Direct Support Professional (New Albany, IN)

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Job Description Job Summary The Direct Support Professional supports individuals with developmental disabilities to have a quality of life. To promote the health, safety and well-being of individuals. A Direct Support Professional serves as an advocate for individuals in communicating their needs and goals. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge- Knowledge of state and federal laws. knowledge of dual diagnosis, individual program plans, knowledge of client service needs, knowledge of medication administration protocol, knowledge of emergency disaster protocol, knowledge of abuse reporting protocol, and knowledge of behavior plans. Skills- Organization skills, time management skills, analytical skills, good written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, multi-tasking skills, critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension, teamwork, interpretation, problem-solving, teaching, comparing, classifying, analyzing, coordinating, innovating and strategizing. Abilities-Ability to interact effectively with management, social perceptiveness, maintain confidentiality, detail-oriented, flexibility, adaptability, prioritize, ability to work with a diverse population, ability to work with clients with behaviors, ability to administer medications and treatments, positive attitude, work ethic, responsibility, self-discipline, creativity, multi-cultural awareness, empathy and concentration. Education Training and Experience Education- Must have High School Diploma or equivalent. Training- On basic nutrition, infection control, reading and recording vital signs and personal hygiene can be completed on-the-job or via specialized programs. In addition, clients may have individualized preferences that require Direct Support Professionals to take time to become comfortable before working with them. Experience- Must have at least one-year experience professional or personal experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses with challenging behaviors. Must maintain active First Aid and CPR certification within the first 30 days of employment. Essential Functions Attend to the needs of each resident, including assisting them with grooming, bathing, hygiene, toileting to include incontinence, feeding and communicating other individual needs they may have Support the needs and goals of each resident by taking them to medical appointments, to visit family and friends, to preferred leisure/recreational activities, and encouraging them to socialize with peers Follow all physicians’ orders, including administration of medication Implement approved emergency procedures in the event of a fire, earthquake, or other natural disasters Ensure meals are prepared Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment by cleaning the home, informing the Administrator about any broken/inoperable items Attend staff meetings and participate in continuing education Report ANY unusual occurrences/activities and health & safety issues to the Administrator in a timely manner Perform other duties as assigned Physical Requirements Frequent sitting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. Occasional bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, standing, crawling, reaching, walking, driving, traveling, kneeling and crouching. Other Requirements MUST have a Valid Drivers Licenses. MUST have transportation. MUST have car insurance. Candidate must successfully pass all preemployment requirements, including but not limited to background check, physical etc. If required to drive, candidate must possess proof of valid insurance and registration. Allowable Activities Dusting and straightening furniture Cleaning floors and rugs by wet or dry mop and vacuum sweeping Cleaning the kitchen, including washing dishes, pots and pans; cleaning the outside of appliances and counters and cupboards; cleaning ovens; and defrosting and cleaning refrigerators Maintaining a clean bathroom, including the tub, shower, sink, toilet bowl and medicine cabinet; cleaning commode chair or urinal Laundering clothes in the home or laundromat; including washing, drying, folding, putting away, ironing, and basic mending and repair Changing linen and making beds Washing inside of windows Removing trash from the home Unallowable Activities Raking leaves Cleaning gutters Mowing Lawns Snow Removal