Academy - DSP, Comm Hab R - PD - GLOW

Start a fulfilling career that makes a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We have a variety of full and part-time jobs available and are looking for candidates who are eager to learn. Our employees receive a range of benefits including health insurance, company-paid life insurance, 401K, generous paid time-off and continuing education support!
 

Summary:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for direct oversight, guidance and training of people receiving supports and services. Provide guidance, training, support, supervision and encouragement to people in reaching their maximum potential and to promote independence and community integration. 

Essential Functions:

Program Specific Functions:

• Organize and schedule structured days with a variety of site-based activities such as social, communication, safety, housekeeping, personal care, health care, money management, self-advocacy, community involvement which provides growth for individuals supported. 
• Provide necessary supervision for individuals as specified in their Life Plan and Safeguard Plan which includes but not limited to, program oversight, community oversight, transportation, toileting, hygiene, nutrition, fire safety etc.   
• Develop a regular volunteer/recreation calendar of events and maintain close communication with eligible individuals, families, volunteer sites and agency staff about outing details.
• Provide necessary transportation in Agency vehicles and/or designated vehicles to and from planned events.

General Functions:

• Provide supports, assessment and training to people supported according to their written Staff Action Plan (SAP) and individual Safeguards Plan or Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP). Implement goals as written by the Individual and their team.
• Ensure necessary level of supervision (LOS) is met by following the individual’s Safeguard Plan, Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP), Behavior Support Plan (BSP), Plan of Nursing Services (PONS) dietary guidelines and any other applicable plans.
• Accurately document services contemporaneously in Electronic Health Record (EHR) or with paper note (as applicable) in accordance with the Agency, OPWDD, Medicaid and other funder requirements.
• Treat all protected health information consistent with HIPAA. 
• Properly utilize and store all agency electronics such as chrome book, laptop, cell phone and/or hot spot.
• Maintain accurate records by collecting, compiling, evaluating data and submitting in a timely manner in the appropriate format including daily goal notes, checklists, progress notes, injury/fall reports, seizure reports, attendance records, incident reports, behavior documentation etc.
• Provide input into the development and implementation of the SAP in accordance with the Life Plan (LP) as developed by each person receiving services, family, advocate and Care Coordinator. 
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of individual’s medical, physical, psychological and dental health care needs.
• Recognize and respond in a timely manner to signs and symptoms of illness/injury and medical emergencies. Notify supervisor or nurse immediately of concerns.
• Provide personal hygiene and health care assistance to people supported as needed including toileting, showering, oral hygiene, shaving, hair care, nail care, changing of adult protective garment etc.
• Provide training and encouragement to people supported to ensure good personal health care as needed. Communicate health care concerns to supervisor or nurse as necessary.  
• Participate in developing and delivering remote services to individuals as necessary.
• As necessary, become certified in medication administration and maintain certification on an annual basis.  
• As assigned, administer medications, as per Agency Policy and Procedure.
• Assist individuals in receiving needed/desired medical services and communicating/documenting pertinent information as per Agency policy, as designated (i.e. medication administration, transportation to appointments)  
• Support the safety of all individuals in everyday situations.
• Work as a team to support positive behavioral strategies.
• Provide transportation to people supported as necessary and follow proper safety procedures. Transportation may include driving an agency car, mini-van, transit van or bus.
• Drive Agency vehicles, complete necessary paperwork and report any accidents or maintenance issues immediately to the transportation department and your supervisor. Ensure agency vehicles are kept tidy and follow all routine cleaning procedures.
• Assist people supported to build positive relationships in their community.
• Support people to make personal choices and to advocate for themselves. Respect matters related to diversity and inclusion.
• Communicate professionally with co-workers, people supported, families and the community as necessary.
• Complete all required Agency Training per agency policy and apply knowledge and skills gained to job.
• Demonstrates professionalism in the workplace including demeanor, appearance, attention to punctuality and attendance policies, reliability, flexibility and pleasantness.   
• Report for duty as scheduled. The location of a scheduled shift may be subject to change according to program needs.  
• Check employee email/schedule and other correspondence each scheduled shift.   
• Attend and participate in meetings, as requested  
• Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the Agency Code of Conduct and Arc Brand
• Adhere to all Agency and Program Policies and Procedures.
• Participate in corporate compliance and quality assurance activities as required.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Develop volunteer/job opportunities in community for program participants.
• Attend Life Plan meetings and team meetings for people receiving services as requested.
• Participate in Agency committees.
• Administer medications as trained and as designated.
• Loading and unloading buses.

Reporting Responsibilities:

• Reports to: Habilitation Manager, Habilitation Coordinator or Program Director

Supervisory Responsibilities:   None exercised

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to instruct others on daily living skills.
• Actively listen and be able to communicate, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain composure under pressure.
• Serve as a role model and represent the agency positively in the community.
• Ability to use a computer or mobile device to access email and required software.
• Ability to self-initiate projects and function autonomously as a leader when needed

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds, and to stand, sit, kneel, and stoop
• Ability to assist an adult with personal care needs
• Be physically able to assist individuals in transferring from wheelchair to another seat when needed
• Ability to assist individuals with ambulation
• Ability to physically load, unload and secure wheelchairs during transport
• Ability to move chairs, tables and access storage areas
• Ability to drive safely
• Ability to assist people when they are having behavioral challenges
• May be subject to a USDOT physical depending on the date driver’s license was obtained and the type of vehicle driven.

Working Conditions:

• Generally working in a typical program environment
• May involve frequent travel to off-site locations including job/volunteer locations, community recreational sites and personal residences.
• May require evening and weekend work.
• May require use of personal vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid NYS driver’s license with a safe driving record per agency policy