Direct Support Professional - Day Support, Specialized Services

OVERVIEW

Provides direct care and support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community skills development and rehabilitative skills training at a local activity center. Work is performed under immediate supervision and is guided by well-established and specific agency policies and procedures; ethical standards related to client interactions, state and federal licensure and accreditation regulations and guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors participant behaviors, safety and health in accordance with service plans.
• Instructs and supervises individuals engaged in skill development.
• Assists and coaches individuals in community integration and social behaviors.
• Assists individuals with personal hygiene and other skills including bathing, bathroom skills, soiled clothing and undergarments, etc.
• Supports and coaches individual use of personal assistive devices and apparatus.
• Monitors use of materials, equipment and supplies utilized by individuals.
• Coordinates skill training needs with other habilitation staff.
• Prepares progress notes on individuals in compliance to requirements.
• Supports client participation in socialization and recreational activities.
• Implements and monitors community safety procedures.
• Completes all reports, time sheets, payroll records and work schedules.
• Cleans and organizes facility spaces and work stations.
• Performs a variety of supportive tasks related to the individuals' service plan, e.g., communication notebooks, laundry, washing lunch containers, etc.
• Collaborates with other staff and advises individual's families of individual's behaviors, progress, problems, medical condition, etc.
• Operates large van and lift equipment and transports individuals.
• Assists in lifting participants including use of transfer techniques and assistive apparatus.
• Administers medications.
• Coaches participants on budgeting and use of personal funding accounts.
• Monitors and assists participants during their volunteer services.
• Participates in training and team meetings.
• Prepares individual profiles, case notes, data collection and quarterly reports.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of day support programming and the common disabilities, principles and practices relating to the care and behavioral management of the intellectually-disabled and developmentally-delayed populations and associated age related issues; considerable knowledge of assistive equipment and apparatus and lifting/transfer techniques; some knowledge of social casework management and supportive level counseling.

Some knowledge of crisis prevention and intervention skills applicable to the intellectually disabled; some knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of prevocational and vocational training; ability to establish rapport with intellectually-disabled individuals and their families; ability to maintain an effective working relationship with other staff and the staff community organizations.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to function calmly in stressful situations; ability to physically lift/move an average weight adult individual; ability to observe, assess and record individual behaviors and functioning; ability to operate a vehicle; ability to ability to effectively respond to crisis situations both behavioral and medical.

TYPICAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma and some course work and/or training in the Behavioral Sciences, and some work experience in day support programs for intellectually disabled/developmentally disabled adults.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid Virginia driver's license. Certification in First Aid/CPR. Training in Therapeutic Options (THEROPS) and Medication Management.