Job Summary
Direct Support Professionals are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of the individuals, daily implementation of ISP goals. Knowledge of intellectual disabilities and/or autism, mental health diagnosis, crisis interventions and therapeutic relationships processes. While working, the staff will remain in compliance with Pa Code Chapter 6100 , Luving Hands Policies and Procedures and the specific service provided to the individual.
Direct Support Professionals provide direct care for the following services: Companion, In-home and Community Supports, Homemaker Chore Services. It is pertinent that any employee of Luving Hands honor and respect individuals and their personal rights in all aspects of the individuals lives. Be a primary advocate for individuals served by ensuring health, safety, and welfare at all times. Luving Hands is dedicated to providing high-quality professional services to our individuals while enhancing the knowledge of our employees.
Specific Duties
Programmatic:
Comply with all Federal, State and local laws
Maintain strict confidentiality of all personal information concerning individual(s) supported
Understand, advocates, and respects the rights of individual(s) supported
Provide and seek out opportunities for individual(s) to make choices
Assist with and work to strengthen the individual’s daily living needs including but not limited to: communication and socialization skills, nutrition, preparing proper meals, proper hygiene.
Stays informed of and monitors compliance with the daily medical and nutritional needs of each individual assigned; if necessary
Enforce the importance of mental and physical exercise by leading Individual in exercise routines, when needed
Completes relevant documentation in the individuals’ program books and ensures information is accurate and completed as described
Anticipates crisis situations effectively using knowledge of individual likes, dislikes, stressors, and communication style, when necessary
Evaluates and appropriately acts in emergency situations; assists as needed
Remains aware of behavioral and/or medical status of individuals; notifies appropriate authorities
Assure Individual’s safety by observing and reporting any risk and notifying appropriate CEO of any health concerns or needs for the individual(s)
Participate in the development of the ISP, ISP annual Update and ISP revisions
Reports changes related to the individuals needs to the CEO as applicable
When needed, Attend all applicable meetings for individuals as needed: (team meetings, ISP meetings, SIS meetings, QUEST reviews, Vision of Equality meetings, Behavior Support Team Meetings)
Ensure the implementation of services and outcomes as specified in the individuals ISP
Attend all staff meetings as required
Ensure all incidents are documented and reported to the CEO within 24 hours
Complete daily Service Notes
Other duties as assigned
Must be able to lift and/or move at least 50-75 pounds
Community involvement:
Demonstrate the importance of community involvement, social interactions, and maintaining relationships by engaging Individual in community activities and active treatment when in their own homes and/or community.
Develop and facilitate community connections and relationships
Assist individual(s) in developing and following a person-centered schedule
Aid individual(s) to participate in activities of their choosing
Encourage individual(s) supported to give back to the community
Customer Service and Excellence:
Exhibit professional behavior towards the individual(s) supported, families, coworkers, and Supervisor and Service Coordinator
Network with coworkers, the community and other professionals to find better ways to include individual(s) in routine life activities and community activities
Display positive conduct in the community that enhances the image of individual(s) supported and the agency
Be a compassionate, patient and encouraging support professional at all times; you are a caregiver and advocate for the individuals we serve
Trainings:
Attend and participate in all required Orientation and Annual training sessions according to agency training requirements.
Attend all other trainings and in-service educational opportunities as required
Must complete Modified Medication Training within 60 days of start date
Qualifications
High School diploma or GED
Must be 18 years of age or older
At least 1-2 years working with persons with intellectual disabilities/autism and mental health diagnosis
Valid Driver’s License and use of own personal vehicle required, if required for position
Must have proficient writing, analytical, presentation and clinical and interpersonal skills
Ability to utilize critical thinking and judgment to resolve problems and issues independently.
Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Handle confidential and non-routine information.
Adapt to ever changing work environments.
Proficient with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook)
Completion of all required Chapter 6100 trainings prior to working with an individual
Location
Varies depending on location of individual
Schedule
Varies depending on programmatic and individual need