JOB TITLE: Direct Support Professional

REPORTS TO: Department supervisor

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full or Part Time

JOB STATUS: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Program dependent

DATE REV: 08/2023

ABOUT ARC:

ARC envisions a world where people live a full life that is inclusive, person-centered, and without limitations.

ARC was created in 1969 through the determination of two mothers who fought for their daughters with Down Syndrome to become active inclusive members of society, experience a thriving social community, and lead meaningful lives. With the support of parents, volunteers, and community members, these visionary leaders paved the way for individuals with cognitive disabilities to gain access to person centered services while sharing their gifts within their community.

ARC currently has a Day Program, an Independent Living Program, and is in the process of opening a Memory Care Cent

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for the health and safety, support, care, and services of the participants of the program to which they are assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

NATURE & SCOPE:

Compassionately provide supervision, instruction, and assistance for all participants with personalized care and empathy.

Address participants’ needs with respect and attention to safety.

Use People First Language when interacting with participants, family, staff, and visitors.

Assist participants with daily living activities including bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, transfers, and using the bathroom.

Actively engage participants through conversation and companionship.

Engage with participants in a manner that promotes their independence and maintains their dignity.

Document participant’s person-centered plans and goals.

Help with meal preparation.

Perform light housekeeping duties.

Report any unusual incidents or behavior to management.

Administer medications as outlined and trained.

Maintain a safe environment for participants.

Provide supervision, instruction and assistance for participants as required in the Individual Program Plan (IPP) or as directed by department supervisor.

Maintain records (IPP Program, financial, medical, etc.) in accordance with regulations.

Supervise and participate in individual and group outings as assigned and/or as needed.

Drive participants to and from program, appointments, outings, etc. as assigned or needed.

Attend staff meetings.

Dispense medications in compliance with licensing policies and procedures.

Maintain training requirements in compliance with regulations and standards.

Able to push, pull and/or lift 50 pounds.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Have a current or the ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid Certification

Work or volunteer experience with people with developmental disabilities and their families preferred.

Ability to obtain DSP I and DSP II certifications as required under Title 17 regulations once employed.

Ability to appear for work on time and follow directions from a supervisor.

Ability to interact effectively and work efficiently with co-workers.

Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.

Ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written forms.

Ability to accept training guidelines and apply constructive criticism.

Must be 21 years of age or older.

Must possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of three (3) years and a clean driving record.

Must be able to pass state and federal level background check and Live Scan fingerprinting.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.

Works primarily in a home setting involving balancing, bending, squat, climbing, kneeling, crawling, and twisting.

Able to assist participants with daily living activities, including bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, transfers, and using the bathroom.

This position requires PPE when performing certain duties using household cleaning supplies and chemicals.

Position works in and around kitchen equipment which may contain sharp knives and hot stoves or other hot or cold cooking utensils.

Position involves preparing meals and requires contact with meat, poultry, and other food related products.

May come in contact with bodily fluids which could potentially contain bloodborne pathogens.

Able to push, pull and/or lift 50 pounds.

May drive company vehicle in busy traffic and during inclement weather