Direct Support Professional

BASIC FUNCTION

Provides supervision and direct care services and training to individuals, including training in skills development.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct, document, and assist with programs and activities for each individual, as specified by the Individualized Support Plans. (ISP)
• Supervise, observe, account for, and interact appropriately with individuals.
• Provide personal care and assistance to individuals.
• Document as required, i.e., data pertaining to individuals’ care, clothing inventories, self-help programs, accident reports, behavior reports, etc.
• Perform required housekeeping duties and related tasks in an acceptable manner.
• Follow daily work schedule and /or supervisor’s instruction.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Assist other staff in an effective, professional, cooperative manner when working with them to ensure a pleasant workplace environment for everyone.
• Perform other duties, as assigned by supervisor.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure proper level of supervision for individuals.
• Ensure each individual is protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• Participate in in-service education.

EXPOSURE RISK

High risk of exposure to blood and body fluids when actively performing duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports directly to Shift Supervisor Also takes direction from the QIDP of caseload.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Must have minimum, a high school diploma or equivalency.

EXPERIENCE

No experience required, on-the-job training provided.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sitting, standing bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and moving intermittently during working hours.
• Works in assigned areas of the facility.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• Willingness to work beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Attend and participate in continuing educational programs.
• Subject to cuts, bruises, falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc.
• May be subjected to infectious diseases, substances, etc.
• Communications with nurse personnel and other department personnel.
• May be required to work in cramped spaces.
• May be required to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to be ON-CALL for emergency situations.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to read, write speak the English language.
• Perform and/or assist other staff in an effective, professional, cooperative manner when

working in conjunction with supervisor, peers, and professional or supportive staff, in all duties required to provide quality care/programs in a pleasant environment for individuals.

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, individuals, visitors, family, etc.
• Must be of good moral character.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must have the ability to work harmoniously with other personnel, as well as, be willing to

work with individuals regardless of their maturity level or functioning level.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (With or without the aid of mechanical devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, and lift without assistance at least 25 pounds.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function

adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• May be required to lift, push, and pull.
• May be required to lift equipment, supplies, etc.
• Must have personal integrity, have flexibility, and the ability to work effectively with other

personnel.

• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times,

hostile individuals, family members, visitors, etc.

• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work

effectively with individuals, personnel, and support agencies.

• Must maintain good grooming and personal hygiene skills and a