Direct Support Professional

About HeartShare 

For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives. 

What is a Direct Support Professional?
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for implementing person-centered services for each individual. This includes ensuring implementation of the individuals services, goals, and outcomes in relation to program-based and community inclusion activities. In addition, the Direct Support Professional is solely responsible for the individual's overall physical and emotional well-being.

Job Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Under supervision, provide support and services which involve advocating for, encouraging, guiding, and teaching individuals in expressing personal choice, ensuring community integration, assisting individuals with personal hygiene care, toileting, lifts and transfers, dining, dressing, and meal preparation.
• You would help individuals to participate in games and recreational programs; coach and encourage individuals to develop daily living skills; and provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
• You would collaborate with other staff to implement and record care plans and, in accordance with special instructions, you may administer medication. These positions are physically demanding.
• You would need to be prepared to act to ensure the health and safety of individuals in emergency situations.
• You will participate in staff meetings, in-service training and on-site workshops as required for professional growth and development. Attending external training and workshops in the direction of direct supervisor or program management. Maintain certification in *AMAP, CPR, First Aid and SCIP, as required. *Note: Failure to maintain AMAP certification can result in removal of full-time employee status. 
• You must be able to stand for extended periods of time, bend, stretch, and lift bedridden and/or incapacitated individuals.
• You will help to 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. Help foster individuals’ personal growth by assisting in forming and maintaining friendships with neighbors, co-workers, and peers.
• You will help with transporting individuals or assist them in taking public transportation.
• You will assist in maintaining positive communications with family members, advocates, and service providers as per program needs.

To learn more about what direct support professionals do on the job every day, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnK4z3KAqtE.