Direct Support Professionals

PURPOSE:    

The primary goal of this position is to help and support clients who are medically fragile or exhibit more challenging behaviors - including physical or verbal aggression, property destruction, self-injury, self-stimulation or elopement, because of significant deficits in cognitive, communication and social skills. 

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: 

1. Provide care to clients who have behavioral / medical needs in ADS settings and / or community living (GH / SL) environments where there are high behavioral / medically fragile clients. Must remain actively engaged with all clients throughout the shift. 

2. Plan and provide active care for designated clients.  Develop an individualized approach to client care by providing daily living skills, socialization skills, fine and gross motor skills, perceptual skills, and any other areas based on programming and client needs. 

3. Document the major activities and supports provided for client(s) in daily notes. Complete all documentation in a professional, accurate, and timely manner according to agency standards. 

4. Input documentation into Accel of clients programming including but not limited to:  behavior, seizures, accidents/incidents, and progress on objectives on a daily basis. 

5. Must be able and willing to use personal cell phone as needed, or company device as available for time entry.   

6. Responsibly pass or monitor medication administration based on needs of the client. 

7. Must be willing to transport clients to appointments, emergency care situations, work, and other daily living activities. 

8. Must be willing to provide medical care and treatment to those clients who are medically fragile.  The list of duties may include: toileting assistance, change and re-position individuals every 2 hours, prepare and puree meals, G-Tube feeding, administer medication, etc. 

9. Provide a safe environment for all clients. Plan and participate in all special community based activities for clients. Discover and foster activities that promote a meaningful day. 

10. Display patience in all situations involving clients.  Speak in an even and positive tone of voice when conversing with clients. 

11. Appropriately respond to client’s behavior via verbal and/or physical intervention based on the needs of the client. 

12. Provide services in compliance with all funding sources and governing bodies (CARF, BQIS, State Board of Health, State and Federal Law). Maintain confidentiality by adhering to HIPAA guidelines and agency policies. 

13. Follow policies/procedures set forth by the agency in specific department you are working. 

14. Create a positive environment for clients, parents, guardians, and participating staff. 

15. Must be able to care for the physical needs of the client including feeding, hygiene, and toileting.  Must be capable of assisting in physically transferring/moving clients when needed.  Physical activities may include but not be limited to:  lifting up 25-50 pounds (depending on client); bending; reaching; stretching; grasping; visual acuity; walking; squatting, kneeling, twisting, climbing, crawling, stooping, carrying, pushing, pulling, guiding, transporting and wheelchair securement.  Provide first aid and physical assistance to the individual as needed. 

16. Use of medical adaptive equipment including, but not limited to: wheelchair, Hoyer lift, shower chairs, blood sugar testing equipment, CPAP, oxygen, BP and any others required 

17. Monitor physical condition of the client's home while ensuring a safe and sound environment. Be willing to clean all areas of the house and conduct routine inspections to ensure cleanliness. 

18. For the safety of our clients you must be punctual and have consistent attendance. This includes the ability to work irregular shifts outside the standard agency operating hours including weekends and holidays as necessary to meet the needs of the clients. Must be willing to work at different direct care locations within the agency, as needed.   

19. Maintain professional communication with client, family members, and other stakeholders. 

20. Remain awake and available to support the client at all times during scheduled hours. 

21. Attend meetings and trainings as authorized. 

22. Display a team-oriented, cooperative attitude while maintaining a positive working relationship with co-workers, supervisory staff, and clients. 

ESSENTIAL JOB SKILLS: 

1. Must be able to work with occasional high noise levels, potential exposure to bodily fluids, pests, contagious pathogens, and/or bed bugs, and potential exposure to physical or verbal aggression 

2. Must be able to climb stairs on an occasional basis to access work areas. 

3. Must be at least 18 years of age or older.  

4. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong teamwork skills. 

5. Possess and maintain reliable transportation that meets state requirements, preferred. 

6. Must have the ability to successfully work in both independent and group settings.  Must have the ability to communicate during a crisis situation 

7. Proficient in word processing and computer operation. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Must be at least 18 years of age or older. High School diploma or GED preferred. 

2. Previous experience working with clients with intellectual disabilities is preferred. 

3. Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining annual certification in CPR, First Aid, CPI and Med Core A & B and perform if necessary. 

4. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and maintain confidentiality with sensitive information. 

5. Maintain a valid Indiana driver’s license, insurance on personal vehicle (minimum of PLPD with medical liability coverage), and maintain insurability as defined by the agency liability insurance carrier.  

The above statements reflect general functions of this job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements inherent to the job.  The immediate supervisor may elaborate on the above list if the duties come within the employee's realm of responsibility.