Direct Support Professional - Remote

Summary: The Direct Support Professional Remote position is responsible for a variety of duties related to the overall care and independence of individuals who have physical, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. This position will primarily support individuals in achieving their greatest level of independence by providing remote monitoring and training and PRN support and assistance (including, in some cases, in person emergency response) on individualized goals and objectives. The RSP monitors individuals to support an environment of greater independence, health, and safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Programming:

• Remotely monitors multiple individuals served and provides support in areas related to health, medication, safety, and activities of daily living. 
• Empowers individuals to make independent decisions and provides emergency backup as needed.
• Interacts with the individual served with high attention to engagement.
• Responds to emergency requests from individuals served, and as needed escalates to dispatching of back-up in individual staffing.
• Notifies and coordinates with emergency services when required.
• Troubleshoots technology issues with remote support systems in the homes.
• Provides ongoing training with technology to individuals served to engage them to utilize in-home devices.
• Monitors wearable devices when individual is away from home, and provides assistance and interventions as needed.
• Provide in-service training and consultation to individual’s served and parents/guardians/DSPs on technology, including the use of remote support systems.
• Assist in the assessment of the individual’s strengths and needs.
• Provide input into the development of the individual’s treatment plan (goals and objectives).
• Implement individual treatment and behavioral plans using a variety of methodologies and best practices based on the needs of the individual.
• Address challenging behaviors proactively and utilize positive behavior intervention to manage and promote improved behavior while remaining supportive of individuality.
• Assist individuals in recreational, social and community activities based on preference and individual plans.
• Monitor the health and safety of the individual at all times. Respond to and report unsafe conditions, environment, and equipment to the Supervisor, verbally and in writing.
• Evaluate the individual for changes in emotional and/or physical status and report verbally and in writing any concerns to a supervisor.
• Ensure that each individuals’ rights are protected.
• Use individual first language and treat individuals with dignity and respect.
• Dress appropriately and professionally for the responsibilities of the position.

Transportation:

• May provide transportation to individuals served. If required to drive, will maintain a valid Arkansas Driver’s License and current car insurance, will complete annual Rules of the Road training and if required, will obtain a CDL.
• Will follow all vehicle procedures including but not limited to vehicle pre-check inspection, using seat belts, wheelchair tie-downs, not using cell phone or engaging in any prohibited conduct.

Compliance/HIPAA:

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas.

Employee has access to all protected health information of the individuals directly served by this individual, except psychotherapy notes. Employee will not attempt to access any other protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:                                            

Minimum High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED) or equivalent. Proficient knowledge of technology and possesses ability to navigate multiple technology platforms. Experience as Direct Support Professional preferred.

Competencies:

• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Involves appropriate people in decision–making process
• Supports and explains reasoning for decisions.
• Listens and gets clarification.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Develops alternative solutions.
• Plans and organizes work effectively to ensure timely completion.
• Assists in the development of realistic action plans.
• Understands and follows all licensing and governing regulations.
• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
• Ability to work with and support individuals with a diverse range of abilities

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Valid Arkansas Driver's License

First Aid and CPR certification within the first 90 days of employment and maintained throughout employment.

Ability to obtain additional credentials based on future organizational and/or regulatory requirements. 

Other Skills and Abilities:                                                  

Ability to lift and transfer individuals according to weight guidelines for lifting. 

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

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and see, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Employee will refer to the individual’s treatment plan for guidance when lifting or moving an individual greater than 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee will work within the remote support center with varied environments and in a variety of locations in the community. This job requires the use of technology that is equipped to monitor and assist individuals in their home in activities of daily living and in maintaining health and safety.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Easterseals Arkansas has designated this position as a “non-safety sensitive” position under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.