ARS CDS DSP - Pace

PURPOSE:
The ARS CDS Direct Support Professional is responsible to ensure the right to courtesy, dignity, privacy, confidentiality and respect of all individuals served and promote independence, personal growth, community participation and integration, economic growth potential and education experiences through facilitation of a variety of meaningful experiences, consistent with choices reflected in the Individual Service/Personal Plans.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The list of essential duties and responsibilities, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the task to be performed. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein is such duties are a logical assignment to the position.
1. Begin normal workdays at/in a Little City Adult Residential environment.
2. Support individuals served to abide by public health guidance related to physical distancing, face covering and personal hygiene.
3. Assist individuals served in preparing for the day including but not limited to
a. supporting personal hygiene routines
b. facilitating choice making for individuals served to select seasonally appropriate clothing
c. preparing and packaging meals
d. supervising / monitoring and assistance with morning meal service
e. administration of medications
f. assisting individuals served in initiation and completion of daily routines/ responsibilities
4. Facilitate the engagement of individuals served in a variety of activities at variety of locations by providing transportation to and from the scheduled location/s, including LCF residential environments, LCF CDS Program Sites and community locations
a. Follow all safety procedures (proper use of safety/seat belts or tie-downs, driving practices, vehicle checks)
b. Account for all individuals before, during and upon return from all activities & locations.
c. Prepare individuals served for transitions
5. Assist in transitions between sites and activities ensuring safe and efficient movement from one setting or activity to the next.
6. Provide direct (in person and virtual), appropriate and approved engagement opportunities following a prescribed schedule created in accordance with the Individual Service/Personal Plans of individuals served.
7. Implement associated / assigned LCF CDS curriculum & adhere to schedules.
8. Facilitate accomplishment of personal goals and objectives of individuals served through adherence to Individual Service Plans, Personal Plans, Implementation Strategies / Positive Behavior Support Plans or Medical Plans.
9. Communicate feedback and changes, in a manner consistent with the support needs of all persons served, frequently - ensuring consistency and allowing for adequate processing of instruction.
10. Document, in accordance with program and licensure / certification entities and within the proper system/s, the outcomes of services rendered including but not limited to:
a. medication administration records
b. daily individual or group progress notes
c. achievement of defined goals / objectives
d. individual and group attendance
e. critical, unusual or medical incidents
f. transportation records
g. other related record keeping
11. Provide feedback to agency representatives which furthers development of functional outcomes and program enhancements related to individuals served.
12. Implement Positive Behavior Support strategies, and document as required.
13. Abide by all agency policy and procedure related to maintaining the health, safety and welfare of individuals served.
14. Successfully completes the Medication Administration Training and maintains the ability to pass medications.
15. Administer emergency or immediate first aid care and techniques during an emergency and/or quickly respond to accidents to ensure that injuries or illnesses are efficiently and promptly dealt with before a trained medical professional arrives or until appropriate personal arrive.
16. Support choice making and independence of individuals served through frequent and appropriately styled communication.
17. Provide assistance (defined in the Individual Service Plan, Personal Plan, Implementation Strategy, Positive Behavior Support Plan or Medical Plan and in accordance with cultural and individual preferences) with completion of personal care activities including but not limited to:
a. Bathing / Showering
b. Hair and skin care
c. Use or restroom / toileting, including assistance with catheter
d. Oral hygiene
e. Shaving
f. Perineal care
g. Dressing / Undressing
h. Mealtime (eating, drinking)
i. Body Positioning
j. Lifting
k. May also assist with the following, using agency approved procedures and equipment:
i. Checking temperature
ii. Monitoring heart rate
iii. Monitoring respiration rate
iv. Monitoring blood pressure using agency approved procedures and equipment
18. Engage in safe and practical use of all adaptive equipment
19. Communicate need for additional / replacement program supplies necessary to execute activities and personal care
20. Adhere to responsibilities during emergency drills or actual emergency situations
21. Ensure organization and cleanliness of the assigned area / location / site and report any safety hazards, accidents or other barriers to promote a positive environment and a safe workplace.
a. Utilizing proper PPE, clean and sanitize high contact areas and materials regularly and per protocol including tables, chairs, shared or frequently used items, door handles or knobs, handrails, counters, faucets, and toilet seats.
22. May assist with coverage of breaks and at alternate Adult Residential Services and Community Day Services locations on an as needed basis.
23. Responsible for attendance at and active participation in staff meetings and training sessions.
24. Support and adhere to all approved policies and procedures established by Little City.
25. Successfully complete required Little City Foundation training, re-training, or additional training as required by policies, practices or as assigned by the immediate supervisor for specific program needs. Some required trainings include American Heart Association certification in First Aid and CPR, PACE certification for driving positions, Crisis Prevention Intervention the approved DSP program.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING:
This position is part of the collective bargaining unit. Management has the right to schedule work hours and determine the work to be performed. Supervisors must have the flexibility to adjust to changes in scheduling, (including hours, the total number of work hours and work assignments) brought on by program needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and be at least 21 years of age. One year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavior and/or emotional challenges preferred. Must be registered as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) or meet the qualifications to be eligible to become a DSP. Be able to demonstrate functional literacy. Must pass Medication Administration classroom and OJT training, demonstrate competency in passing medication, and receive clearance by the Medical Team to become a member of the Med Pass team. The DSP must be able to speak and write clearly and communicate information effectively in English. Possess basic computer skills to enter data and/or update information into software applications/systems. A valid drivers license, proof of insurance and good driving record is required. The DSP must meet Little City Foundations driver requirements for the Active Driver List. PACE eligibility/certification is required to operate agency vehicles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting for prolonged periods; frequently walks, stands, grasps, lifts, holds, or feels objects; occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. Extended use of computer and typing is required. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working and handling office equipment. The employee is subject to assist and support up to 25 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a reoccurring basis. The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate office equipment. No occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, communicable diseases or other potentially infectious substances (Category I). Typical office environment. 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.

Disclaimer: The intent of this job description is to provide a representative level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.