may be required to work during times of inclement weather or other emergency situations as required by the supervisor. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.?