Benefits/Perks

Flexible Scheduling

Competitive Compensation

Career Advancement

Company Trips (Expenses Paid)

Job Summary

We are seeking a Direct Support Professional to join our team! In this role, the Direct Support Professional is responsible for a variety of duties related to the overall care of individuals within foster care and who may have developmental disabilities who reside in New Direction for Youth. This includes direct care of program individuals and implementation of A New Direction’s Programming. Direct Care Specialists are required to perform all duties in accordance with the State of Minnesota regulations and A New Direction’s policies and procedures.

REQUIREMENTS:

· High School Diploma;

· Valid driver’s license and clear driving and background record;

· Ability to drive company vehicles;

· One to two years’ experience working with teens and/or people with developmental disabilities;

· Ability to lift/push/pull 50lbs; and

· Ability to work on holidays and during inclement weather.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Training

ü Complete and maintain all required State mandated 245D trainings

ü Attend meetings and training sessions as required by 245D trainings and A New Direction;

ü Complete annual trainings.

Daily Programing

ü Provide transportation to and from activities;

ü Assist in the implementation of individual plans for individuals and behavioral plan goals;

ü Assist individuals in the pursuit of recreational, social, and community activities based on their preferences and individual plans;

ü Assist and encourage individuals in the establishment of social networks;

ü Promote participation and involvement in community outings;

ü Work all assigned schedules, including but not limited to: arriving and departing on time, requesting time off in advance, and notifying your supervisor of changes to your assigned work schedule;

ü Ensure each individuals’ rights are protected; and

ü Treat individuals with dignity and respect.

Activities of Daily Living

ü Administer medications to individuals as assigned;

ü Observe individuals for any changes in behavior or health that may have resulted from medication administration;

ü Ensure individuals are dressed neatly and appropriately and are groomed at all times;

ü Assist and encourages individuals to care for immediate personal needs such as toileting, washing their hands, and eating;

ü Prepare nutritional meals based on individual needs and preferences;

ü Encourage individuals to assist in the preparation of meals and snacks as appropriate to their individual plan and behavior plan;

ü Keep residence – both interior and exterior – and resident personal space clean, organized, and tidy and encourage them to participation in home beautification and upkeep as appropriate according to their individual plans;

ü Teach individuals daily skills such as household chores, laundry, cleaning, and washing dishes, as appropriate according to their individual plan;

ü Cleaning task as assigned and/or associated with client specific activities. (i.e., restrooms, dishes, common areas, and bedrooms).

Communication

ü Observe individuals for evidence of injury or bruises and evaluates for changes in emotional and physical status;

ü Report any noted problems to the direct manager immediately and complete a written incident report form;

ü Report all medical related incidents to the direct manager and the delegating nurse;

ü Act as a representative for A New Direction a professional manner when required, to families, service coordinators, state officials, community partners, local businesses, and employers;

ü Represent A New Direction for Youth in a professional manner to families, service coordinators, state officials, and community partners when required;

ü Maintain resident confidentiality; and

ü Communicate with direct manager when items related to individual personal needs and personal space needs to be purchased.

Teamwork

ü Assist the direct manager and COO in the preparation for the annual Individual Planning Meeting;

ü Treat all individuals and coworkers and with dignity, respect, and fairness; and

ü Provide support to other team members when individuals are having behavioral issues.

Documentation

ü Document all program data, including but not limited to: individual plan data, behavior plan data, community integration logs, assessments, individual funds requests, mileage logs, maintenance requests forms, and supply acquisition forms;

ü Document individuals’ health (i.e. seizure charts, weight, bowel movements, fluid intake.);

ü Ensure that all documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner;

ü Ensure Medication Administration Record (MAR) entries are completed daily;

ü Complete communication logbooks during shift;

ü Clock in and out before and after every shift and submit Leave Request when applicable.

Safety

ü Assist individuals when entering and exiting vehicles while on community outings, as well as entering and exiting the building safely;

ü Supervise meal times based on individual needs, especially those identified as a risk for choking;

ü Observe appropriate staffing ratios as directed by the IP;

ü Report unsafe conditions, environment, and equipment to the Residential Program Coordinator;

ü Follow safety protocols to foster a safe working environment; and

ü All other duties as assigned.