Direct Support Staff

DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Duties: Direct Support Staff work under the direct supervision of the Residential Home Supervisor and are responsible for the direct care of the individuals with disabilities residing in their assigned homes. Provides person-centered support to individuals with disabilities in their homes and community.

Essential Functions as Direct Support Staff:

1. Supports individuals in attaining personal goals and desires.
2. Supports individuals to interact with other people outside of the service network in a variety of ways.
3. Assumes full responsibility when at work for food preparation, community activities, and assisting individuals with other needs.
4. Supports individuals in planning nutritious meals and supporting those with special diets. 
5. Cooperates with family members regarding reasonable requests related to individual needs.
6. Supervises the self-administration of prescribed medication and maintains a record of medication according to established policies. Maintains charts for every individual, consistent with physician’s orders, and reports any medical emergencies according to the Medical Emergency Plan.
7. Assumes responsibility for cash disbursements given by the Residential Home Supervisor and keeps receipts showing the actual amount spent.
8. Supports individuals with learning and maintaining personal and household skills.
9. Provides physical support to individuals; including, but not limited to, lifting and moving adaptive equipment.
10. Receives visitors to the facility; maintains family-oriented nature of the facility by being hospitable to family members and other natural supports by making arrangements as needed for family and home visits.
11. Supports and encourages individuals through the use of positive reinforcement and non-intrusive consequences.
12. Abstains from mental, physical, or verbal abuse, humiliation, withholding personal funds, and the use of physical restraint or isolation. 
13. Reports and records significant behavior incidents to the Residential Home Supervisor and Case Manager.
14. Observe confidentiality guidelines. Refrains from discussing individuals with any person other than those indicated in the individuals’ personal files.
15. Acts as a role model supporting and counseling in routine and spontaneous activities.
16. Works at all times to enhance the lives of the individuals by treating individuals with consideration and respect, and full recognition of dignity, individuality, and need for privacy. 
17. Maintains a Positive Teamwork Environment.

1. Accepts and gives constructive criticism, as appropriate.
2. Avoids gossiping and spreading rumors or unfound statements.
3. Assist others as appropriate.
4. Accepts responsibility in a positive, constructive manner.
5. Willingly takes on additional tasks.
6. Volunteers for special assignments.
7. Readily “fills in” when other staff are absent.
8. Completes routine duties without reminders.
9. Promotes the agency’s mission and purpose in professional and private life.
10. Maintains a clean, safe work environment.
11. Attend staff meetings and training sessions requested by supervisor or management.
12. Completes any duties as assigned by supervisor.

18. Assumes responsibility for care of the home, grounds, equipment, and furnishings.

1. Reports to the Residential Supervisor about any home maintenance problems when they occur.
2. Complies with policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Human Resources, and The Arc Macon as they relate to oversight and management of the facilities and this position. 
3. Compliance with requirements to maintain accreditation.

Other Requirements:

1. Work without direct supervision.
2. Participate in personal work evaluations.
3. Maintains a good to high attendance record unless on approved leave.
4. Reports on work on time and observation policies regarding hours worked and punctuality.
5. Works overtime, as needed, according to personnel policies.
6. Maintains a helpful relationship with other staff and the Board of Directors.
7. Represents The Arc Macon in a positive way to the public.
8. Maintains the flexibility to change routines, if needed.
9. Possesses the mental and physical ability and stamina to perform the job well. 
10. Follows all the other requirements of current personnel policies. 
11. Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by the supervisor. 
12. All Training required by DBHDD will be met by the standards. (See attached personnel file checklist.)

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Direct Support Professional Certificate is preferred, but not required.
• At least six months’ experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities. 
• Capable of lifting 50 pounds without assistance.
• Maintains a current Driver’s License.
• Must have a positive attitude, flexibility, and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.