Direct Support Professional

JOB TITLE:   Direct Support Professional

APPOINTED BY:   Chief Executive Officer

RESPONSIBLE TO:   Program Manager

BASIC FUNCTIONS:   Perform duties under the direct supervision of the Program Manager. Works directly & supervises adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities by providing daily training and instruction for achieving program participant goals and objectives and essential direct care services to individuals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Strong emphasis on customer service is required.
• Ability to exhibit professionalism, courtesy, and flexibility when working with students and families on all assigned duties.
• Must demonstrate good computer/database management skills. Proficient in Excel.
• Must have knowledge utilizing Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
• Must possess excellent attention to detail.
• Understand the goals and services of the program outlined in the Program Design.
• Provide job site training and instruction to the work crew as outlined by the organization.
• Understand the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of members of persons served.
• Reflect a work pattern like non-disabled adult workers using age-appropriate equipment.
• Develop and maintain the worker’s functional skills, self-advocacy, employment training, community integration, self-care, and social recreation as required by the organization.
• Maintain awareness of worker’s rights at all times.
• Monitor and report any concerns related to health and safety to the Program Manager or designee. This includes any documented or suspected unlawful discrimination, adult abuse, or harassment.
• Complete all documentation as required by the organization.
• Be able to establish appropriate communication levels with both workers and fellow peers.
• Attend all meetings assigned including ISP meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings as required based on job duties.
• Assist in developing worker assessments, training curriculum, and individual Service Plans (ISP).
• Promote positive encouragement to reinforce desirable behavior.
• Implement daily lesson plans.
• Maintain professional growth by attending in-service training sessions as assigned.
• Must have a working knowledge of all SMSC policies and procedures on confidentiality.
• Ensure that all programs and Regional Center standards, Lanterman Act, and other applicable requirements are maintained.
• Follow all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the Lanterman Act Title 17 and Title 22 of the State of California. 
• Expected to provide transportation for program participants to a variety of activities in the community using Organization vehicles. 
• Responsible for all other duties as assigned by the program manager to ensure the safe and efficient daily operation of the program. 
• Expected to provide appropriate personal care to program participants based on individual needs. 
• Based on department needs, additional training may be required, i.e., Pro-ACT or any other applicable training. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS:

Individuals will regularly be required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb or balance; frequently bends, twists, stoops, and kneels; and will assist with lifting and transferring adults from wheelchairs to a variety of locations within the organization or in the community.  Occasionally, you may have to lift up to 50 lbs. for program participant safety or setting up activities. You may be required to work outside in all weather conditions. You may be required to walk distances up to one mile in length.   Occasionally, there will be situations requiring high stamina.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is in various professional work sites, indoors and outdoors. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

      To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Minimum high school diploma or GED required.
• Preferred six months of direct care or direct training of people with intellectual, developmental, learning, or physical disabilities or equivalent experience in social services
• Preferred Disability Professional Services Certificate or enrollment in Disabilities Services Management Certificate classes
• Must be able to conform to applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to Title 17 and Title 22 of the State of California
• Must be able to read, write, and understand English.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol tests.
• Must complete a pre-employment health screening/TB test.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain clearance for required criminal records.
• Valid CA Drivers License, clean DMV Report, and 12 months of licensed driving experience
• Must be able to complete CPR and First Aid Training during the orientation process and update certification annually.