Direct Support Professional---Job Description
Direct Support Professionals work with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities by creating person-centered plans, teaching self-care skills, cooking meals and doing laundry.
Qualifications:
- Must have a high school or equivalent diploma and be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be able to read, write and follow directions.
- Must be in good physical, mental and emotional health.
- Must complete and keep current necessary training and documentation.
- Must be willing to obtain additional training.
- Must work under the supervision of the Coordinator, Director and the Qualified Professional (QP).
- Must maintain confidentiality of information about participants, records, personnel practices, and Company business affairs.
- Must be an Advocate for people with disabilities and to teach members of the community to treat people we support with dignity and respect by modeling positive attitudes and respectful communication and interactions.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the health and safety of our participants.
- Helps and assists with daily activities and programs that encourage positive interactions.
- Maintains a clean and safe environment.
- Provides transportation to and from services and throughout the day.
- Must maintain a valid drivers license, operable vehicle, valid tags and auto insurance.
- Keeps abreast of the various medications used by the participants.
- Is capable of detecting signs of illness or dysfunction. Has the basic skills required to meet the health needs and problems of the participants, including but not limited to first aid in the presence of an accident or illness.
- Provides a normal and individualized atmosphere appropriate to the needs of the participants.
- Participates in person centered planning by providing information about what you know to be the dreams, goals, strengths and needs of the people we support.
- Mediates between participants and the environment assuring that the “least restrictive environment” is available in order to help the participants improve capabilities for independence.
- Responsible for the general upkeep of the program.
- Will display a positive and professional attitude in their interactions with participants, families, other employees, and other persons with whom their work with The Arc of High Point, might bring them in contact with.
- Since DSPs focus on providing individualized supports for people with disabilities, the job varies depending on the needs and wants of the person being supported. DSP work can include assistance with education, home care, basic health and hygiene, transportation, housing, family services, vocational training, rehabilitation, or simply helping people integrate into their local community.
- Depending on the supports needed, DSPs may work in a person’s home, in their family’s home, an employment site at a day habilitation center, or out in the community. These jobs provide rewarding work that benefits people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
Acts as an advocate for participants to protect their legal rights.
Assist and support people to realize their goals and attain personal outcomes.
Assist and support people to develop and/or maintain a social and natural support network.
Assist and support people to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Assist and support people to utilize the community and its resources.
Assist and support people to direct their services and make informed choices in all aspects of their life.
Assist and support people to have a safe environment in which to live and work, free of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
About Us
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Participatory Democracy
The Arc acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members, and other concerned members of the public have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy, including determining policy and positions on important issues. The Arc strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.
Visionary Leadership
The Arc leads by articulating a positive vision for the future of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and catalyzes public and private support in realization of that vision through carefully planned and well-executed goals, strategies, and actions.
Public Interest
The Arc represents the public interest, supporting and acting with and on behalf of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families regardless of the type of disability or membership in The Arc.
Collaboration
The Arc works with individuals, organizations, and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. The Arc values and promotes effective partnerships between volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization.
Transparency, Integrity, and Excellence
The Arc conducts its business with integrity, accountability, and open, honest, and timely communication. The Arc is committed to quality and excellence in all it does.