DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of this position is to work directly with persons supported in the implementation of the written Coordinated Service and Support Plan (CSSP), Coordinated Service and Support Plan Addendum (CSSP Addendum), and the Individual Abuse Prevention Plan, documenting progress and response to program services, and ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of persons supported. This position is under the supervision of the Manager.

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible, however, in no way is it stated or implied that these are the only required duties; other related duties necessary to meet the needs of the organization may be assigned.

Job type
Full time

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Paid Time Off
• 401K
• 7 holidays with double pay
• On shift meals with residents

• Demonstrates an understanding of the person as a unique individual and how to implement the Coordinated Service and Support Plan, Coordinated Service and Support Plan Addendum, Individual Abuse Prevention Plan, outcomes and any supporting documents.
• Provides support and supervision to each person supported, using therapeutic interventions as specified within procedures, while ensuring safety of all persons.
• Provides person centered services demonstrated through practice, action, thinking, and language.
• Assists in completing annual assessments as directed by the Manager.
• Participates in the writing of program plans and teaching methods as directed by the Manager.
• Obtains a working knowledge of person(s) history, skills, and areas of vulnerabilities, habilitation plans and emergency procedures.
• Assists in implementing program plans and documents progress for each person supported and records outcomes with measurable data in daily and monthly reports.
• Completes assignments of all medical or health related services and ensures follow-up services.
• Maintains and performs proper distribution and documentation of all prescribed medication, treatments, diets, and/or exams or as otherwise directed by the CSSP and CSSP Addendum.
• Understands what constitutes a healthy diet according to data from the CDC and has the skills necessary to prepare that diet at regularly schedules times.
• Assists in transporting and accompanying persons supported to and from appointments for health or consultant related services including nurses, physicians, psychologists, and/or therapists as directed.
• Abide by all licensing regulations and service standards applicable to the service site and provision. This includes MN Statutes, chapter 245D regulations and applicable service type standards (i.e. SLS, ILS, foster care). In addition employees will also comply with standards in the MN Statutes, chapter 245A, sections 626.557 and 626.5572 (VAA) and section 626.556 (MOMA). Physical plant regulations may also need to be followed according to 245D, the Adult Foster Care Rule, or the Child Foster Care Rule.

• Provides appropriate supports in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.
• Assists persons supported with a daily routine, providing opportunities for choice and presenting creative options as needed. The daily routine includes but not limited to cooking, leisure time usage, grooming, socializing, budgeting and money usage, grooming, safety and health, and participating as a member of the community.
• Passes medications and may perform other medical procedures for which they are trained and authorized to do so according to the CSSP and CSSP Addendum.
• Provides safe and correct operation of medical equipment used by the person to sustain life if required for the person. This typically involves monitoring of health conditions for which the medical equipment is used (however monitoring of health conditions may not require the use of equipment).

• Encourages and assists in the usage of public resources and outside recreational activities in an integrated setting.
• Assist persons supported in establishing and maintaining community relationships and facilitating friendships.
• Provides enabling assistance, support and supervision to each person supported.
• Maintains the site where persons supported receive services by performing routine upkeep and light maintenance.
• Documents and accounts for all agency related expenditures according to company procedures.
• Notifies Manager or other designated person of maintenance projects and safety concerns.

• Immediately notifies Manager and coworkers of all service-related and/or employment-related unusual and emergency occurrences, as well as regularly required or directed information.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships and open communication with persons supported, their support team (legal guardian and case manager), family and friends, staff, and other associated persons.
• Directs communications from family, legal guardians, county case managers, licensors etc. to the Manager when appropriate.
• Documents progress in progress notes and additional reports as needed or directed for each person supported.
• Actively and objectively documents data for program goals or behavior plans.
• Participates as a team member and offers suggestions, voices concerns and provides information regarding persons supported as directed.
• Ensures the service environment is safe, free from harassment and discrimination. Reports immediately any unsafe work practices or hazards, and any harassing or discriminating practices observed or suspected.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information.
• Gives proper notice and follows the reporting chain of command when unable to report to a work shift. (Cancellation of an accepted work shift by the employee for reasons other than illness, injury or unforeseen emergency situations that require the employee's presence will be considered unacceptable work performance and may be cause for disciplinary action).

• Maintains all employment standards, required training and licensing standards.
• Demonstrates competency in all job functions.
• Completes orientation and annual training requirements and demonstrates competency.
• Completes initial assessments for persons supported as directed and coordinated by the Manager.
• Attends staff meetings and all required training sessions to meet licensing requirements.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of program and personnel policies and procedures.
• Attends and participates in a variety of education programs designed to increase knowledge and experience in the field.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and personal vehicle for use in performing work related activities and maintain necessary insurance coverage (if required).

• May perform the duties and functions of other staff.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.
• Completes special projects or tasks as needed.
• Is subject to frequent problem-solving activities.
• Agrees at all times to serve as a positive role model for persons supported.
• Agrees that he/she must conduct him/herself at all times in a professional manner when representing the company, its services, and personnel positively and in a manner that will not be construed as defaming or slandering.
• Agrees to, at all times, treat persons supported with dignity and respect in the performance of the duties outlined in this job description and to uphold the rights of those persons.

• Ability to read, write and speak English at a level that meets the performance requirements; or must be able to communicate in the language spoken by the person(s) supported at a level that meets the performance requirements; whichever is deemed more important by the company.
• Ability to work independently with minimal instruction and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to meet licensing requirements of the state and county of service.
• Ability to maintain good employee relations and morale.
• Willingness to take initiative and adapt to circumstances.
• Ability to develop and maintain professionally appropriate therapeutic relationships with each person supported and their support team, family and friends, etc.; ability to maintain positive working relations with staff and other related persons to ensure services are delivered in a continuous and effective manner.
• Ability and willingness to maintain a positive demeanor.
• Ability to follow daily routines while allowing for flexibility and planning creative alternatives.
• Ability to implement any therapeutic interventions as required.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings and with a variety of level of personal care needs without direct supervision.
• Ability to effectively use a calculator, appliances, equipment, smoke alarms, etc. with training.
• Ability to accept and incorporate new methods into existing practices.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 6 months of relevant experience.

• No persons under the age of 18 shall:
• Pass medications to a person supported.
• Work any overnight shifts.
• Operate any motor vehicles while transporting persons supported.

• Is subject to frequent interruptions, imposed deadlines and frequent problem-solving activities.
• May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset persons supported, staff, family members, visitors, and personnel from other agencies.
• May be exposed to a variety of conditions, infectious diseases, odors, dust, etc. throughout the working hours.
• Regularly travels in the community, drives a vehicle and transports persons supported and may be asked to use the employee's own vehicle (with paid mileage).
• Is subject to flexible hours, including split shifts or varied days and times including mornings, afternoons, and evenings, holidays, weekends and overnights depending on service coverage needs.
• Works in a variety of settings which may include inside or outside the home environment, work setting, and/or throughout the community.
• Work locations may vary according to the needs of the company and staffing requirements. May be assigned to work sites throughout the various counties where services are provided by the company, including reassignment to a different shift when the scheduled shift has been cancelled.
• May be subject to physically aggressive persons supported and may be required to implement an emergency use of manual restraint.
• May be exposed to animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, pet rodents, birds or pet reptiles.

• Sits, stands, walks, bends, and moves intermittently during working hours.
• Lifting/transferring requirements vary based on service provision and the needs of persons supported
• Ability to master the use of all physical intervention and assistance techniques, including permitted and restricted procedures, necessary to meet the needs of persons supported and as directed by the CSSP Addendum.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetic services that will enable these senses to function adequately.
• Ability to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Possess good health and demonstrate emotional stability.