Direct Support Professional Community Habilitation/Respite

The Direct Support Professional – Community Habilitation/Respite is responsible to implement and monitor individualized habilitation plans, in compliance with state, federal and Agency regulations and operating standards. The DSP works directly with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) providing habilitative (skill building) and behavioral support. The DSP will work to increase skill level and decrease challenging behaviors of individuals with autism by addressing goals outlined in their individual goal plan. The DSP will provide services within the person’s home and in their community in order to promote independence, inclusion and quality of life.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Activities include but are not limited to the following:

• Implement, document, and/or summarize programming as indicated in the individuals Person Centered Plan.
• Respond to medical emergencies and log any/all incidents that may occur during sleeping hours.
• Attend to personal, self-care and other program needs that the individuals cannot independently accomplish.
• Oversee the safety and well-being of the individuals.
• Advise nursing staff regarding the individuals’ medical and dietary concerns, dispense medication, if certified.
• Participate in activities as part of the treatment team that may include meetings, trainings and committees.
• Transport and accompany residences as requires for appointments and community activities.
• Assist in the daily housekeeping and laundry routine, report house damage and complete work orders; clean wheelchairs, clean and gas-up vans, as needed.
• Maintain documentation as required.
• Ensure that all doors have been locked during overnight hours;
• Ensure an appropriate temperature in the house for sleeping by adjusting the thermostat and/or closing windows.
• Conduct evacuation drills as assigned and complete documentation required.
• Establish a work environment that creates positive communication between supervisors and employees and assimilates new employees to the Center’s culture, values and mission.
• Ensure compliance with all pertinent government and agency regulations and operating standards.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift and/or assist individuals in your care and the ability to meet the physical requirements of the specific job.
• Ability to walk, bend, squat.
• Climb and descend stairs.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time. Must be able to move and react quickly.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances are warranted
• Must be able to manage and cope in sometimes stressful situations.
• Must have full sight and hearing with fluency in the English Language.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising work-flow and efficiency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/HAZARDS

Job related tasks may involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue or the potential for skin or mucous membrane contact from spills or splashes of these substances. May have exposure to unpredictable individuals and situations when working at Kelberman Center sites. OSHA Exposure Category 1

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. This job description may be changed at any time and does not constitute a contract or agreement.