Open Positions
Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Rate Type: Hourly
FSLA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Summary:
Through the Person-Centered approach, the DSP promotes the health, safety, and well-being of individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, by exhibiting compassion, providing support, and ensuring a safe environment. DSPs foster independence and personal choice by guiding individuals in acquiring necessary skills, such as social behavior, interpersonal competence, and self-care to boost the individual’s self-reliance in their daily lives. The DSP further serves as an advocate for individuals in communicating their desired needs and goals.
Responsibilities:
- Provides in-person supports and services outlined in the Person-Centered Plan for each individual supported by A&S Compassion Care (ASCC), ensuring that goals developed, implemented, and progress toward those goals are being met
- Assist individuals with disabilities with their daily living activities in the home and community
- Transport and accompany individuals to appointments and other community outings
- Assist individuals with personal care such as ambulation, personal hygiene, dressing, and bathing as needed
- Teach and assist individuals with general housekeeping duties such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, washing dishes and running errands as needed
- Assist individuals with planning, budgeting, shopping, and preparing nutritious meals as needed
- Assist individuals with participating in social and community activities
- Develop relationships with the individual’s care team (friends, family), other community members, and stakeholders for the benefit of the individual, and their person-centered plans for community engagement
- Provide regular opportunities for community engagement by encouraging participation in community and family activities, ASCC sponsored activities, and activities connected with the person’s faith community (Taking ASCC individuals to the DSP’s personal home/dwelling and events are strictly prohibited due to HIPPA)
- Assist with helping people develop relationships and overcome barriers to participation
- Carefully follow each person’s Service Authorization, Person-Centered-Plan, Behavior Support Plan, and Nursing Care Plan
- Aid in implementing treatments, training programs, and developmental/behavioral plans
- Document all observations and daily progress notes – Document services, medication administration, progress on goals, medical visits, incidents, and behavior according to DDA and ASCC’s policies and procedures
- Perform health care tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of the Registered Nurse
- Monitor and report any concerns regarding an individual’s living conditions; ensure Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and OHCQ regulations are met for all home and residential environments
- Maintain regular, open, and positive communication with your supervisor, colleagues, the people we support, and family members of the people being supported
- Use respectful language and communication at all times with all entities associated with ASCC while on duty
- Be knowledgeable of ASCC’s policies and procedures, to include Standard Operating Procedures, ASCC’s Program Policies, and Personnel Policies (Employee Handbook)
- Clock in and put in real time using ASCC’s timekeeping systems
- Report for scheduled work shift on time; Communicate as soon as possible with Supervisor about anticipated absences, late arrivals, and early departures
- Work hours may include weekdays, evenings, and weekends as designated by the needs of the individual and as established by the program schedule; Direct Support Professional staff working in ASCC’s Residential Home settings are required to remain on shift until relieved by another staff or supervisor
- Periodically accompany individuals supported by ASCC on vacations that may include overnight stays
- When assigned to an awake overnight shift, monitor and provide support as needed, complete general duties for home upkeep, and remain awake during the entire shift
- Complete and maintain all required training and certifications according to Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and ASCC requirements, including first aid and CPR, Mandt, Certified Medication Technician (CMT), and training specific to each person you support
- Regularly attend team meetings, all-staff meetings, and other meetings relevant to your position
- Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned by your supervisor
Requirements and Skills:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- At least one-year professional or personal experience supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or mental illnesses with challenging behaviors (Preferred)
- Valid Driver’s License
- CPR/First Aid Certified (Required)
- Certified Medication Technician (CMT) (Preferred)
- Successful clearance of background checks (Required)
- Basic computer skills and detail-oriented
- Must be able to bend, stoop, lift, push, pull, reach, sit and walk for periods of time
- Ability to interact effectively, respectfully, and professionally with management, individuals, families, other community stakeholders , and all others involved in the lives of the individual to provide the highest quality of care and support
- Ability to work with diverse populations (cultural awareness) and individuals with behaviors
- Responsible, reliable and self-disciplined
- Travel as needed