Job Description

Position Summary:  

DSPs provide support and guidance to promote physical, social/emotional development and functional independence for daily care services to address basic life needs. This may include physical handling of adults for wheelchair transfers, positioning, personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, emergency response, and other such tasks depending on the ability of the adult.

Essential and Primary Responsibilities:  

• Demonstrates knowledge of assigned adult’s condition. Reads individual files, reviews assessments, individualized objectives, and performance data to identify preferences, means of participation, method of problem solving, and proficiency of adults in performing tasks.
• Provides active learning programs for individuals/small groups to support the development of new skills and achievement of learning objectives with assistance from program team leads and activity coordinator.
• Maintains required documentation of personal care, attendance records, incident reports, med delegation, documentation of seizure frequency or inappropriate behaviors, food service reports, and other required documentation on designated written or computerized forms.
• Uses safe lifting techniques. Makes full and proper use of lift equipment when performing personal care duties, as indicated by the assessed needs of the adult.
• Observes the health status of adults throughout the day. Ensures adults exhibiting signs of illness or injury have access to prompt nursing/medical attention from the onsite nursing department (KY) or med delegates/offsite nursing (OH). Responds to medical emergencies using First Aid and CPR techniques, as appropriate.
• Passes medications and performs medical activities as a nurse delegate, as necessary. Training required from Registered Nurse for this duty. (OH)
• Uses an integrated teaching approach that embeds opportunities to improve social, communication, cognitive, and motor skills (developmental functions) during practical life activities and routines.
• Implements behavior management programs as directed.
• Provides direct supervision and positive interaction with adults during all personal care services.
• Assists adults with any type of personal care as needed and as assigned.
• Assists and encourages adults to actively engage in preparing snacks, setting up/cleaning up for meals, selecting and putting away materials, and completing related tasks to foster development of daily living skills and personal responsibility.
• Provides safe physical management of adults during emergency drills and/or crisis situations.
• Assists with shared duties including preparation and cleanup of snacks/meals, supervision of breaks or lunch, setting up/cleaning up for meals, assistance with laundry, cleaning/organizing program materials, bus duty, and similar tasks.
• Communicates pertinent information regarding each adult’s care and wellbeing to the Program Manager of Adult Services as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies 

• Ability to use age-appropriate activities, language, and behaviors with the adults.
• A willingness to develop and sharpen skills necessary for effective performance.
• Teamwork including balancing team and individual responsibilities, exhibiting objectivity and openness to other’s views, giving, and welcoming feedback, contributing to building a positive team spirit, and supporting everyone’s efforts to succeed.
• Strong customer service skills in reference to both internal and external customers.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Hearing, vision, physical strength and ability to perform the described essential functions, with or without the use of adaptive devices.
• Reading, writing, spelling, and math abilities for accurate completion of work tasks.
• Receptive/expressive language, written communication, and interpersonal skills to communicate clearly.
• Professionalism in appearance, actions, and behaviors in keeping with assigned role.
• Commitment to the Easterseals Redwood mission, vision, philosophy, values, and standards.
• Respect for adults without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability or other legally protected class.
• Reliable transportation to/from work and to complete out-of-building duties.
• Acceptable Criminal Background check, Child Abuse & Neglect Registry check and check of KY Nurse Aide Registry.
• Attainment of CPR and First Aid certification within 90 days of start date, and maintenance of annual certification.

Required Education and Experience:  

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred Education and Experience:
• Two years working with individuals with disabilities.
• A degree in human services or related field

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

These essential functions require visual/hearing acuity, sufficient strength, and the ability to bend, reach, grasp, manipulate objects, pull/push, stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, and lift and and/or carry up to 50 pounds or exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently to move human bodies or objects, with or without the use of adaptive equipment.  Lifting forces vary with adult weight and level of ability to assist in the movement.

Individuals holding this position are required to attend initial orientation and periodic training offered by Easterseals Redwood, and to complete all training required by Easterseals Redwood or regulation, including CPR/First Aid (on or off site).   Staff members demonstrate accuracy, timeliness, and a commitment to quality, safety, and a healthy, clean, and orderly environment in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations, licensing, certification, accreditation, and business integrity standards.

Work is performed with and for adults with multiple and severe disabilities, who may display disruptive behavior, in activity and care rooms in at Easterseals Redwood sites, on the grounds, and in the community.  Easterseals Redwood sites are climate controlled with standard lighting.   When conducting duties outside of the building, lighting and temperature reflect seasonal conditions.  Noise levels are moderate.  There is minimal-to-no exposure to hazardous chemicals with some exposure to contagious conditions, such as the common cold and bodily fluids.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 20,000 - 40,000.

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