Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Classification
Nonexempt Hourly

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range
Residence Staff – Starting Pay $17.00/Hr.

Reports to
Team Leader

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective
The Direct Support Professional is responsible for the safety, care, and support of adults with developmental disabilities (“residents”). Duties include supporting residents with goals established in their person-centered plan (PCP), community inclusion for the resident, documenting events and activities that occur throughout the day with the resident using several State of Maine and proprietary forms, and in some instances personal care.

Essential Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Resident Care
   1. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will support residents at home and in the community with activities of daily living (ADL).
   2. DSPs are required to know each resident’s PCP goals and work actively to achieve or work towards those goals on a regular basis. This includes actively seeking out opportunities and providing suggestions for resident activities that would support the goals both in the residence and in the community.
   3. DSPs need to communicate with their Site Administrator (SA) if they are going into the community and immediately notify the SA if there is a change in plans.
   4. Assure residents are given the opportunity and encouraged to access the community daily.
   5. Provide personal care as needed, including bathing, helping to go to the bathroom, changing adult diapers, etc.
   6. Attend meetings with the resident’s team when asked to provide insight on resident care.
   7. Be actively engaged with and attentive to the resident throughout the entire shift. In the event the resident is sleeping, time should be spent on other responsibilities listed.
   8. Transportation of residents in the DSP’s personal vehicle may be required.
2. Documentation
   1. Stay up to date on policies and procedures on what documentation needs to be completed each shift and how to complete the documentation thoroughly and accurately.
   2. All required documentation must be completed prior to the end of shift.
   3. All reportable events should be communicated immediately within the hour of their occurrence and before leaving your shift to the SA.
3. Medications and Medical
   1. DSPs will take all steps to support residents being on time for all medical appointments.
   2. DSPs will verify with the SA that all MaineCare funded appointments are entered into ModivCare beforehand. If trips are not entered into ModivCare beforehand they will not be reimbursed to the DSP.
   3. A physician order form must be filled out for all appointments and given to the SA
   4. DSPs will follow all treatment plans (Positive support plan, behavioral management plan, etc.) while at home and in the community.
   5. DSPs need to obtain an appointment summary for any unscheduled medical appointments (urgent care, emergency room, etc.)
   6. DSPs are to ensure that keys to the locked medication cabinet are always in possession of a licensed CRMA and that an unexpired copy of that CRMAs license is on file at the residence
   7. DSPs are to ensure that an unexpired copy of any CRMA passing medications to the resident they are providing support to is on file in the residence at the time of the medication passing
4. Residence Administration and Compliance:
   1. Money Management
      1. Receipts are required for all purchases using agency funds and need to be provided to the SA by the end of the shift
   2. Cleanliness:
      1. Support and encouragement should be given and documented daily for residents to keep their home clean; a resident shall never be forced to keep their home clean however documentation of attempts at encouragement and support must be made. Examples of daily cleaning DSPs should encourage and support for residents include dishes being washed after every meal and clean, appropriate clothing always available due to timely laundering.
      2. Report all damages and house maintenance issues immediately to the SA.
   3. Fire Drills:
      1. DSPs will help conduct fire drills with residents monthly.
   4. Mileage reimbursement staff paperwork
      1. All mileage reimbursement requests for the month are due to the SA no later than the first Friday of the following month. Failure to do so may result in not being reimbursed for mileage in a timely manner and can lead to disciplinary action.
   5. Communication
      1. Communicate with your residents and co-workers every day. Open and honest professional communication is the key to building trust and good teamwork.
   6. Timekeeping
      1. It is the DSPs responsibility to accurately keep track of all hours by clocking in and out at the beginning and ending of each shift and unpaid break. Failure to do so may result inaccurate or untimely pay and can lead to disciplinary action
   7. Residence meetings
      1. Attendance at residence meetings (twice a month) is mandatory and may differ from your regularly scheduled shifts.
   8. Personal and professional conduct
      1. DSPs are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. The employee handbook gives guidance to several topics regarding the way you should present yourself and act as a DSP at Dirigo Support Professionals including dress code, communication expectations, and personal use of electronics.
   9. Certifications and continuing education
      1. It is the DSPs sole responsibility to make sure all necessary certifications are kept current and active. Examples include First Aid/CPR, Safety-Care, and CRMA. Failure to do so may impact pay and/or employment eligibility.
      2. DSPs are expected to participate in and attend scheduled trainings that Dirigo Support Professionals may put on to review, revise, or improve knowledge necessary to be an effective DSP and/or employee at Dirigo Support Professionals.

Skills of an ideal candidate:

• Communication: someone who helps create a positive work environment by being respectful in the way they communicate with others, speaks up about needs and clarifies any communication that is not clear, and is able and willing to work to understand individuals that may struggle with communication
• Technology: someone who is not only proficient with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, but also someone who gets excited about and seeks to understand how technology can help to make their work more efficient and embraces the consistent change that technology brings to our work lives

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

• Positive
• Responsible
• Trustworthy
• Punctual
• Caring and compassionate

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment
This job typically operates in the shared home of two adults with developmental disabilities. This role routinely involves multiple community settings.

Physical Demands
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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or restrain; and reach with hands and arms.

This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 50 pounds. This position may require lifting or helping with the mobility of adults with developmental disabilities with or without support devices and/or multiple staff.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is an hourly position with varying hours and schedules.

Travel
Travel is expected for this position and will be reimbursed at $0.42 per mile if all travel policies are followed.

Required Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent
2. Current State of Maine College of Direct Support DSP curriculum (or will complete upon hire)
3. Current Adult First Aid/CPR Certification (or will obtain upon hire)
4. Current Safety Care v.6 Certification (or will obtain upon hire)
5. Current State of Maine CRMA License (or will obtain upon hire)

Preferred Education and Experience

1. At least 1 year of experience as a DSP

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.