Job title: Direct Support Professional
 
Department: Adult Residential Facility
 

 
PROFILE
 
The Direct Support Professional works as a personal attendant and trainer for clients and performs such support tasks necessary as required by Title 17 & 22, and as outlined in the individual’s ISP.
 

 
CRITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
 

 
Staff supports may include:
 

 
1. Serving as advocates with work, day programs, educational programs, medical, therapeutic, legal services and other public and private agencies, as requested by the individual being served; maintaining all necessary paperwork relevant to individual progress as required by Title 17 & 22 regulations.
 
2. Supporting the individual in the ISP (individual support plan) preparation process; Assisting the family and/or advocates in supporting the individual; attending clinical meetings and training sessions as required; coordinating services with the staff team to ensure consistency.
 
3. Ensuring that all individuals are receiving an enriched quality of life and assisting with necessary changes in the environment when dictated by the individual; helping in the development and implementation of community-based educational, independent living skills, social and leisure activities; supporting the individual’s assumption of responsibility for making life decisions on the basis of personal preferences and helping to implement those decisions effectively, including ensuring that the risks of endangerment to health, safety, and well-being are minimized.
 
4. Responsible for assisting in the administration of daily medications; for filling out the daily communication log and the daily sign-in/sign-out log; for logging in and charting of medications on a daily and monthly basis; for ensuring that all medications are current and updated, including ensuring that all new medications and medication refills are ordered on a timely basis.
 
5. Responsible for supporting the individual in making sure that there is an adequate amount and balance of food, drinks and household goods in the residence; for supporting individuals in doctor and dental appointments; for supporting individuals in daily washing, drying and folding of laundry; for supporting individuals in the daily cleaning of bedrooms, bathrooms, dining room, living areas, office, garage, yards, etc. (This includes, but is not limited to, sweeping, mopping, dusting, cobweb removal, trash removal, window cleaning, making beds, washing walls, etc.)
 
6. Supporting the individual in both indoor and outdoor activities. Ensuring that he/she is assisted to participate in the widest range of activities available.
 
7. Responsible for supporting individuals with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack preparation; for supporting individuals in basic menu planning; for supporting individuals in meeting hygiene needs; for supporting individuals to have positive social interaction when out in the community.
 
8. Responsible to support the basic health and safety of the individuals they work with.
 
9. Support individuals in managing personal finances. If so desired, assist individuals in finding and maintaining meaningful employment and/or continuing education courses in the community.
 
10. Responsible for ensuring that all elements of the individual’s ISPs are being carried out properly; for collecting data needed for ISPs, and for assisting the individual in formulating his/her annual ISP.
 
11. Responsible for supporting the individual in the basic upkeep of his/her home.
 
12. Responsible for ensuring that all Special Incident Reports are filled out and reported in accordance to Title 17 regulations; for knowing how to properly utilize the Emergency Pager Protocol and for the Emergency Injury/Illness Identification and Medical Response Procedure.
 
13. Responsible for all duties outlined in the Advocate job description.
 
14. Reports directly to the Facility Administrator.
 

 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily including being physically capable of dealing with challenging physical behaviors which may require walking up to one hour at a time, standing for the same amount of time, occasionally running and using CPR/1st Aid techniques.
 

 
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
 
Must possess written and verbal skills, basic math skills, and knowledge of Title 17 & 22 regulations as they pertain to Adult Residential Services. High School diploma or equivalency required. Two-year college degree preferred.
 

 
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
 
A valid California driver’s license is required. Must have current fingerprint/criminal clearance threw DOJ and FBI. Must have a current TB test on file, current health screening, current CPR and First Aid Card, DSP year 1 and 2 recommended.