Direct Support Professional Position Available In Niagara, New York

Niagara Falls. Empower. Direct Support Professional. PT & FT Available. $15.55/hour.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Direct Support Professionals assist individuals living in ICFs, promoting their productivity, independence, individuality, and inclusion in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acquire a working knowledge of information contained in individuals’ records.
• Implement Individual Program Plans according to prescribed methods, and provide support and assistance to individuals whenever needed.
• Support individuals as strive for independence in activities of daily living (including bathing, tooth brushing, using the bathroom, etc).
• Based on knowledge of individuals and their plans, provide them assistance autonomously, with minimal direction from a supervisor.
• Provide constructive direction/guidance to individuals in the development of leisure and recreational skills.
• Provide accurate and detailed documentation, paying particular attention to the individual’s response.
• Report to the ICF management team any relevant changes noted in individuals’ performance, and make recommendations for revisions to goal plans and methodologies.
• Contribute to the smooth operation of the residence and to harmonious relations among all staff.
• Adhere to all Agency Policies and Procedures.
• Obtain the knowledge and training needed to perform all Direct Support Professionals responsibilities; utilizing the proper chain of command when needed.
• Participate in ITT meetings and ICF Staff meetings.
• Attend in-service training as scheduled, and apply acquired knowledge daily while executing job duties.
• Work closely with co-workers, and communicate information accurately.
• Is responsible for all routine aspects of running a household including, but not limited to:
• Ensuring a living environment that is safe and clean.
• House cleaning and obtaining all related, necessary materials;
• Grocery shopping
• Cooking
• Laundry, etc.
• Direct Support Professionals take individuals on medical appointments, as well as on other, typical household errands such as grocery shopping, clothes shopping, recreation outings, etc.
• Depending on the site, Direct Support Professionals may be required to drive converted wheelchair vans.
• Complete assigned tasks.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Support Professionals w/ Medication Certification have additional responsibilities:

• Administer medication or supervise individual’s self-administration, ensuring consumption in accordance with physician’s orders.
• Provides G-tube feeds to individuals in accordance with physician’s orders.
• Implement programs for individuals with self-administration of medication goals.
• Chart all medications.
• Provide an accurate accounting of all medications at shift change.
• Provide basic first aid.
• Follow emergency plan as needed.
• Monitor individuals carefully and bring to the attention of the LPN or the RN any pertinent observations/concerns about individuals’ health care needs.

Follow up on LPN or RN instructions/recommendations promptly.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• High School Diploma
• New York State Driver’s License is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

• Direct Support Professionals are scheduled according to their Full Time (FT) or Regularly Scheduled Part Time (RSPT) Position.
• Part Time (PT) employees are scheduled based on their availability. They must be available to work a minimum of sixteen hours per week, including one 8 hour weekend shift.
• Direct Support Professionals, FT and RSPT schedules may be temporarily changed by the CSS to meet the needs of the program.
• Direct Support Professionals may be temporarily re-assigned to alternate sites by the Director Community Housing.
• Direct Support Professionals may be mandated to work shifts so that the needs of the ICF are properly met.

To apply, forward cover letter and resume to: psciandra@empower-wny.or