Job description

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for a variety of duties related to the overall care of individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in Empowered Living Services (ELS). This includes direct care and support of individual receiving group home residential services and implementation of individual support plans (IP) and behavior plans (BP). Direct Support Professionals are required to perform all duties in accordance with DBHDS and DMAS regulations and ELS policies and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Services are provided in Empowered Living Services “ELS”, owned and operated by The Empowerment Network, LLC. The QDDP is required to develop and coordinate an ISP (Individual Support Plan), oversee the implementation of the ISP and service delivery.

Training

· **Completes and maintains all required State mandated trainings such as Medication Technician Training Program (MTTP), CPR / First Aid, Behavioral Principles and Strategies (BPS) and all State Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) CORE trainings within 90 days of employment;

· Attends meetings and training sessions as required by DBHDS and ELS;

· Completes annual trainings related to consumers’ ISP, BP and related plans, and service delivery

Daily Programing

· Schedule annual medical and dental appointments as needed per medical professional, and/or Individual Support Plan (ISP)

· Provides transportation to and from activities via company vehicle

· Maintain a master calendar of appointments, facility activities, meetings with Principle Administrative Office and other agencies as applicable

· Assists in the implementation of individual Support plans for individuals and behavioral plan goals

· Provide training to residents as outlined in the ISP to meet their goals

· Assists individuals in the pursuit of recreational, social and community activities based on their preferences and individual plans

· Assists and encourages individuals in the establishment of social networks

· Promotes participation and involvement in community outings and supports community integration

· Works 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

· Ensures each individuals’ rights are protected

· Treats individuals with dignity and respect

· Ensure house rules are followed

Activities of Daily Living

· **Follows all physicians’ orders, including Administration of medications to individuals as assigned

· Observes individuals for any changes in behavior or health that may have resulted from medication administration

· Ensures individuals are dressed neatly and appropriately and are groomed at all times

· Encourages individuals to care for immediate personal and assists as needed, to include assisting them with grooming, bathing, hygiene, toileting to include incontinence, feeding and communicating other individual needs they may have

· Prepares nutritional meals based on individual needs and preferences in accordance with weekly menu

· Encourage residents to assist in the preparation of meals and snacks as appropriate to their individual plan and behavior plan

· Keeps common areas of residence – both interior and exterior – clean, organized, and tidy; encourages residents’ participation in home beautification and upkeep of personal space as appropriate according to their individual plans

· Teaches individuals daily skills such as household chores, laundry, cleaning, and washing dishes, as appropriate according to their individual plan

Communication

· Observes residents for evidence of injury or bruises and evaluates for changes in emotional and physical status

· Reports any noted problems to the QDDP immediately and completes a written incident report form

· Reports all medical related incidents to the QDDP and the Director as required

· Acts as a representative for Empowered Living Services in a professional manner when required, to families, Support coordinators, State officials, community partners, local businesses, and employers

· Maintains resident confidentiality

· Communicates with QDDP when items related to residents’ personal needs and personal space needs to be addressed and/or purchased

Teamwork

· Participate in the development of the ISP goals

· Assists the QDDP and Director in the preparation for the annual Individual Planning Meeting

· Treats all individuals and coworkers and with dignity, respect, and fairness

· Provides support to other team members when individuals are having behavioral issues

Documentation

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

· Maintain records of medical/dental visits, current weight, medication (dosage, frequency and times of administration, reasons for medications, side effects, illnesses, injuries, special incidents, Personal and Incidental (P&I) funds and personal possessions

· Ensures that all documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner and proper reporting procedures are followed

· Ensures Medication Administration Record (MAR) entries are completed daily

· Completes daily progress notes for each resident at the end of each shift

· Completes communication log books during shift

· Clocks in and out before and after every shift and submits Leave Request forms when applicable

Safety

· Assists individuals when entering and exiting vehicles while on community outings, as well as entering and exiting the building safely

· Supervises meal times based on individual needs, especially those identified as a risk for choking

· Observes appropriate staffing ratios as directed by the ISP

· Reports unsafe conditions, environment, and equipment to the QDDP

· Follows safety protocols to foster a safe working environment

All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.

· Must obtain DSP II certificate within 6 months of employment in accordance with HCBS Final Rule

· Must have at least one-year experience professional or personal experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses with challenging behaviors.

· Approved Criminal Records Report; Criminal Background Check and Child Protective Services Background check

· Valid driver’s license and clear driving record.

· Ability to drive company vehicles.

· PPD Testing (TB)

· **Medication Training (At least a 32 hours training)

· Must maintain active First Aid and CPR certification

· Must obtain Therapeutic Options of Virginia (TOVA) Certification within 30 days of employment

· Strong verbal and written Communication skills

· Must have excellent Interpersonal Skills using patience, courtesy, and professionalism

· Ability to work on holidays and during inclement weather.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Learn individuals’ strengths and needs

· Demonstrate genuine care and concern for the individuals

· Maintain an orderly work environment and perform tasks in prescribed and safe manner

· Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other staff and supervisor during performance of job duties

· Maintain and improve professional skills and knowledge

· Understand and apply established principles, techniques and procedures required for effective job performance

· Understand and carry out both oral and written instructions in an independent manner

· Communicate effectively and tactfully in both oral and written forms

· Be flexible and receptive to change

· Adapt to periodic heavy work load

· Maintain regular and reliable attendance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires work in a residential group home. DSP may be involved with clients who may require lifting and behavioral intervention. This position requires the DSP in assisting some physically handicapped consumers in and out of motor vehicles and administering physical techniques in handling aggressive behavior to prevent injury to themselves and/or others.

· Ability to perform a combination of standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and sitting for up to 8 hours

· Ability to bend at the waist to a minimum of 45°

· Ability to twist at the waist to a minimum 90°

· Ability to squat to knee level

· Ability to raise one’s self, unaided, from one knee to a standing position

· Ability to lift up to 20 pounds unaided

· Ability to lift up to 80 pounds aided

· Ability to maneuver individuals served from supine, sitting, reclining, etc. position to lift, wheelchair, bed, bath, etc.

· Ability to operate mechanical and electrical lifts

· Ability to push individual served (up to 200 lbs.) in wheelchair

· Ability to function in outside environment for up to eight hours

· Ability to enter and exit vehicles and assist individuals served to do same

www.EMPOWER-VA.com

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• On call
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hampton, VA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Which shifts are you available to work? (Day: 7a-3p, Evening: 3p-11p, Overnight: 11p-7a)
• Are you looking for full-time or consistent part-time, or on-call/as needed employment?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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