Direct Support Professional (DSP)
THE ARC OF THE QUAD CITIES AREA
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Direct Support Professional
JOB FUNCTION: Deliver direct services to designated individuals
REPORTS TO: Program Supervisor or other designated supervisor
PROGRAM: Assigned Program
LOCATION: Assigned Location
CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Actively support and further the Mission of The Arc.
- Ensure and Provide supervision, personal care training and active treatment including medication administration when necessary as outlined in individuals service plan and implementation strategies, and ensure safety and wellbeing of designated individuals at all times.
- Provide programmatic input and preparatory information for individual staffing, including progress reports, assessments, baseline data, individual interests or preferences and recommendations.
- Maintain documentation in compliance with agency and regulatory standards (e.g. individual data sheets, incident reports, payroll, etc.). Provide input of individual progress and needs for programmatic purposes.
- Maintain a safe, clean work environment including use of good body mechanics, universal precautions, and personal protective equipment as necessary.
- Maintain agency property/equipment. Request supplies and repairs as necessary.
- Ensure self-advocacy training for individuals and ensure informed choices are being offered.
- Participate in staff training, conferences, and other meetings as required. Assist in on the job training of new staff.
- Drive agency and/or personal vehicle for outings, errands, and as otherwise required per agency policy and procedure.
- Act as a positive role model to individuals and other staff. Communicate effectively with the individuals we serve, their guardians, the community, family members, staff, and others. Positively represent the agency.
- Assist/cover shifts/fill in at other sites as assigned.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required. Demonstrated ability to read at an 8th-grade reading level.
- Driving: Valid driver’s license in good standing and vehicle with appropriate auto insurance required. Must be approved by the Agency’s Auto insurance carrier for driving agency vehicles.
- Strength: Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Ability to assist in the lifting and transferring individuals weighing more than 100 lbs.
- Flexibility: Ability to kneel on the floor, bend at the waist and knees, go from standing to the floor while assisting an individual falling, or get into any position required to provide individual-related care.
- Standing: Ability to stand/work on feet for 90% or more of the scheduled shift.
- Sitting: Ability to sit periodically throughout the shift to complete required documentation; Sitting may be required for less than 5% of the scheduled shift
- Experience: Direct human service is preferred (not required).
- Technology: Knowledge of Microsoft applications preferred (not required). Ability and willingness to learn computer applications as they may become required for documentation.
- Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and to interact professionally. Ability to perform written documentation clearly, accurately and completely.
- Certifications: Direct Service Provider certification preferred or the ability to obtain within 120 days of employment.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications: Demonstrated ability to pass the TABE test to be trained in medication administration. Must acquire and maintain medication administration authorization.
