Direct Support Professional II

Provide support and instruction in activities necessary to promote and maintain independence and self- determination for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities receiving services living in a Catholic Charities Family and Community Services residential setting. Effectively supports ongoing and collaborative communication amongst all program staff and is responsible for ensuring a trauma informed care environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide person centered support to all individuals served recognizing the individual’s need for teaching and preferred style for learning and at a level at which he or she can perform.
• Provide direct personal assistance in instances when an individual requires “hands on” supports.
• Assist individuals in supporting his/her own health and wellness needs.
• Schedule and accompany individuals to all necessary medical appointments as directed and document all pertinent information as required.
• Assist individuals in meal preparation, menu planning, and food shopping.
• Engage in effective communication with individuals.
• Provide immediate response to and report all incidents, first aid treatments, medical emergencies, or other crisis according to policy and procedures.
• Assist individuals with fiscal management while safeguarding their funds. This may include completing ledgers, reconciling accounts and supporting individuals with spending choices.
• Assist individuals with maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly home by following safety and infection control procedures.
• Appropriately communicate all pertinent information during the work shift and from shift to shift to other team members and/or assigned supervisor.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Promote the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of individuals served.
• Provide and maintain a clean and safe living environment for all clients.
• Ensure appropriate staff-to-client ratio at all times.
• Implement individual treatment plans and follow as written.
• Ensure proper safekeeping of individual’s valuables.
• Report and/or document routine and unusual events including completing daily logs, accident reports, etc. in a concise, understandable, legible and timely manner.
• Assist with daily operations of the residence in accordance with regulatory requirements, agency policy, and quality program standards.
• Correctly follow procedures for mandated reporting and responding.
• Maintain and expand skills and knowledge relevant to providing high quality support and services.
• Obtain and maintain all required trainings and apply the information to support people served.
• Ensure that people exercise their rights and that rights are not restricted without due process.
• Ensure people are treated with dignity and respect.
• Provide transportation to individuals and business-related travel whether in personal or agency vehicles, following all safety procedures.
• Maintain agency vehicles in a safe, clean and functional condition, reporting any concerns or problems to an immediate supervisor.                 
• Maintain flexibility in work schedule based on needs of individuals assigned including working overtime and/or covering additional shifts on an emergency basis.
• Participates in relevant Agency meetings and/or trainings
• Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job role performance through reading, supervision, in-service training and attendance at conferences and workshops.
• Awareness and active support of the Agency's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan. Including, but not limited to, supporting the Agency's Core Competency initiatives of being Collaborative and Community Focused, Innovative and Entrepreneurial, and Culturally Competent and Diverse
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities of DSP II

• Obtain AND maintain AMAP Certification
• Administer Medications as written by providers – document in QuickMar
• Administer prescribed personal care by providers – document in QuickMar
• Complete 2nd med checks
• Schedule appointments as directed by the RM or Med Liaison
• Attend medical appointments as directed by RM or Med Liaison

Note:     The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive.  Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory direction and perform other related duties as required.

Education:           High School Diploma or Equivalent

Credentials:            Possesses a valid NY State Driver’s License and a Driver’s record considered acceptable by the agency and insurance carrier – for full and part time staff.  AMAP Certification required for DSP II

Experience:          At least one year of practical experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:  The physical demands/work environment 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 frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to type and/or perform lifting up to 25lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Compliance:  Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing, and documentation standards.  All duties must be performed in accordance with CCFCS’s corporate compliance & ethics program.

Additional Requirements: