Direct Support Professional - Life Enrichment

DESCRIPTION

Are you a natural caregiver? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities? Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work to empower adults with differences to live a more independent life. Under the direction of a Lead DSP, these vital staff members create a welcoming and productive environment of learning for our day program participants, and empower participants to reach their goals.

These DSPs will work in our Pathway to Life Enrichment.

• Conducts behavioral observations, while providing a variety of training activities (i.e. life skills training, creative learning time, etc.)
• Implements and follows individual program plans and behaviour management programs. Coordinates with Case Managers to provide behavior supports for individuals with differences.
• Trains and monitors participants in safety procedures and provides first aid as needed.
• Provides supervision during assigned breaks and lunch times. Optional hours are determined by the program Director according to participant needs.
• Models and encourages identified behaviours and skills to support participants in identified outcomes.
• Responsible for shop coverage and participant assistance in the event of an emergency (i.e. incontinence, soiled clothing, etc.)
• Coordinate, plan, and monitor weekly arts & crafts projects for participants.
• Responsible for requesting, maintaining, and collecting production training.
• Will be flexible on a daily basis to cover workshops as needed.
• Provides transportation supervision before 8:30 a.m. and after 2:30 p.m., including supervision of JTA transportation.
• Other duties may be assigned.

• Directly supervises and trains participants in assigned activity areas.
• Carries out training responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include training participants; planning, assigning, and directing activities; appraising performance; following behavioural guidelines for participants; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Pine Castle is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with differences to perform the essential functions of this role, if they do not cause undue burden for the organisation.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred and one‑year of experience working with persons with developmental disabilities is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Associate Degree may substitute.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write required reports and documentation. Ability to present effectively before groups of participants or professionals.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Use of calculator is allowed.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to handle complex problems with many variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid FL Driver's License or valid FL ; including proof of insurance as needed.

• Within 90 days of employment, certification in first aid, CPR, HIV/Aids, infection control, and other subject areas must be attained and verified, as provided by Pine Castle, and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Completion of required background screening as required by Florida Statutes (see HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration for more information).

OTHER

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Compassion for and a desire to understand the needs of persons with intellectual and developmental differences?

• Ability to make behavioural observations and express events in clear, concise, written form.
• Ability to understand capabilities and needs of persons with disabilities.
• Ability to provide high‑quality work.
• Knowledge of professional ethics related to client confidentiality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.

• The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit, stoop, or kneel.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, colour vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work…