Direct Support Professional

The Direct Support Professional I is a key associate at Hope Network whose primary responsibilities include: the provision of intervention techniques and support to the person served by Hope Network in a clinical program, transitional and/or long term residential setting, day program or vocational setting.  The DSP will provide the appropriate intervention, level of support and/or supervision to support the goals of the person served, ensure their optimal health and safety and assist them to become integrated into his/her community and/or the least restrictive environment.  Support and/or assistance may be required in the areas of mobility, activities of daily living, communication, cognition, health management, social networking, vocational, leisure time management and community integration that is consistent with the mission, vision and values of Hope Network.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of job functions.  This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The employee is required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties as assigned.

1. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential requirement of this position.
2. Demonstrates professional behavior that is consistent with Hope Network’s culture, mission, values, policies and procedures.  (review and sign acknowledgment form in Employee Handbook - 3.1 Behavioral Expectations and Commitments and 3.2 Customer Service Expectations - Hope Network Employee Handbook)
3. Demonstrates an awareness of and responds to signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation and follows procedures to protect a consumer from such harm.  Possesses knowledge of and can successfully implement Hope Network Safety Plans and Procedures to ensure the safety of the person served at all times, including emergency situations.  This may include providing direct supervision to the person served or tracking their whereabouts depending on their assessed level of independence.
4. Knowledgeable of and successfully implements a Person Centered Approach/Individualized Service Plan for each person served.
5. Recognizes communication as a core function of support and uses person first language and effective communication skills to establish a collaborative therapeutic relationship with the person served and professional relationships with their social support network and any external stakeholders. 
6. Promotes the health and wellness of each person served in the areas of physical, spiritual, emotional, and social well-being, including, but not limited to: nutrition, medication administration, basic first aid/emergency response, leisure time management, access to recreation activities of interest, meeting spiritual needs and social relationships.
If required by home/program, must be able to pass Medication Administration Training, demonstrate accurate medication administration and perform this duty with minimal errors, in accordance with the Hope Network policy expectations.
7. Understands the formal and informal assessment practices in order to respond to the acute and/or chronic medical, behavioral, leisure and/or care needs, desires and interests of the person served, as prescribed and according to training protocols. 
(i.e. Diabetes management through the provision of a prescribed diet, administering insulin and responding appropriately to a high or low blood sugar level).  Assists with information gathering related to the person’s served outcome measures and reports any medical, behavioral, social or cognitive concerns to the appropriate team member.
8. References the care plan of the person served and/or collaborates with their treatment team to match specific physical/cognitive and/or behavioral supports and interventions to the unique ADL needs of the person served (i.e. hygiene, toileting, feeding, mobility, money management, use of adaptive equipment, etc.) 
9. Demonstrates knowledge of and skill in the implementation of specialized plans and techniques as indicated by the need of the person served or directed by a medical, behavioral or clinical team member. 
10. Knowledgeable of crisis prevention, intervention and resolution techniques and is able to demonstrate and match techniques to particular circumstances (i.e.  SAMA, Mandt, CPI, de-escalation techniques, etc.)
11. Documents routine and any unexpected/unusual incidents, related to the care of the person served, by following the procedures/requirements as directed by the appropriate Hope Network Service Line (i.e. daily communication logs, Health Care Assessment Form, Health Care Consultation Form,  Accuflo, Medication Administration Record (MAR), required eCare documentation, outcome data sheets, incident reports, resident fund ledgers, behavioral tracking sheets, consumer/client payroll, etc.).  Must possess writing skills that enable the communication of detailed information, critical incidents, physician/clinical instructions, participation of the person served and responses to clinical interventions.
12. If applicable to service line, is knowledgeable of and able to complete the required billing of services through eCare that may be incurred through prescribed supervision and/or transportation provided.
13. Able to assist the person served in identifying and accessing any formal and/or informal activities of interest that are available in their home, day program or in his or her community (recreation, social, spiritual, academic, vocational, etc).  This may include escorting the person served to their community activity of choice and providing coaching/cues for optimal functioning.
14. Demonstrates an understanding of the diverse challenges facing the person served (e.g., human rights, legal, administrative and financial) and acts as an informal advocate, if necessary.  Supports the person served in leading a self-determining life by providing opportunities to build self-esteem and confidence, make informed decisions and advocate on his or her own behalf, if able.
15. Recognizes, respects, and values the role of family and social relationships as being an essential component of the quality of life and community living success for the person served.  Assists the person served to build on his/her strengths in social relationships with family, fellow residents, fellow day program participants, co-workers and/or community members.
If directed, will communicate the details from any visits between the person served and external supports, both positive and problematic, to the Social Worker, Case Manager or identified team member.
16. Performs tasks necessary to the efficient operation of the facility, as assigned.  This includes, but is not limited to: maintaining the cleanliness of the home/program, laundry, meal preparation, consumer room cleaning, ice/snow removal, and managing the assigned work areas and reporting facility repair needs.
17. If applicable, demonstrates knowledge about the educational and career related concerns of the person served and is able to assist in identifying the resources and support necessary to assist the person served to reach his or her personal goals.
18. If applicable, maintain a safe work environment and teach appropriate use of equipment to the person served that is required for their job.  Meeting MIOSHA Safety Standards, MSDS requirements are required as outlined by established Hope Network Safety Policies.
19. Actively participates in staff meetings, trainings, new staff orientation and team building when requested.
20. May be required to transport and/or escort the person served to community medical, therapy, vocational or recreation appointments/activities and is expected to report any vehicle issues/concerns.
21. Other duties, as assigned.

Educational / Talent Requirements:
1. High school diploma or GED, preferred.
2. Valid driver’s license, required.
3. Must be able to become certified in CPR/First Aid.
4. Must be able to work scheduled shifts, including weekends. 
5. Must be able to lift 50 lbs non-stationary weight.  Ability to bend, twist, stoop, pivot and kneel while bearing weight of persons served.  Using proper lifting techniques, possesses the ability to safely transfer persons served.  Ability to stand a majority of shift or remain awake when working third shift.
6. Ability to demonstrate empathy for person’s served; being sympathetic to their needs and understanding when needed.
7. Ability to demonstrate attention to detail when interacting with consumers, passing medications and completing documentation.
8. Demonstrates critical thinking/problem solving skills; responding to medical and behavioral issues in a respectful manner or that is consistent with treatment plans.
9. Ability to take initiative and action to respond, resolve, and report or follow-up regarding service/treatment concerns, outstanding issues with family or guardians that is consistent with organizational standards and expectations.
10. Ability to work as part of a diverse team; demonstrating respect for cultural differences.  Can accept    instructions from co-workers and provide direction when required, understanding that the intent is to assure the needs of people served are met.

Work Experience Requirements:
1. Must possess basic computer skills.