Direct Support Professional (DSP)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will assist the individuals we serve in achieving the quality of life each person desires and encourage mutual respect and dignity through teaching, guidance, and counseling in accordance with Gentlemind Home Care philosophies, local, state, and federal regulations, and management policies.

REPORTABILITY: Program Manager

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• The ability to provide individualized support to the people we serve
• The ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• The ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
• The ability to solve problems according to policies and procedures
• The ability to support the individuals in meeting their financial needs
• The basic knowledge of cooking and cleaning
• The ability to safely lift up to fifty pounds and transfer people with mobility limitations
• High school diploma or equivalent required

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have valid Driver’s License and be at least 18 years old
• Must maintain First Aid and CPR certification
• Must have a negative TB test prior to being offered employment
• Criminal history must be free from ALL felonies
• Must have verified US residency
• Must complete DDRS requires areas of training on a regular basis, at minimum annually (including abuse, neglect, exploitation, incident reporting, CORE A and B (medication administration and side effects of), and physical intervention techniques needed for emergency behavioral supports)
• Must be proficient in Person Centered Planning, individual rights, respecting the dignity of an individual, choice, competence, community presence and participation, health and wellness, communication, and additionally required individual-specific interventions as warranted

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To ensure that the human dignity of the individuals is respected
• To provide support services to the individuals
• To develop individualized programming
• To build positive, empowering relationships with and among the people we serve
• To ensure that the individual is making informed choices regarding his life to the greatest extent possible
• To provide positive role models for the individuals being served
• To maintain confidentiality per HIPAA in all work-related areas
• To follow policies and procedures outlined by Gentlemind Home Care manuals and in-service training as they pertain to the individual’s rights
• To uphold Gentlemind Home Care philosophies, including individual-centered services, social role valorization, normalization, and independence
• To comply with state and federal regulations concerning individuals’ rights and the protection of vulnerable adults
• To ensure that the individual’s home is personalized according to his taste and means as much as possible
• To ensure each individual receives support in maintaining an appearance that enhances their social acceptance in accordance with the individual’s tastes and means
• To ensure that community-based, age-appropriate, meaningful activities occur on a regular basis
• To encourage correspondence and contact with family and friends
• To ensure transportation is provided
• To ensure self-governing meetings are held on a regular basis
• To ensure that all on-call staff are aware of significant changes in the behavior and health status of individuals
• To communicate pertinent information to appropriate team members
• To involve individuals in programming decisions, facilitating individuals’ control and choice
• To complete assessments, incorporating the information and ensuring that this information is provided to all team members
• To implement programs in accordance with team decisions
• To assist in evaluating, writing, and reviewing programs according to company procedures