Nature of Work:

The responsibility of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to provide a safe environment, to include support and supervision to individuals with disabilities. The DSP is responsible for encouraging growth and independence while demonstrating dignity and respect to each person served. DSPs promote problem solving and help persons served develop strategiesto overcome barriers, to promote independence, dignity, and inclusion. The DSP is directly responsible to the individual(s) they support, but is supervised by a Residential Manager, Community Program Supervisor, DSP Scheduler/Supervisor, or Shared Living Coordinator, depending on the program.

Essential Functions:

Individual(s) Served Support Adhere to planning guidelines and treatment as identified in the Individual PCP and ISPs. Assist individuals with self-advocacy, building confidence and self-esteem, and promoting independence. Advocate for individuals' rights, dignity, and informed choices while actively empowering and supporting them to self-advocate whenever possible. Provide supports in a flexible manner that is most comfortable and effective for the individual which recognizes their gifts and talents. Plan, perform, or assist with care or activities with individuals according to their preference or needs, to include, but not limited to, household chores (cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry, dishes, vacuuming, making the bed, household maintenance, etc.), community involvement, social, recreation and leisure skills, communication skills, personal safety skills, appropriate behavior. Support clients in becoming inclusive community members by developing social relationships and enhancing skills for engaging in activities such as volunteering, senior activities, nature education, and exploring community opportunities. Assist with planning their schedules. Encouraging and assisting in maintaining relationships with family, friends, and people in the community. Assist in maintaining relationships with community businesses, clubs, civic groups, and organizations and arranges quality individual community participation. If applicable to the person, assist with or perform personal care by repositioning the individual, bathing, bowel or bladder care, showers, exercising, range of motion, feeding (oral or feeding tubes), hair care (brushing, washing, styling, shaving), dental care (brushing, flossing, dentures), nail clipping, etc. Transport (adhering to all safety policies and laws) or arrange for transportation to medical, social, and community activities, when appropriate. Notify transportation company and/or work/program if a person is ill or unable to attend due to appointments, an incident, or vacation. Assist with teaching and preparing healthy meal plans to encourage optimal health, involving the individual(s) in making choices of selection of meals. Work collaboratively with professional consultants, i.e., Psychiatrist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapi...