Job Summary The Community Engagement Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) while participating in community-based activities. The DSP assists individuals with accessing their community, developing relationships, increasing independence, making choices, learning new skills, and participating in activities that are meaningful to them. Services shall be provided in accordance with each individual's Individual Support Plan (ISP), Plan for Supports, identified outcomes, risk management strategies, company policies and procedures, and applicable Virginia requirements. Duties The Community Engagement DSP is responsible for: Community Engagement Assist individuals with identifying and participating in community activities based on their interests, preferences, abilities, and goals. Support activities such as libraries, recreation centers, museums, parks, restaurants, shopping, fitness activities, volunteer opportunities, community events, classes, and other meaningful activities. Encourage individuals to interact with people in the community and develop natural community connections. Avoid activities that simply isolate individuals from the broader community or do not reflect individual choice. Person-Centered Support Respect each individual's choices, rights, privacy, dignity, culture, and preferences. Encourage individuals to make choices about where they would like to go and what they would like to do. Provide the appropriate level of assistance while encouraging maximum independence. Follow the individual's ISP, outcomes, support instructions, protocols, and identified preferences. Health and Safety Maintain required supervision levels at all times. Be knowledgeable about the health, behavioral, mobility, communication, and safety needs of individuals assigned to the employee. Follow all seizure, fall, aspiration, elopement, behavioral, medication, and other individualized safety protocols when applicable. Ensure required emergency supplies, medications, communication devices, and other necessary items accompany individuals into the community when applicable. Immediately report accidents, injuries, unusual circumstances, suspected abuse or neglect, and serious incidents according to agency procedures. Transportation and Community Safety Provide safe transportation when authorized and assigned. Follow all company vehicle and transportation policies. Complete required vehicle safety checks. Ensure individuals use seat belts and other required safety equipment. Employees who are not authorized drivers shall not operate company vehicles or transport individuals. Maintain awareness of individuals' locations and supervision requirements while in the community. Documentation Complete accurate and timely daily service documentation. Document the individual's participation, choices, level of assistance, progress toward outcomes, interactions, and response to activities. Record the location and type of community activity as required. Complete incident reports and other required documentation when necessary. Documentation must accurately reflect services actually provided and must not be falsified, copied, or completed for services that did not occur. Skill Development Assist individuals with developing community living skills such as: Money management Shopping Ordering meals Communication Social skills Personal safety Decision-making Using community resources Following schedules Appropriate community interactions Provide verbal prompts, modeling, demonstrations, visual supports, or physical assistance based on the individual's needs. Behavioral and Emotional Support Use positive, respectful, and approved support strategies. Follow behavioral support plans when applicable. Recognize changes in behavior and communicate concerns to management. Use approved de-escalation techniques when necessary. Never use punishment, threats, intimidation, humiliation, or unauthorized restrictive practices. Professional Conduct Arrive to work on time and remain available for the entire assigned shift. Maintain professional boundaries with individuals, families, guardians, coworkers, and community members. Limit personal cell phone use while responsible for individuals. Maintain confidentiality of all individual information. Communicate respectfully with individuals and coworkers. Attend required meetings, supervision, and training. Follow agency policies and instructions from supervisors.

Pay:

From $17.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location:

In person