Direct Support Professional

Job description

ABOUT US
Autism Breakthrough provides a range of tailored services to adults with autism and their families and serves as a resource for the broader community. Our goal is to teach, encourage, and support individuals with disabilities to live rewarding lives.

If you have a heart in caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities and would love to be a part of taking them out into the community to do exciting things. COME AND JOIN THE TEAM today.

Summary

Direct Support Professionals assist people with autism in residential and community settings, modeling and teaching skills, participating in recreational activities, providing transportation, supporting people on jobs, and helping people achieve personal outcomes. The DSP job title includes various work assignments including: personal assistant, job coach, residential staff, day service staff, behavior aide, and recreation staff. Specialized training may be required for particular assignments. DSPs are part of a professional team responsible for assisting each individual to live a safe, enjoyable life in their community with opportunities to learn and to exercise increasing independence and control over their lives.

Job Description

A. General Responsibilities (these may vary based on assignment)

• Supervision of persons supported.
• Providing training in Activities of Daily Living (ADL's).
• Documentation of services.
• Transportation.
• Crisis Intervention.
• Implementation of specialized care plans.
• Maintaining the home and grounds at a level of excellence.
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Support individuals to take control of their lives, to make wise decisions that enhance their ability to reach their goals.
• Work harmoniously with all agency staff as well as staff of outside entities.
• Support individuals to take on as much control as possible over the routines and activities in their home.
• Teach, assist, and support individuals in the community and at home so that the individual can learn, practice and master skills that enable him/her to enhance his/her status by assuming socially valued roles.
• Support individual's existing relationships and increase their networks of friends and acquaintances.
• Ensure that all individuals are supported to explore and express their interest in community membership.
• Oversight of health and welfare of the person supported. To ensure that the health and well-being of individuals are met by accompanying individuals on appointments as needed, administering medications (or supporting them to self-medicate) in accordance with policy, providing a well-balanced diet prepared to meet individual needs (when applicable), following all instructions given by health professionals.
• Complete agency training program in a timely manner and participate in other professional development as required by supervisor.
• Implement ISP action steps and staff instructions as written and at the frequency stated in the plan.
• Demonstrate accurate data collection procedures and consistent use of described support strategies that promote success.
• Maintain all required certifications such as medication administration, First Aid & CPR, etc.,
• Assist the individuals with household shopping and maintenance as necessary, providing ongoing opportunity for individuals to assume increasing control and responsibility.
• Attend and participate actively in staff meetings.
• Facilitate teamwork between all team members via open communication, sharing of responsibilities and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as required or directed.
• Carry out all responsibilities professionally and efficiently.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week for full time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Knoxville, TN: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Qualifications

HS Diploma or GED

DSPs must: meet all requirements of licensing, regulatory and accrediting entities; possess a valid driver's license; be able to work in close harmony with other staff in a team environment; be able to read and write and follow verbal and written instructions; present an objective outlook at all times; present an acceptable and morally upstanding character as well as physical appearance; be alert and observant during duty hours; be emotionally stable; have no restriction in areas of lifting(50 lbs) on occasion, bending or prolonged standing; demonstrate a commitment to assisting people with developmental disabilities to participate fully in the life of their community; have a safe vehicle and good driving record, adequate insurance, license; possess varied interests and personal connections in the local community; have a proven record of conscientious, responsible behavior (work, volunteer or school history); be able to work as part of a team.