Direct Support Professional

The primary purpose of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) position is to provide training and/or assistance for individuals we support in hygiene, nutrition, housekeeping, behavioral management, safety, healthcare, and other daily activities both within the home and the community; also to maintain the home/property in a safe and sanitary manner.

Essential Position Functions

  • Hygiene: bathing, tooth brushing, shaving, hair care, nail care, etc
  • Toileting, dressing, nutritional management, physical management/including prosthetic devices, behavioral management, safety, housekeeping, money management, recreation, health care, and community integration.
  • Administer medications, maintain medication records-including MAR form, TAR form, med count sheets, and all the aspects of medication administration systems.
  • Perform assigned Register Nurse delegated/trained medical tasks which may include but are not limited to: medication administration via G-tube, diabetic procedure and other medical duties as assigned. Complete the appropriate documentation as necessary.
  • Provide support for individuals by maintaining the observation skills necessary to identify behavioral/health changes or needs and immediately report to Program manager, administrative director, clinical director or RN.
  • Document information relevant to the individuals health and welfare. Aiding health professionals and the program in understanding the individuals history, as well as, providing for current and future needs.
  • Perform general interior and exterior housekeeping and basic repairs including but not limited to: laundry, vacuuming, grounds upkeep, meal preparation, food handling, and storage, maintenance of prosthetic and positioning equipment, cleaning bathrooms, light painting, doorknob replacement, etc.
  • Participate in meetings and attend mandatory training as required/assigned.
  • Maintain a safe environment. Report any concerns to the Program Manager. Participate in emergency evacuation/safety checks. Follow proper nutrition management, physical management, and behavioral intervention techniques and principals as trained.
  • Follow established policies, procedures, and guidelines.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Works in a home environment staffed seven days a week/24 hours per day. Schedules can vary on start times and length of shift. The shifts break down in the following way: Day shift 0600-1400 (6am-2pm), Swing shift 1400-2200 (2pm-10pm), Awake Noc Shift 2200-0600 (10pm-6am). We also have a flex shift that start at different times depending on the house and client needs (example 1200-2000).

Authority

Decides and reports any special problems that occur to supervisors and brings any medical/behavioral concerns to supervisor. Decisions are generally situational and could not only impact the health and safety of individuals supported, but could also impact housemates, employees, and/or people within the community.

Basic health decisions may involve: identifying and taking action in the event of illness and/or injury, PRN medication administration, etc.

Basic safety decisions may involve: evaluating the need for assistance, behavior intervention, change in environment, evacuation, activating safety locks and/or alarms, defensive driving techniques, increased supervision, etc.

Contacts

Will have contact with Physicians, Consultants, Parents/Guardians, Public Persons, Program Manager, Service Coordinators, Administrative Director, Clinical Director for the purpose of exchanging medical and/or other client related information on a daily or as needed basis.

Position Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • High school Diploma or equivalent
  • Be able to pass a background check
  • Must be able to read and write proficiently and legibly in English
  • Oregon Intervention System Certification (provided if hired)
  • CPR/First Aid certification (provided if hired)
  • Medication Administration (provided if hired)
  • Frequent daily lifting up to 50lbs
  • Must be able to engage and maintain (OIS) approved PPI’s for up to 1 hour (training provided if hired)
  • Frequent daily squatting, bending, and stooping
  • Daily contact with individuals who are potentially argumentative, aggressive, destructive, harmful, offensive, and display dangerous behaviors to self or others
  • Daily exposure to household and sometimes industrial strength cleaning agents
  • Exposure to a variety of work settings both within the homes and community
  • Occasional exposure to inclement weather
  • Occasionally participate in water activities with the individuals as assigned
  • Must be able to work overtime as needed/required to provide necessary staffing and support for individuals- 7 days a week/24 hours a day
  • Frequent daily transportation of individuals utilizing public transportation, buses, wheelchair accessible vehicles, passenger vans, mini vans and/or standard size cars. *driver’s license not required
  • Frequent contact with the public and other agency personnel
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