Direct Support Professional - Day Services

Job Title: Direct Support Professional- Day Services

Department: Operations

Reports To: Day Services Supervisor

Date: July 1, 2024

Job Summary: 

The Direct Support Professional (DSP)- Day Services, is responsible to work cooperatively with the Day Services Supervisor and other staff in developing, implementing and evaluating the care and support for the individuals we serve. The DSP Day Services Mobridge  is responsible for reporting any concerns regarding program or personnel issues to the Day Services Supervisor and working in collaboration with leadership and their fellow colleagues to uphold quality standards of care and service delivery.

The DSP supporting Day Services will provide direct support services to the individual(s) served as defined and outlined  within  the Individual Service Plan(s). These services would include assisting in maintaining a clean, safe living environment, meal preparation and assisting in the activities of daily living etc. DSP Day Services has extensive driving and transportation responsibilities based on program location and associated geography of the individuals served. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for assisting in and/or the planning and coordination of daily personal cares, personal hygiene, medical needs, diabetic and nutritional requirements, activities and field trips. Also, individual support and transportation requirements of the participants at all times while they are under the care and supervision of Vista Care Day Service Programs. 

• Actively assists in activities and techniques that can increase the quality of life for all individuals attending. 

• Required to report all incidents involving aggression, behavioral intervention, medical situations or treatments relating to staff or individuals, any pertinent information to the Day Services Supervisor in a timely manner. 

• Updates information on each individual to keep it up to date. 

• Adheres to and supports all Vista Care policies and procedures. 

• Adheres to and supports all VIsta Care core values, actively supporting the mission and vision of the organization.

• Follows direction of program supervisor 

• Is familiar with and respects the rights of the individuals served. 

• Acts as an advocate for the individuals served and supported ensuring they are treated in an age appropriate manner, with dignity and respect.

• Provides a clean, comfortable atmosphere ensuring the environment is always homelike and kept clean. 

• Relates to those served and supported with a caring and professional attitude. 

• Involves individuals in the decorating and care of their surroundings. 

• Responsible for completing daily charting, logs, documentation, and plans for individuals supported in a timely, thorough manner based upon all Vista Care policies and procedures. 

• Verifies that medications have been administered properly by adhering to all policies and that medications are stored properly in the locked cabinets 

• Understands and able to identify signs of agitation for the purpose of implementing recommended behavior support(s). 

• Will provide input for revisions of behavior support plans and remains alert to behavior/physical changes of those served and supported notifying supervisors or other leadership as appropriate.

• Assists those supported with family and personal contacts. IIs aware of defined restrictions of contacts and assists in compliance. 

• • May assist in making phone calls and contacts with family and friends and/or supports those served as requested, in writing, addressing and mailing letters. 

  • Always is respectful and attentive when interacting with families and will notify the supervisor of concerns related to family member interactions, questions, or issues etc.

• Initiates the involvement of those served in activities including the planning of those activities and offering a variety of activities for choice.

• • Encourages individuals to choose activities and documents their preferences

  • Maintains awareness of community activities that might be of interest to those supported and served and makes suggestions to the supervisor and leadership of activities that are recommended. 

• Other duties as assigned by direct supervisor or other leadership. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Must successfully complete all certification and training requirements within the assigned state(s) of operation within 90 days of hire. 

• Valid driver’s license and clear driving record in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and Vista Care’s best practices required

• Experience in human services, customer service, or a related field preferred

• Prior experience in residential services and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.

• Clear background check in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and Vista Care’s best practices

• Consistently demonstrate effective decision-making abilities, strong communication skills, and computer literacy.

• Demonstrated knowledge in the use of medical equipment needed to care for individuals served

• Promotes an environment of teamwork 

Education: 

• High School Diploma or GED Required

• A college, or university degree or the equivalent is preferred. Social services or similar fields preferred.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

• Prompt and regular attendance is a requirement.

• Ability to lift at least fifty (50) pounds on a routine basis to assist with individuals supported.

• Ability to bend, twist, lift, reach and assist individuals supported with their movements including their ability to stand up.

• Variable weekly hours to support operational needs including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. 

• Required to work in residential settings and/or day programs.

• Required to use their own vehicle or those owned and/or leased by Vista Care This responsibility includes transporting persons served. A valid driver’s license and level of personal liability insurance as required by Vista Care  must remain in effect at all times. 

• • Daily transportation of individuals served and the driving requirement for the DSP Day Services Mobridge is extensive based on geography.