Direct Support Professional

Overview

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for a variety of duties related to the care and support of individuals who have physical, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. The DSP supports increasing independence and skill development by providing training and assistance on individualized goals and objectives for daily life skills (personal care, education, recreation, social and community engagement) in a supportive and positive learning environment.

The DSP provides or assists with personal care activities and supports the health, safety and an active lifestyle of the individual served.

• Programming: Implement individual treatment, education and behavioral plans using appropriate methodologies and best practices based on the needs of the individual.
• Engagement: Ensure individuals remain actively engaged in meaningful activities according to their functional level.
• Documentation: Record accurate and detailed documentation within required time frames regarding progress toward goals, personal care, behavior reports and health and safety as required by the program; additional documentation may be required when necessary.
• Learning environment: Maintain a safe and organized training area that supports learning and personal growth.
• Behavior support: Address challenging behaviors proactively and utilize positive behavior intervention to promote improved behavior while respecting individuality.
• Activities: Assist individuals in educational, classroom, recreational, social and community activities based on preference and individual plans.
• Health and safety: Monitor the health and safety of the individual at all times; respond to and report unsafe conditions or equipment to the Supervisor.
• Incident reporting: Observe individuals for injury or bruises and follow incident reporting procedures, including documentation and submission to a Supervisor.
• Care needs: Assist individuals with special health care and personal care needs.
• Status reporting: Evaluate changes in emotional or physical status and report concerns to a Supervisor in writing and verbally.
• Rights and language: Ensure each individual’s rights are protected and use person-first language, treating individuals with dignity and respect.
• Professional presentation: Dress appropriately and professionally for the responsibilities of the position.

• May provide transportation to individuals served. If required to drive, maintain a valid Arkansas Driver’s License and current car insurance, complete annual Rules of the Road training, and obtain a CDL if required.
• Follow vehicle procedures including vehicle pre-check, seat belts, wheelchair tie-downs, and prohibitions on using cell phones or engaging in prohibited conduct.

• Complete annual training as required by Easterseals Arkansas and program licensing agency through trainings offered by Easterseals, the licensing agency, other sources, and self-study.
• Use tools and information from trainings to enhance the quality of services.

• When performing duties, comply with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas.
• Access to protected health information is limited to individuals served by this position, except psychotherapy notes; access to additional information requires supervisor or Privacy Officer approval.

• Education and/or
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum high school diploma or GED. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Language
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to read and follow, give and receive written and/or verbal instructions.
• Mathematical
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to perform basic arithmetic and percent calculations as needed.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and interpret various instructions in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Arkansas Driver’s License (if driving in the role), First Aid and CPR certification within the first 90 days of employment and maintained thereafter; ability to obtain additional credentials as required.
• Other
  
  Skills and Abilities:
  
  Ability to lift and transfer individuals according to weight guidelines.

• Physical Demands: Regular use of hands, standing, walking, sitting, climbing/balancing, kneeling, crouching or crawling; occasional lifting up to 30 pounds; vision requirements including near, far, color, peripheral and depth perception.
• Work Environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made; exposure to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions; typical moderate noise level.

Easterseals Arkansas has designated this position as a “non-safety sensitive” position under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.