Direct Support Professional

The Direct Support Provider (DSP) assists Individuals in achieving Quality Life Outcomes by supporting them to meet the goals and objectives of their Individual Service Plan. DSPs provide support to adult individuals with developmental disabilities such as intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy by helping them participate in community activities and skill building that complements their chosen goals. They may also provide assistance with their physical care and other activities of daily living.

Essential Job Functions

Individuals must be able to meet all essential functions, core competencies, and requirements of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to meet/perform these functions.

• Upholds the mission and vision of Enriching Lives and works with Individuals to assist them in achieving a well rounded life that they deem satisfying.
• Supports the implementation of the Individual Service Plan in accordance with all internal & external regulations and policies.
• Assists Individuals with transportation to activities and appointments and moving as needed.
• Provides personal care, life skill development, community integration, relationship development, financial management and medication administration. Performs light household duties and prepares meals if required.
• Arranges and/or ensures opportunities for relationship development and community activities based on Individual preference.
• Maintains progress notes and other relevant documentation in accordance with all internal and external policies and regulations. Submits documentation including time sheets within established deadlines.
• Notifies management immediately of any material changes affecting the status of Individuals or Family Homes including any suspected neglect or abuse.
• Provides crisis management support or coverage as needed.
• Provides excellent customer service and response timeliness to stakeholders such as Individuals, Families, Regional Center, and Family Home Providers.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with Individuals, families, funding sources and regulatory agencies, as appropriate, and monitors their satisfaction with services.
• Liaises with consultants such as behaviorists, nurses, therapists, psychologists, and other specialists as needed to ensure service needs of Individuals are met.
• Participates in supervision, training and meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned. May work on special assignments in addition to normal job functions.

Supervisory Requirements

None.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); one to three months related experience and/or training.

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Vision

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors, Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

First Aid and CPR certification, Valid driver's license and insurance, driving record must meet state regulations and company policy.

Other Requirements

Safe and reliable vehicle. Ability to travel as required. Must meet all federal, state, and internal employment requirements including, but not limited to: Background checks and Physical/TB/Drug screening.

Physical Demand

Amount of Time

Stand

1/3 to 2/3

Walk

1/3 to 2/3

Sit

1/3 to 2/3

Reach Vertical

1/3 to 2/3

Reach Horizontal

1/3 to 2/3

Climb or Balance

1/3 to 2/3

Twist

1/3 to 2/3

Bend

1/3 to 2/3

Squat

1/3 to 2/3

Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl

1/3 to 2/3

Physical Intervention

1/3 to 2/3

Talk or Hear

Over 2/3

Taste or Smell

1/3 to 2/3

Type

1/3 to 2/3

Drive

1/3 to 2/3

Lifting Weight or Exerting Force

Amount of Time

Up to 10 Pounds

Over 2/3

Up to 25 Pounds

1/3 to 2/3

Up to 50 Pounds

Under 1/3

Up to 100 Pounds

Under 1/3

More than 100 Pounds

Under 1/3

Working Environment

Amount of Time

Wet or Humid Conditions (Non-Weather)

Rarely

Work Near Mechanical Moving Parts

Rarely

Work in High, Precarious Places

Rarely

Fumes or Airborne Particles

Rarely

Toxic or Caustic Chemicals

Under 1/3

Outdoor Weather Conditions

Under 1/3

Extreme Cold (Non-Weather)

Rarely

Risk of Electrical Shock

Rarely

Work with Explosives

Rarely

Risk of Radiation

Rarely

Vibration

Rarely

Level of Noise

Moderate Noise: Business Office, Community, Residences