Position Summary:

Direct Support Professionals assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community residential home with everyday tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation, attending appointments and taking them to recreational/social activities and ensure proper supervision levels are maintained. Depending on the needs of the residents, these support professionals may also administer medications, implement a behavioral management plan, and maintain medical records.

Essential Job Functions:

+ Provide direct supervision to individuals in accordance with the treatment plan.

+ Demonstrate competencies in the following areas: Task Analysis, Life Plan/ Staff Action Plan Goal Implementation, Job Coaching/Teaching, Report Writing, and Behavioral Interventions, (NH & NY Programs).

+ Facilitate individual's independence in community/centered-based activities, job tasks or in residential activities.

+ Facilitate the development of appropriate social skills and encourage the establishment of social relationships.

+ Develop and coordinate schedules, which reflect integrated opportunities for individuals, geared toward increasing independence, community access and awareness.

+ Assist in development and revision of training plans, Life Plan/ Staff Action objectives and fading plans, (NH & NY Programs).

+ Implement approved training and fading plans, Life Plan/ Staff Action objectives and behavior plans, (NH & NY Programs).

+ Observe behavior, skill levels, areas of interest etc. to provide objective information and formulate data-based recommendations.

+ Assure quality control standards in accordance with employer and volunteer expectations as applicable.

+ Provide positive role modeling for individuals.

+ Maintain documentation and prepare reports as required according to approved formats and designated timelines.

+ Maintain documentation and authorization for dispensing medication as applicable.

+ Transport individuals to and from program activities and or appointments in personal vehicle and/or agency van.

+ Provide training in related skills i.e., self-care skills, money management, cooking, social interactions, transportation systems, etc. as approved by the treatment team.

+ Provide services to individuals with varied behavior issues, which may include physical aggression, verbal assault, inappropriate sexual comments, gestures and/or acts.

+ Assist individual with personal care needs when necessary.

+ Communicate pertinent information with the team and support system to allow the individual to receive the maximal benefit from the services offered.

+ Demonstrate appropriate judgement and understanding of client safety while supporting individuals.

+ Follow through with supervisory requests and seek supervision when unclear about expectations.

+ Perform and/or assist with routine household task including meal preparation, housekeeping and outdoor maintenance as applicable.

+ Participate in available training opportunities geared toward expanding knowledge of treatment methods. Twenty hours of training is required per year.

+ Follow all policies and procedures as outlined by the department and agency.

+ Perform additional duties as requested to fulfill the Agency mission.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

+ High School education or GED required.

+ Two (2) years' work experience preferred.

+ Commitment to providing high-quality services to individuals with disabilities in community and residential settings

+ Able to be medication certified (AMAP).

+ Able to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

+ Valid driver's license for use in regular transportation of program participants.

QUALIFICATIONS: 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, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Equal Opportunity Employer