Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Job Summary:
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) need people in their lives who provide them with assistance and instruction on completing tasks that most people take for granted. Professionals who provide this help and training are known as direct support professionals (DSPs). DSPs aid people who suffer from a variety of disabilities and across a wide range of tasks, including transportation, personal care, cooking, and cleaning. The goal is to help people with IDD achieve a more comfortable level of independence.
Responsibilities:
- Report any instances of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Assist clients with activities (e.g., personal hygiene, eating, meal preparation, dressing, toileting, exercise, and ambulation).
- Maintain current/accurate charting.
- Facilitate residents' inclusion in community experiences and activities.
- Assist with ambulation and transfers using proper techniques and equipment as needed.
- Assist with personal care tasks (e.g., personal hygiene, grooming, feeding).
- Establish a secure, positive environment that nurtures residents' needs, self-expression, and goals, ensuring client safety and maintaining a safe environment.
- Encourage self-help activities.
- Report changes in clients' conditions or family situations to the office.
- Perform housekeeping duties.
- Accompany clients to scheduled appointments.
- Transport clients or run errands for clients.
- Assist individuals with behavior plans.
- Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality for scheduled shifts.
- Maintain knowledge of residents' requirements.
- Comply with facility policies and procedures.
- Advance residents' decision-making, productivity, and participation in a range of activities, promoting independence in daily activities, such as work, learning, and leisure.
- Follow principles of infection control and Universal Precautions.
- Maintain daily documentation records for each assigned client (tracking sheets, Learning Logs, etc.). Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and have a negative TB test result. Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds or more when needed, which includes pushing and pulling 50 pounds when assisting in the operation of adult-size wheelchairs (electric and manual) and frequent bending.
Education:
- High school degree/GED required.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Must have a valid Georgia Driver's license and have operated a vehicle for three (3) years; own reliable vehicle and good driving record.
- Pass a Criminal Background Check.
- Must maintain at least liability vehicle insurance coverage.
- 18 years of age or older.
- Ability to work in group home or home-like settings.
- Ability to communicate (verbally and in writing) with all levels of personnel, internal and external to the company.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting.
- Ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds.
- Bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking for long periods of time.
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