Direct Support Professional

Description

is a team member who provides support and services to individual children and/or young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities which are focused on helping each individual to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. A DSP2 follows a person-centered model of care to assist assigned individuals to participate fully and meaningfully in their daily routines at the Home and in the community.

This includes ensuring that active, individualized treatment is a continuous, ongoing, and integrated effort focused on helping the individual develop the skills needed so that they can live the kind of life that they desire. DSP2 functions as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team supporting all services and activities identified in each Individual Support Plan (ISP). This position requires excellent communication skills, kindness and compassion, an understanding of the kinds of support required by children and young adults with special needs, as well as competency in providing detailed behavioral support strategies to ensure safety, encourage growth, social development and engagement.

Assists assigned children and/or young adults with all their daily needs, including but not limited to:

• assisting children and young adults to participate in routine, scheduled and spontaneous activities at the Home and in the community, such as preparing for school, attending appointments, and participating in field trips and recreational activities such as sports, music, reading, arts and crafts, games, study groups, swimming in the hydra therapy pool, etc.
• grooming, hair care, nail care, mouth care, dressing, bathing, and toileting/diapering
• eating and following designated individualized feeding techniques
• applying splints and braces
• therapeutic positioning using a variety of adaptive equipment in multiple environments
• mobility, including lifting individuals from a seated or lying down position, pushing individuals in their wheelchairs, using adapted lifting equipment, and helping individuals walk and maintain stability

• provides as much care and assistance needed to promote good health and maintain safety
• helps individuals receive medical care and communicate with medical professionals
• monitors, records and reports information regarding health conditions. Fluid input, output, temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Seizure observation, documentation, and reporting.
• monthly weights
• reports any changes in an individual’s physical condition and seeks medical intervention when needed

• applies effective communication strategies and teaches necessary skills to the individuals served
• implements support programs as written and at the frequency required as identified in an individual’s ISP
• demonstrates accurate data collection procedures as required by the ISP to document progress on skill development and achievement
• can incorporate skill development opportunities in a natural manner throughout the regular daily routines
• participates in team planning meetings and provide feedback to ensure the development of meaningful and appropriate ISPs

• serves as role model and mentor, demonstrating desired behaviors, and coaching individuals using approved techniques and strategies
• develops and maintains relationships of trust and respect
• uses approved physical intervention techniques as directed to protect individuals and others
• provides support and assistance by participating in each individual’s specific behavior training programs and completing necessary documentation
• works closely with the Support Coordinator and the Program Manager to ensure plans are implemented effectively and modifications affected as needed
• assists with data collection and analysis for support outcomes and behavioral interventions for assigned children

• assists individuals with achieving personal goals and works on behalf of individuals to overcome barriers
• helps individuals participate in activities of their choice and supports their gifts and talents
• acts in the best interest of each individual’s personal beliefs, choices, and…