Careers

Job Summary:
The Direct Support Professionals is responsible for implementing individualized action plans for individuals with Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities in a residential setting to maximize their functioning in the community; assist in the improvement of personal care, social skills, money management, life skills and in their general wellbeing. Knowledge of Individual Staff Action Plans, constant supervision and observation of individuals, assist in maintaining cleanliness of the residence, and serve as a role model and advocate. Mandatory overtime is required, driving is mandatory, and a valid, non-restricted driver license is required for this position. Direct Support Professionals must be awake during the entire shift. Sleeping on the job is prohibited.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned to meet the needs of the individuals and the program.

• Execute agency and program policy and procedure.
  
• Implement and maintain the Developmental Disabilities Department’s mission of Person-Centered Planning.
  
• Attend and participate in all mandatory trainings in the required timeframes as well as any other required in-service training.
  
• Successfully complete AMAP Certification and administer medications as prescribed by a doctor (s) to the individuals as soon as scheduled, within 90 days of hire.
  
• Successfully complete Tube feeding training, Diabetic Training, Colostomy training, and any specialized certification, if required, within 90 days of hire.
  
• If a staff member does not pass the AMAP course within the required timeframe, they may be reassigned to an on call status or to a position that does not require medication administration, based on program needs and  availability.
  
• Adhere to DSP Core Competencies in course of job performance.
  
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, and individual supervision to provide pertinent information to meet the needs of the individuals(s) and the home.
  
• Advocate for the rights of individuals.
  
• Maintain individuals' specific information in a confidential manner.
  
• Supervise individuals (based on their level of supervision) at all times and provide for their safety.
  
• Conduct half-hour bed checks or as required based on individuals need.
  
• Assist individuals with their Adult Daily Living Skills (ADLS), i.e. bathing, dressing, brushing teeth, washing hair, cut nails, shaving.
  
• Assist in the development of Individual Staff Action Plans.
  
• Complete all Res Hab as well as all other required documentation (ex. Goals on Precision Care, Incident tracker, ABC, body checks etc.) on a daily basis prior to the end of the shift.
  
• Must be familiar with all Behavior Support Plans, regularly implement them, and ensure any required data on behaviors is completed daily, prior to the end of the shift.
  
• Use crisis intervention and calming techniques as needed.
  
• Comply with health, safety and sanitation codes.
  
• Assist with meal planning, preparation and clean up, i.e. clean kitchen, discard garbage, mop floor, wipe tables.
  
• Assist in providing a clean, safe and homelike environment in the residence, i.e. sweep, mop, dust, vacuum, clean bathrooms, make beds, clean windows, organize closets and cabinets, laundry, etc.
  
• Assist individuals to select, launder, mend and prepare appropriate clothing specific to weather, occasion, etc.
  
• Assist in the dressing and undressing of individuals, including the tying of shoes.
  
• Assist individuals in and out of the bathtub/shower, as well as bathing or assist with the bathing using hand-over-hand washing.
  
• Transfer individuals in and out of wheelchairs using mechanical lifts and assist them in their use of physical adaptive equipment such as walkers, standers, and braces (where applicable).
  
• Escort individuals, with arm to elbow support, up and down exterior and interior stairs and while walking in the community.
  
• Assist or full support in toileting and use of diapers, adult briefs, and feminine hygiene needs.
  
• Assist individuals in and out of van and/or automobiles and driving individuals to recreational or community outings.
  
• Assist individuals when they are ill. I.e. colds flu, vomiting, diarrhea, performs basic first aid, Heimlich maneuver if necessary.
  
• Assist individuals in and out of van and/or automobiles and driving individuals to medical appointments. In addition, provide needed information to medical personnel and relay all information to the appropriate staff in the residence/agency.
  
• Stay with individuals while in the emergency room or when admitted (if required) to the hospital.
  
• Communicate in a dignified manner and interact in meaningful activities with the individuals throughout your entire shift.
  
• Assist individuals to meet their religious obligations.
  
• Cooperate with staff in other Developmental Disabilities Program services.
  
• Minimal shoveling of snow to clear pathways, spreading salt and sand.
  
• Rotation through different shifts and residences/apartments is mandatory.
  
• Travel to the five boroughs and the tri-state area, if necessary.

Education & Experience

• High School diploma required.
  
• A valid, non-restricted driver’s license required.
  
• Related work experience preferred but not required.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 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 peers, individuals, families and other employees of the agency.
  
• Ability to add and subtract.  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
  
• Ability to interact with and complete assignments in a manner sensitive to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics
  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Direct Support Professionals must be awake during the entire shift.  Sleeping on the job is prohibited.
  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and    individuals.
  
• All SCIP-R physical interventions (Perform Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention as necessary for physical restraint and control of individuals exhibiting aggressive based on the individual’s Behavioral Support Plan).
  
• Must be able to travel stairs to the 2nd floor bedrooms, 3.6 times a day at a minimum.
  
• SPECIAL DEMANDS: Direct Support Professionals should use lifts provided for all lifting. They also need to be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds. On occasion, it may be necessary to lift a greater weight, in which case the Direct Support Professional needs to be able to identify whether or not to ask for assistance.