CDS DSP

Join Little City Foundation as a CDS DSP and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The CDS DSP is responsible for ensuring the right to courtesy, dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and respect of all individuals served. This role promotes independence, personal growth, community participation, and integration through the facilitation of various meaningful experiences, consistent with choices reflected in the Individual Service/Personal Plans.

1. Begin normal workdays at a Little City Community Day Service environment.
2. Support individuals served to abide by public health guidance related to physical distancing, face covering, and personal hygiene.
3. Prepare the CDS environment for the day, including gathering required supplies, learning materials, technology, and other necessary items.
4. Assist in arrival and departure transitions, ensuring safe and efficient movement from one setting or activity to the next.
5. Facilitate the engagement of individuals served in various activities, following the area or activity-specific schedule.
6. Communicate the need for additional or replacement program supplies necessary to execute activities and personal care.
7. When providing services that require transportation, follow all safety procedures.
8. Account for all individuals before, during, and upon return from all activities and locations.
9. Prepare individuals served for transitions between scheduled classes, programs, or activities.
10. Provide direct, appropriate, and approved engagement opportunities following a prescribed schedule created in accordance with the Individual Service/Personal Plans of individuals served.
11. Implement associated or assigned LCF CDS curriculum and adhere to schedules.
12. Facilitate the accomplishment of personal goals and objectives of individuals served through adherence to Individual Service Plans, Personal Plans, Implementation Strategies/Positive Behavior Support Plans, or Medical Plans.
13. Communicate feedback and changes in a manner consistent with the support needs of all persons served, ensuring consistency and allowing for adequate processing of instruction.
14. Document the outcomes of services rendered, including daily individual or group progress notes, achievement of defined goals/objectives, individual and group attendance, critical, unusual, or medical incidents, transportation records, and other related record-keeping.
15. Provide feedback to agency representatives that furthers the development of functional outcomes and program enhancements related to individuals served.
16. Implement Positive Behavior Support strategies and document as required.
17. Abide by all agency policy and procedure related to maintaining the health, safety, and welfare of individuals served.
18. Administer emergency or immediate first aid care and techniques during an emergency and/or quickly respond to accidents to ensure that injuries or illnesses are efficiently and promptly dealt with before a trained medical professional arrives or until appropriate personnel arrive.
19. Support choice making and independence of individuals served through frequent and appropriately styled communication.
20. Provide assistance with completion of personal care activities, including bathing/showering, hair and skin care, use of restroom/toileting, oral hygiene, perineal care, dressing/undressing, mealtime, body positioning, lifting, and other related activities.
21. Engage in safe and practical use of all adaptive equipment.
22. Adhere to responsibilities during emergency drills or actual emergency situations.
23. Ensure organization and cleanliness of the assigned area/location/site and report any safety hazards, accidents, or other barriers to promote a positive environment and a safe workplace.
24. May assist with coverage of breaks and at alternate locations on an as-needed basis.
25. Responsible for attendance at and active participation in staff meetings and training sessions.
26. Support and adhere to all approved policies and procedures established by Little City.
27. Successfully complete required Little City Foundation training, re-training, or additional training as required by policies, practices, or as assigned by the immediate supervisor for specific program needs.

Qualifications:

Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. One year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavior, and/or emotional challenges preferred. Must be registered as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) or meet the qualifications to be eligible to become a DSP. Be able to demonstrate functional literacy. The DSP must be able to speak and write clearly and communicate information effectively in English. Possess basic computer skills to enter data and/or update information into software applications/systems. A valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and good driving record are required. The DSP must meet Little City Foundation's driver requirements for the Active Driver List.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting for prolonged periods; frequently walks, stands, grasps, lifts, holds, or feels objects; occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. Extended use of computer and typing is required. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working and handling office equipment. The employee is subject to assist and support up to 25 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a recurring basis. The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate office equipment. No occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, communicable diseases, or other potentially infectious substances (Category I). Typical office environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.