Direct Support Professional

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Hours :

Monday-Friday Probationary Period:

Three months of Per Diem with the possibility of a status change to Full-Time/Part

• Time

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma Required. Prior Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities preferred as well as good oral, written, and interpersonal skills. A valid Driver's License is required with the potential for endorsement. Must be willing to express flexibility in job duties and assigned tasks. May be required to lift or assist in lifting for safety purposes as well as means to provide adequate care.

REPORTING SUPERVISOR

DSO Manager

POSITIONS SUPERVISED

:

NONE CREDENTIALS DESIRED

(ANY

INTERESTED CANDIDATE MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING

) DDS Medical Certification, Public Service License, PMT Certification, First Aid and

CPR. DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Assist in providing program participants with adequate supervision based on specific supervisory ratios and program participant need as set forth by the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services policies and procedures, Individual Plan, and Level of Need as well as allotted State budget.
• Completing and reviewing pertinent documentation specific to the program participants needs that are outlined in their Individual Plan and Level of Need.
• Completing participant specific data on a daily, weekly or monthly basis as needed as well as handing in documentation in a timely manner.
• Assists in providing meaningful and well thought out activities required to provide appropriate care and maintain Quality of Life, that is, making use of down time by introducing new and exciting experiences to program participants.
• Establishing a good working rapport with fellow co-workers and program participants.
• Understanding that job tasks may change daily, weekly, or monthly based on program need and/or daily, weekly or monthly changes, including but not limited to filling or assisting in other programs or departments, driving, and providing community experience as they fit.
• Closely monitors program participants in and away from work area. Specifically, during toileting and eating.
• Understanding and adhering to client specific dietary guidelines (i.e., restrictions, allergies to certain foods, consistency and size as it pertains to food products.)
• Aids with personal care for program participants including but not limited to toileting, showering, oral hygiene, changing and dressing.
• Protecting the dignity and pride of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by respecting their rights as human beings and as essential components in our agency's mission statement that is to provide individuals with ID/DD with the opportunity to work, learn and belong in a safe and friendly environment with appropriate supervision and care.

Operating client specific medical apparatus including but not limited to Hoyer lefts, gait belts, wheel chairs etc 1:1 Staff Protocol

• In addition to other DSP duties staff working as a one-to-one support person (1:1) must stay focused and close to the individual they are assigned to at all times, no more than arm's length away, to quickly prevent or manage fall risks, choking, self-harm, aggression to others, bolting, or other health or safety issues that may arise, ensuring the safety and well-being of the individual and those around them.
• 1:1 staff will be expected to follow directions as set forth by their supervisor, and program managers with the goal to provide meaningful opportunities for the individual they support.

When interacting with their assigned individual staff should take note of the individual's strengths, interests, likes, and dislikes with the goal of doing activities with the individual that will help that individual grow and accomplish their personal goals.

• It is important for individual's receiving 1:1 support to have consistency in their routine.

Implementing any change to the individual's activity plan must be approved in advance by program management and supervisor. 1:1 staff must not change the activity plan prior to approval by program management and supervisor. Staffing changes, break schedules, and time-off must be approved by supervisor in advance.

Job Types:

Full-time, Part-time Pay:

From $18.25 per hour

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person