The Direct Support Professional or DSP is responsible for providing direct and individualized support to individuals that have been diagnosed with an intellectual and or developmental disability. The DSP is an integral part of the participant's on-going support team as well as their accomplishments of Goals and Outcomes expressed within their Person Centered Plan or PCP. The DSP will use the participant's PCP as a direct guide towards fostering continued development, independence, and activities of daily life. The DSP supports participants in many areas of their life including but not limited to socially, professionally/career, health and well-being, emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. The DSP shall be able to adapt and be flexible to extra supports and variances in methodology being employed to provide the best level of support and assistance to the participant. Responsibilities General Complete, implement, and maintain all trainings required by Developmental Disabilities Administration and assigned to by the DDA Program Manager Attend all meetings, including Team Meetings, PCP Meetings, and Quarterly Meetings Assist and support the individual in completing Activities of Daily Life or ADL's Attend activities and events of the participant's choosing including but not limited to recreational, spiritual/religious, and work-related (either in a private or community-based setting) Stay up to date on relevant information regarding persons served Provide assistance and guidance in areas of the participant's life including but not limited to: 1. Cooking and Grocery shopping (monitoring food ingestion, where applicable) 2. Money Management and Budgeting 3. Minimal cleaning 4. Transportation and travel training 5. Routine development, implementation, adherence 6. Skill building 7. Social, leisure, recreational activities G. Assist in behavioral support management and conflict resolution strategies H. Successfully implement supports and services as outlined in the participant's PCP I. Complete full shift hours without being tardy or leaving early, unless in cases of emergencies J. Assess areas including residential areas for safety and hazards K. Promote participant's engagement in community-based activities and activities that foster a meaningful day L. Respect the choices of participants and ensure their rights are protected M. Support and advocate for the participant's independence Working Conditions Ability to lift at least fifty (50) pounds Must be able to stand for at least eight (8) hours Bend, stand, and lift frequently, when applicable Provide transportation, when applicable Complete regular activities within the community/field Be comfortable in the participant's residential setting which may be a group home, family residence, or private residence Be comfortable with individuals that exhibit behavioral issues Documentation Completes Daily Goal and Outcome Progress Sheets and other daily reports specific to the participant Documents important incidents related to the health and safety of the participant Record needs and preferences Gather, track, and monitor important documents Submit documentation in a timely matter to leadership Decision Making Can provide adequate emergency and nonemergency health and safety responsiveness in scenarios Follow all protocols for reporting emergencies, threats to health and safety, and outages to responsible local authorities Able to provide logical, efficient, and sound decisions Can carry out all job functions independently Ability to uphold resolution strategies, de-escalation, and behavioral expectations in the presence of conflict and challenging behaviors Communication Timely reports information between DDA Manager, participant, and their Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) Effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders/team members Report all incidents, minor or major immediately to the DDA Program Manager Provides timely notice of call-outs, vacations, and availability changes Assess the well-being of the individual including but not limited to noticing changes in eating habits, or personal care, and signs of abuse or neglect and reports assessments to leadership Advocates for participant in public and private settings and scenarios Minimum Qualifications
- Must be able to commute to Ellicott City, Maryland
- Compassion and understanding for individual with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities
- At least 1 year experience support individuals with disabilities.
- Ability to problem solve and make decisions in the best interest of the individual
- Ability to support individuals that may have behavioral problems requiring intervention and conflict management
- Pass Criminal Background Check and Child Protective Service Clearance
- Positive attitude and can uphold company standards
- Ability to multitask
- Ability to pay attention to details
- Ability to implement and summarize daily activities
- Attend all regular scheduled trainings and meetings
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Have automobile insurance for automobiles that are used in the provision of care if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to provide services Schedule
- Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm
- Weekends available License
- Current CPR, AED, First-Aid or willing to receive training Work Location
- Ellicott City, Maryland (Howard County) This position is not eligible for remote or telework.
Job Types:
Full-time, Part-time Pay:
$18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Paid time off Professional development assistance
Location:
Ellicott City, MD 21042 (Required) Ability to
Commute:
Ellicott City, MD 21042 (Required)
Work Location:
In person