Direct Support Professional

Company: Willows Way, Inc.
Location: Saint Charles
Posted on: April 2, 2021

Job Description:

Direct Support Professional (DSP)--Program: Supported Living--Qualifications: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will be at least 18 years of age and have--attained a high school diploma or its equivalent. (Experience in support of people with disabilities--required for some clients.)----Purpose: Support clients in a person-centered, positive, kind, and respectful manner whereby they experience a sense of home, a feeling of security, and an avenue for personal growth.--Status: Part-time, Full-time or PRN Non-Exempt----Supervised by: Program Manager--Reports To: Home Coordinator and Program Manager--Required Availability: Mornings, afternoons, evenings, nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays at--one or more locations as determined by the clients we support and agency need. In the event of an--emergency, must be willing to cover shifts at alternate locations if requested by supervisor.----Position Requirements (Physical Ability & Skills):-------Ability to lift, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 10 pounds in weight i.e. groceries,--laundry.-------Ability to use and availability of personal vehicle on the job at all shifts.-------Ability to reach above, bend/stoop, use hands for pushing/pulling i.e. household tasks. - Ability to continually walk and stand for up to three (3) hours i.e. grocery shopping, recreational--events.-------Ability to read, comprehend, write and speak effectively and professionally in English. - Ability to see and hear sufficiently for the assigned clients.-------Ability to enter client homes that may not be accessible.-------Ability to complete basic math functions i.e. support with financial transactions. - Ability to provide assistance with informed decision-making to enable positive outcomes with--activities of daily living including personal care, household chores; health maintenance, and--relationship facilitation.-------Ability to apply learned skills from classroom teaching to job-specific duties. - Ability to follow client support plans.-------Reliable transportation, current vehicle insurance and valid driver's license (including ability to--obtain Class E license.)-------Ability to manage one's own stress.-------Free of any communicable disease or health condition that could be transmitted to clients.-------Must be able to successfully obtain CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration and Crisis--Intervention certification and renew as required.-------Model and maintain a positive, supportive, productive team and work environment.-----Successfully pass all required background checks and alcohol/drug screenings for the position.-----Ability to use computer technology and programs to enter required client and agency-related--documentation i.e. daily documentation, medication administration records, documentation on goals.-----Additional Requirements for clients who require physical assistance: This may include, but is not--limited to, physical assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, use of the restroom, assistance with--transferring (wheelchair to bed/vehicle/toilet/bath/shower and vice versa), physical lifting of the--individual's wheelchair for transportation, bending as related to physical supports of the individual,--pushing/maneuvering a wheelchair (manual or electric), and use of hoyer lifts (manual & electric).--Responsibilities:----In order to support clients in a positive, kind and respectful manner whereby they experience a sense--of home, a feeling of security and an avenue for personal growth, the Direct Support Professional--will:-----Establish personal/social schedules for each week and completing daily activities included in the--schedule.-------Implement personal outcome/learning strategies documented in the Individual Support Plan (ISP).-----Plan client holiday, personal celebrations and special days.-------Support client to participate in religious expression activities of client choice.-------Assist client with personal hygiene tasks i.e. using restroom, brushing teeth, bathing as needed.-----Support clients with maintaining personal appearance through clothing choices- appropriate to--weather, activity and social circumstances.-------Shop and purchase groceries, household supplies and personal items according to chosen menus--and individual choice and within budget.-------Ensure economic security of individual by recording all financial transactions, deposits, purchases--and payments in appropriate ledgers and filing all receipts according to Willows Way Financial--Policies.-------Maintain awareness of the community events and opportunities through the use of internet--searches or special interest publications and encouraging participation in events of client's choice.-----Support the client with maintaining social contact and communication with the individuals' chosen--friends and relatives by means of visits, calls, e-mail, social media, letters and events.-----Accompany individuals to social events, and facilitating introductions and connections with people--in the individual's community who will be supportive to the individual--.-----Assure the client is provided all necessary information when they have to make decisions or--choices by allowing adequate time for the individual to decide and express their decision or--choice.-------Assure that all adaptive equipment necessary for the individual in is working order and accessible--to the individual whenever necessary.-------Assure all materials and items necessary for basic needs are present and available in the--individuals' home at all times i.e. food, clothing, personal hygiene items, medication (s) and--equipment.-------Consistently address individuals in all interactions with positive personal regard, using language--that is age and culturally appropriate.-------Assure that individuals have access to their personal property and that all possessions are secure--and functional.-----Assure that any alleged or suspected instance of abuse or neglect toward an individual supported--is reported immediately according to Willows Way, Inc. Policy and Procedures.-----Plan and support client in preparation of nutritionally adequate and appealing meals.-----Administer medications as prescribed and directed, and complete all medication administration--records according to Willows Way Policy and Procedures--.-----Monitor each individual's medical health and wellbeing at all times, observing for changes in--emotions, mobility, physical appearance or patterns of living and then reporting and documenting--all health information in daily notes and contacting a supervisor when necessary.-------Assist individuals in attending medical appointments and communicating and recording all medical--information according to Willows Way Policy and Procedure.-------Assure that the individuals' home is maintained with the highest standard of cleanliness at all--times. The DSP is responsible to maintain these standards regardless of the individual's ability to--perform the necessary chores.--In addition to the above responsibilities and to assure efficient operation within Willows Way,--Inc., the Direct Support Professional is responsible to:------- Complete position duties in line with Willows Way values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity,--and Person-Centeredness.--- Complete all required training as directed by Willows Way, Inc. and to submit--documentation of completed training to be added to personnel file.----- Ensure personnel records are up to date at all times i.e. current driver's license, valid--vehicle insurance, address, phone numbers.----- Review voicemail messages daily and respond accordingly to all supervisory directions and--inquiries issued through voicemail, e-mail, and other modes of communication.--- Respond promptly to inquiries from clients, families, guardians, partnering service--providers, other Willows Way Departments, co-workers, etc-------- Participate in all support planning meetings or organizational meetings as directed by--supervisor.----- Complete accurately all support and administrative paperwork and submit according to--Willows Way Policy and Procedure (i.e. timesheets, mileage sheets, program reports, client--notes, medication administration records)--.--- Act in accordance with ethical standards and guidelines for professionalism at all times.--- Display a positive attitude, contribute to a positive and productive work environment and demonstrate belief in the value of teamwork.----- Display a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.----- Know, understand and implement all Willows Way Policy and Procedure.----- Perform duties in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values and policies of Willows Way.----- Additional duties as may be assigned.--

Keywords: Willows Way, Inc., Saint Charles , Direct Support Professional, Other , Saint Charles, Missouri