Direct Support Professional

The Direct Support Professional will work with individuals with intellectual disabilities and will facilitate services according to each program participant’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) with emphasis on the participant’s personal skill development and/or maintenance in everyday life skills including functional, social, and daily living tasks. Each individual has an ISP that is unique to them, and which addresses the participant’s various wants and needs. The Direct Support Professional will provide guidance and support in helping participants gain independence, interdependence, and community integration.

Scope of Duties:

• Demonstrate knowledge and professionalism while interacting with clients in their home and in the community.
• Offer guidance and support to program participants while respecting their rights and choices for free will.
• Must complete 24 hours of Office of Developmental Program (ODP) training annually.
• Research life skill training subjects and help participants develop important life skills while ensuring their enjoyment in program.
• Ensure that encounter forms and ISPs are maintained and current.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and follow directives accurately.
• Develop working relationships with agencies and area community resources to increase participant referral options and to provide ongoing education to participants.
• Assist participants in following policies and guidelines to maintain program compliance.
• Act as a liaison for the program by demonstrating a positive and professional image toward participants and agency representatives. Conduct self to promote dignity and respect for all staff, residents, volunteers, and general public.
• Encounter forms are to be handed in weekly for the prior week worked. Mileage reports are due monthly for the month prior.
• In situations where policy is questioned or in case of emergency, the Program Specialist is to be contacted.
• Clock in and out daily and ensure correct working hours are submitted to the Program Coordinator.
• Promote Volunteers of America philosophy and mission through personal attitudes, actions and behaviors.
• Perform other duties as needed.

ADA Essential Functions:

1. Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk, hear, and smell.

2. Regularly lift and move up to 25 lbs.

3. Ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.

4. Ability to identify and/or distinguish colors.

5. Ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while remaining fixed on a given point.

Credentials/Abilities:

The employee in this position must possess a High School Diploma and/or a combination of 2 years of experience in a similar social service setting and/or experience with ODP regulations. A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, valid insurance on a personal vehicle and a positive driving record are required as this position requires frequent travel. The employee must possess a strong ability to make immediate decisions when faced with crisis or unusual situations. The employee must have working knowledge of computer software, specifically Microsoft Office; including Outlook, Excel, and Word, as well as effective written and verbal communication skills.

EEO of "Individuals with Disabilities" and "Veteran Status"/AA