Direct Support Professional - Personal Supports (Saturday and Sunday 1pm - 5pm)

Description

Overview: We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide personal support for an individual with Autism and Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder. The ideal candidate will assist the individual in safely participating in community activities, ensuring her well-being while fostering her independence and personal interests.

Location: Silver Spring, MD

Key Responsibilities:

• Community Engagement:

• Accompany to various community activities, including trips to the park, shopping, dining out, and other activities of their choice.
• Encourage and support participation in these activities, ensuring enjoyment while exploring their interests.

• Safety Monitoring:

• Ensure the individual’s safety during community outings, particularly as they may not fully understand community safety protocols.
• Remain vigilant for potential seizure triggers and know how to respond appropriately in case of an emergency.

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

• Provide direct support for personal care needs, including restroom assistance and any other hygiene-related tasks.
• Encourage autonomy in personal care where possible, supporting the individual to gain confidence in their abilities.

• Emotional Support and Interaction:

• Foster a positive and engaging relationship, encouraging their interests in singing, reading, and dancing.
• Use verbal communication to understand and respond to the individual’s wants and needs, ensuring they feel heard and valued.

• Collaborative Support:

• Work closely with the individual’s family to understand their specific needs, preferences, and safety measures.
• Participate in regular communication with family to provide updates on the individual’s activities and any concerns that may arise.

Candidate Qualities:

• Previous experience as a Direct Support Professional, caregiver, or in a related field is preferred.
• Understanding of Autism and Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder and the ability to support individuals with these conditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with individuals with diverse needs.
• Knowledge of community safety measures and emergency response protocols.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively with the individual and their family.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19
• High School Diploma
• Valid Driver’s License
• Possess a strong service orientation, including active listening, critical thinking skills, and close monitoring of individuals supported.
• Comfortable in an environment where individuals supported may not be able to perform essential life duties.
• Ability to work professionally and discretely with confidential information.
• High level of personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a verbal and written manner.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Ability to use computer applications to fulfill job duties, including the use of individual documentation system, Microsoft Word, assigned payroll systems, LTSS (as assigned) and vehicle inspection reporting system

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged standing, leaning, walking, bending, and lifting periods.
• Prolonged periods are sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate durable medical equipment.
• Ability to push a wheelchair and occupant with combined weight up to 200 pounds, on occasion.
• Ability to detect unsafe situations by sight or sound and react quickly to intervene.
• Must maintain reliable transportation to ensure the ability to travel to various sites and meetings in the community.

Salary : $18