Job Description
Program: Developmental Disabilities
Position: Day Direct Support Professional (DDSP)
Reports to: Day Habilitation Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Function:
The Direct Support Professional is responsible for guiding, coaching, and encouraging individuals to achieve their maximum level of independence and integrate into the community. They will assure individuals have opportunities to increase independent functioning, cognitive training, domestic and economic management, responsibility, physical health, development, and self-direction in accordance with the Home and Community Based Setting rule.
Know How:
The position requires a person eighteen (18) years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED.
The position requires the ability to collaborate effectively with the person receiving services, co-workers, family members, related agencies, and others. The person in this position must have the ability to assist individuals in achieving personal goals while promoting dignity and respect. The DSP must be able to communicate with individuals by listening and learning in the way that is most effective for the person. The person in this position will focus on community integration and inclusion. They will be able to establish rapport with individuals, family members, friends, and other natural supports to ensure comprehensive coordination. The employee must possess a high level of written communication skills, a valid Alabama driver’s license and the ability to meet the requirements of Eagles’ Wings vehicle insurance carrier, if applicable. The DSP must also be able to pass all required training courses including but not limited to First Aid, CPR, CPI, New Employee Orientation, Medication Assistant Certification, and to understand and follow Eagles’ Wings Policies & Procedures.
Principal Activities:
1. Completes duties to ensure individuals receive needed supports in a positive environment that enhance the persons’ ability to achieve their personal goals.
2. Implements supports and services as outlined in each person’s Person-Centered Plan.
3. Supports and encourages individuals in exercising their rights and making their own choices.
4. Performs and provides supports with personal care (if needed).
5. Provides input in identifying personal preferences and goals for individuals.
6. Completes duties to ensure the health and safety of individuals, including, but not limited to, taking people to volunteer activities, community-based employment opportunities, providing social education, reporting signs and symptoms of illness, unusual behaviors, etc.
7. Provides support to individuals in attending and participating in leisure and recreational activities based upon the individuals’ personal interests.
8. Develops and maintains positive relationships with individuals receiving services, co-workers, family members, related agencies, and members of the broader community.
9. Completes all required documentation required to ensure compliance with ADMH, HCBS and Medicaid regulations.
10. Reports any suspicion of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and exploitation and cooperates fully in investigation.
11. Reports maintenance needs of the office, equipment, and vehicles.
12. Completes basic vehicle tasks to ensure that vehicle is well-maintained and meets EW health and safety requirements and DOT requirements. The DSP will also follow all state and federal traffic rules.
13. Meets at least minimum staff development/training requirements in compliance with EW standards and funding agency requirements.
14. Performs additional duties as assigned by your supervisors.
Effect on End Result:
1. Quality Services for the people receiving supports from Eagles’ Wings.
2. Increased capabilities in the areas of independence, choice, rights, community inclusion, and person-centered philosophy.
3. Competently trained and motivated staff.
4. Eagles’ Wings maintain a positive public image.
5. Facilities will operate efficiently and safely.
6. Compliance with regulatory and funding sources.
Language skills:
The position requires the ability to read, analyze, and interpret common correspondence and the ability to write and complete forms. The position requires the ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
American with Disabilities Specifications:
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and or move 25 or more pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust or focus.
Work Environment:
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.