The Senior Direct Support Professional is responsible for implementing person-centered services for each individual. This includes ensuring implementation of the individual’s services, goals and outcomes in relation to program-based and community inclusion activities. In addition, the Senior Direct Support Professional is directly responsible for the individual’s overall physical and emotional well-being.
Supervises : Direct support professional (DSP)
- Oversee DSPs’ implementation of individuals’ plans, consistent with their specific services, goals and outcomes. Participate in the planning and implementation of activities, both at the program and in the community, that address these goals and outcomes.
- Promote choice and self-determination to support individuals to direct the course of their own lives. Ensure that services and goals reflect what the individuals want for themselves.
- Respect and affirm the human rights, civil rights and responsibilities of the people supported.
- Ensure DSPs support and teach individuals according to their services, goals and outcomes. Actively engage individuals in skills development, socialization and task participation across all settings. Ensure that supports are provided with consideration for each person’s individualized needs and routines.
- Promote and support the inclusion of individuals in their community according to their unique needs, interests, and desires. Model and encourage interaction between individuals and community members. Foster individuals’ personal growth by assisting in forming and maintaining friendships with neighbors, co-workers and peers.
- Assist in maintaining positive communications with family members, advocates, and service providers as per program and individual’s needs.
- Transport individuals utilizing agency vehicles or assist them in taking public transportation, as required.
- Plan monthly schedule with team for community outings and in-house activities. Be prepared each day to go into the community with individuals and oversee the DSPs in the community.
- Participate in the Program Planning Team (PPT) meetings.
- Create staff action plan with PPT
- Level 1 and 2 SR DSP sends plan in draft to supervisor for input. Then once revised, puts plan in review and submits plan in pcare for supervisor’s approval.
- Level 3 SR DSP puts plan into review in Precision Care and submits to supervisor for approval.
- Once meeting is held (every 6 months) and plan is approved, send copy of the staff action plan to care manager, residence and family within the OPWDD required timeframe (59 days).
- Upload all meeting documents, including sign in sheet, meeting minutes, and proof of plan dissemination, into Precision Care.
- Document and ensure documentation of necessary information and data in areas such as medical, behavioral, individualized services, goals and outcomes, fire safety, community inclusion, communication books, etc., ensuring their accuracy and completeness.
- Follow all agency policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations, to maintain compliance. Complete all written reports and documentation on a timely basis.
- Complete all monthly summaries by the 10th of every month.
- Ensure all required documents are in individuals program books are up to date and uploaded into Precision Care.
- Provide appropriate levels of supervision on an individualized basis for staff and individuals.
- Actively engage in all program services as needed, including toileting, behavioral interventions, community inclusion, emergencies, physical plant cleanliness, etc. as needed and required.
- Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of all staff and individuals. Adhere to all HIPPA policies.
- Report all incidents to program management immediately upon discovery as per HeartShare policy, and OPWDD & Justice Center requirements. Immediately safeguard all individuals and assist with the completion of paperwork as required.
- Assist program coordinator in securing safeguards/protective measures and notifications for incident.
- Ensure all occurrence reports are completely filled out correctly and given the program coordinator the same day.
- Ensure that equipment and supplies are appropriately and safely stored.
- Oversee cleaning and clean as frequently and thoroughly as necessary to meet program cleanliness standards. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to supervisor.
- Maintain professionalism by using positive approaches when handling difficult situations. Avoid gossip and negative discussions. Be flexible and adapt to change.
- Advocate appropriately and professionally on behalf of individuals.
- Serve as a role model for individuals and co-workers. Abide by division’s dress code. Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times.
- Remain sensitive, respectful and responsive to cultural differences of all individuals, program staff, and the surrounding community.
- Participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings and on-site workshops as required for professional growth and development. Attend external trainings and workshops at direction of direct supervisor or program management. Maintain certification in *AMAP, CPR/First Aid and SCIP, as required.
- Represent HeartShare both within and outside the organization in a manner that promotes the mission, vision and values of the agency. Personally, adhere to HeartShare’s Standards & Values Statement, in addition to all other agency policies and procedures.
- Undertake any additional tasks and initiatives as per the specific needs of the programs and individuals and/or as assigned by supervisor.
- Meet or exceed the DSP Core Competencies Standards by the end of the 1st year of employment.
