Direct Support Professional

Job Title:  Direct Support Professional                                       Prepared By:  Human Resources

Department:  Programs                                                               Prepared Date:  November 2002

Reports to: Program Supervisor                                                  Revised Date:  August 2014

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                                                        Approved by: Executive Director

Pay Grade: Determined by Union Contract                                 Approved Date: May 2019

PHILOSOPHIES THAT GOVERN THIS JOB

• We are client focused
• We pursue the capabilities of each individual
• We teach appropriate choice and independence
• We provide an atmosphere free of discrimination, abuse and neglect
• We treat individuals with dignity and respect.
• We promote an atmosphere of learning

GENERAL JOB DUTIES

A direct support professional assists clients served to lead a self-directed life and contribute to the community, assists with activities of daily living if needed, and encourages attitudes and behaviors that enhance community inclusion.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Teach, train and promote independence with the individuals we serve.
2. Assist clients in learning to be independent.
3. Assist clients with daily living skills; this includes personal hygiene, mobility and dietary.
4. Assist and monitor clients with self medication program.
5. Provide vocational and life skills training individualized to client needs.
6. Read and follow individual’s service plans as written with any short term or immediate changes communicated.
7. Transport clients in a safe manner.
8. Serve as member of the client centered team.
9. Communicate client concerns and accomplishments to appropriate team members.
10. Attend all required meetings, committees, and staffings.
11. Complete paperwork/electronic records necessary to accomplish regulatory compliance and maximize client progress toward goals.
12. Document and communicate on the computer system as required.
13. Based on your specific position, evening, overnight, weekend and holiday work is required.
14. May be required to obtain a CDL driver’s license (Day Services only)
15. Serve as a role model of appropriate socialization, interaction and communication skills.
16. Promote self-advocacy and choice.
17. Enhance communication abilities.
18. Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, such as Confidentiality, Abuse/Neglect and Code of Ethics.
19. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

1. Maintain a safe, clean work environment; free from harm or danger to self and others.
2. Stay up-to-date on required training.
3. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Minimum of High School diploma or equivalent.
2. Pass the T.A.B.E. (Test for Adult Basic Education) test upon hire. 
3. Minimum 18 years of age.
4. Must have an Illinois driver’s license and an acceptable driving record and insurance in accordance with agency policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs of force constantly to move objects. 
2. Must be able to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach stand, walk push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, complete repetitive motions and communicate effectively. 
3. This work is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. 
4. At times the work environment may be noisy.
5. Worker may be exposed to body waste products. This work may require worker to do first aid duties which may cause exposure to body fluids.
6. Work with consumers, direct care staff, agency personnel, state monitoring agencies, families, and visitors.
7. Work beyond normal working hours when necessary.  May work overnight and weekend hours.
8. Driving at various times of the day and night and in various weather conditions. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.