Direct Support Professional

Direct support professionals are responsible for the direct supervision of adults with disabilities in various settings such as the home, community, and vocational sites. It is the responsibility of direct support professionals to see to the specific needs of each client served, provide and teach opportunities, provide options for informed choice, and follow guidelines according to clients' service and support plans. Direct support professionals report to program supervisors.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for driving positions)
• Possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent
• Some experience in providing community supports to people with developmental disabilities
• The ability to reason and problem solve
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Possess a valid driver license
• Possess automobile insurance
• Be willing to perform any reasonable request to meet the needs of the persons served
• Ability to use computer applications such as a word processor, e-mail, etc. in a time-efficient manner
• Capable of working with adults with developmental disabilities by communicating verbally to instruct, demonstrate, train, and work cooperatively
• Stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently
• Must frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds

Job Duties

• Household Management: Direct support professionals assist the individual with household management (e.g. meal preparation laundry, cleaning and decorating) and with transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities and independence.
• Facilitation of Services: Direct support professionals have knowledge sufficient to fulfill their roles related to individual service plan development, implementation, and review.
• Health and Wellness: Direct support professionals promotes the health and wellness of all clients.
• Organizational Participation: Direct support professionals are familiar with the organizational mission, vision and values.
• Documentation: Direct support professionals are aware of the requirement for documentation in his or her organization and is able to manage these requirements efficiently.
• Client Empowerment: Direct support professionals enhance the ability of the individual to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, and assertiveness and to make decisions.
• Assessment: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about formal and informal assessment practices in order to respond to the needs, desires, and interest of the individuals.
• Advocacy: Direct support professionals should be knowledgeable about the diverse challenges facing individuals (i.e. human rights/client rights).
• Community and Service Networking: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the formal and informal supports available in his or her community and are skilled in assisting the individual to identify and gain access to such supports.
• Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships: Direct support professionals support the participant in the development of friendships and other relationships.
• Communication: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the range of effective communication strategies and skills necessary to establish a collaborative relationship with the individual.
• Crisis Intervention: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution techniques and should match such techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.
• Professionalism: Direct support professionals pursue knowledge and information necessary to perform job duties.
• Vocational, Educational, and Career Support: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the career and education related concerns of individuals.