Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains constant awareness of, and philosophically supports the individual’s right to live their own Everyday Life
• Respects the individual's’ life decisions and assists them in making sure their decisions are upheld
• Provides direct contact hours as established by The Arc during the individual’s programming hours
• Advocates for and provides training and direction to the individual in resolving personal problems related to living within the community, including but not limited to:
• family matters as needed
• obtaining/refilling prescriptions
• grocery shopping
• paying bills
• independence in decision-making
• Provides support and direction to the individual in maintaining their own home
• Assist in identifying safe food storage techniques
• Direct and assist in the preparation of healthy meals
• Direct in the general upkeep of the home, including vacuuming, dishes, picking up, and other household chores

• Demonstrates knowledge of each individual’s diverse needs by:
• Reading each updated version of the ISP
• Participating as a team member for the individual at their ISP meetings
• Implementing goals as outlined in the ISP
• Documenting goal progress (or lack of) on monthly progress reports, and ensuring that monthly progress reports are turned in on time each month
• Transports and/or provides transportation for each individual while on program to work, social events, medical appointments, etc. as indicated by the individual
• Accompanies and provides direction to individuals at meetings, appointments, shopping, work, etc.
• teaches individuals to access public transportation as appropriate
• Assists individual in arranging for additional care and services they may need

• Uses ADP to log in/out of work each day by computer or phone application, following agency directives for policies and procedures regarding ADP
• Understands, applies, and adheres to all Compliance policies and procedures including reporting issues regarding compliance either with the immediate supervisor or the compliance officer

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 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, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Direct Service Professionals must maintain regular work attendance, and report to work as scheduled and on time. Each Direct Support Professional is required to come to one staff meeting each month.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Must be 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record. A high school diploma or equivalent education is required. Each Direct Service Professional is required to maintain a minimum of training hours as determined by the agency. ACRE Certification a plus.

REASONING ABILITY: Employee should have the ability to apply creative problem solving skills and deal with problems positively in a constantly changing environment. Employee should also be able to communicate with a wide variety of individuals and adapt to communication needs as necessary. Employee should apply understanding and problem solving skills to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit for long periods of time and walk on a very frequent basis. Employee will be required to provide direct service when available for individuals without staff, so the employee should be able to move with minimal limitations to accommodate a variety of individuals’ interests and activities.

JOB-RELATED EXPECTATIONS:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of Everyday Lives and Positive Approaches
• Upholds the values of The Arc
• Ability to communicate (verbally and written) professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization and external contacts
• Problem-solver
• Self-motivated
• Dependable
• Manage time efficiently
• Solid decision-making skills
• Regular attendance required
• Ability to maintain the integrity of highly confidential information