Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Description

– Provide the type of care and supervision needed by residents, including ability to communicate with such residents
• Carry out the facility’s program design including but not limed to
o Assistance to residents with prescribed medications, if applicable;
o Health and emergency procedures, including fire safety;
o Identification and reporting of Special Incidents
o Identification and reporting of consumer abuse (including obligation to report to the licensing agency).
o Following residents’ IPPs;
o Ensuring residents’ rights
• Meet statutory qualifications and company policy qualifications including all continuing education requirements
• Respect and maintain confidentiality regarding individuals supported and employees.
• Utilize Universal precautions at all times while on duty.
• Report to work on time and as defined by the schedule consistently.
• Notify and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in schedule.
• Maintain professionalism including appearance at all times while working.
• Respectfully communicate and explain all information and procedures with the individual(s) supported so that they can make informed decisions about all aspects of their life.
• Provide input regarding individual’s progress and needs, and actively participate in their IPP meeting.
• Assist and/or participate in the administration of prescribed oral medications, nebulizers, blood pressure devices, glucose monitoring, or any other medical equipment under written direction of physician or as directed by supervisor.
• Accurately complete Medication Assistance Records (MAR) as required.
• Assist individual with transfers in and out of bed, automobile, wheelchair, toilet, shower/bath, up and down stairs, and in community.
• Consistently use all mobility, adaptive, and medical devices safely and as directed.
• Attend medical appointments as directed by supervisor and communicate information/outcome accurately and timely to individual and supervisor.
• Provide intervention and support during crisis situations using CPI and Ukeru principles, follow behavior plans, and report incidents in a timely manner to the appropriate persons (e.g., 911, police, doctor, supervisor, Administrator).
• Ensure that residents are with a responsible Community Crisis Home employee at all times.
• Report workplace safety issues, needed repairs, threats to individual or employees, potential liabilities, and other concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Report any work-related injury or illness to Supervisor and Human Resources Director immediately.
• Follow duties as assigned by the individual and/or supervisor regarding cleaning/changing of bed linens, doing laundry, yard maintenance, and general house cleaning chores.
• Complete all necessary paperwork accurately and in a timely manner, including special incident reports, daily case notes, payroll timesheets, and medical/financial logs.
• Maintain a positive work environment.
• Follow agency’s internal grievance policy.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings, and other meeting requested by the individual, supervisor, stakeholders, or agency.
• Use feedback to improve performance.
• Ask for help when needed.
• Practice good problem solving skills and the ability to make decisions in the absence of a policy.
• Communicate pertinent information to individuals (e.g. schedules, job functions, needed improvements, holidays, expectations, upcoming events, affirmations, and time/money related information).
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings, IPP meetings, and other meetings requested by individual, supervisor, and/or Service Coordinator.
• Assist in development of behavior plans by providing accurate information, as needed.
• Participate in individuals’ assessments, as requested.
• Provide information for ISP reports, as needed, by completing questionnaires and sharing information related to the individual’s skills, needs, and goals.
• Follow Community Crisis Home activity schedule
• Administer CPR and/or First Aid, as needed.
• Request any needed equipment (e.g. adaptive equipment, cleaning supplies, First Aid supplies) to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Respond to communication (e.g. email, text, written, verbal, in person) in a timely manner.

Qualifications

Other Competencies or Skills:
•One year from hire date, staff must satisfactory complete the first and second Direct Support Professional (DSP) 35-hour competency- based training courses respectively and pass the competency test application to each training segment.
•Ability to read and write in the English language, in order to perform essential duties.
•Possess ASL/Sign Language skills, if applicable for the needs of the individual.
•Possess basic mathematical skills, in order to assist individual with medications, shopping, cooking, and budgeting.
•Successfully complete the on-site orientation process.
•Successfully complete a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education within each twelve-month period following the assumption of duties (including training in Person Centered Planning, Positive Behavior Supports and Trauma Informed Care, Cultural Competency).

Education and/or Experience:
• High School Diploma or the equivalent
• A minimum of six months of prior experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities with challenging behavior service needs

Physical Demands:
• Good physical health verified by a health screening, including a test for tuberculosis, performed by or under the supervision of a physician not more than one year prior to or seven days after employment or licensure

Background Checks and/or Licensing:
• Obtain a California clearance or a criminal record exemption as required by law or Department regulations or
o Request a transfer of a criminal record clearance as specified in CCR Section 80019(f) or
o Request and be approved for a transfer of a criminal record exemption, as specified in CCR Section 80019.1(r), unless, upon request for the transfer, the Department permits the individual to be employed, reside or be present at the facility.
• Successfully pass background check, DMV report, and drug screening test

Other Requirements:
• 18 years of age or older
• Valid California Class C driver’s licensure in good standing
• Obtain and maintain at all times while employed by Kala House, current CPR/first aid certification, 25-hour of assaultive behavior training as provided by certified trainers as well as Trauma Informed Care, Person Centered Planning, Positive Behavior Supports and Cultural Competency
o 12 months from hire date, staff must satisfactorily complete the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) 40-hour training course and pass the competency examination administered by a QBMP, and become a Registered Behavior Technician or
o Be a Qualified Behavior Modification Professional upon employment