Campus Pride Jobs

This job was posted by https://joblink.maine.gov : For more information, please see: https://joblink.maine.gov/jobs/1057939

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Level I

JOB CLASS: Regular, Non-exempt;

Level I

REPORTS TO: PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

EFFECTIVE DATE: May 2022

I.\ SUMMARY STATEMENT: (Purpose, objectives and functions of the position)

The whole purpose of what we do is to provide people opportunity to have a life. We strive to create an environment for people to do things safely, on their own, and to the fullest extent possible, as we do for ourselves in our own day-to-day lives. We do not do for, we assist with, we support and we teach in situations or activities that a person may not fully and safely be able to do things on their own. Our ultimate mindset needs to be that the individual will do all things and gain the maximum amount of independence as is possible, which means allowing people to be included in everything from community activity, to personal care, to eating, to being part of conversations. Allowing the people we support to fully experience life is our goal.

II.\ JOB ANALYSIS:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, comfortable and healthy environment for the people they serve by providing the personal care necessary to meet their needs. The DSP assists in the development of socialization skills related to daily independent living, family, work, and community life. The DSP may at times be required to work independently. This requires the use of acquired knowledge to make sound decisions and manage emergency situations that may arise. Many of the tasks require the DSP to drive in order to run errands and transport people to and from work, activities and appointments. The DSP will be required to perform routine daily tasks such as assisting with bathing and dressing, shoveling snow, yard upkeep, groceries, laundry, and vacuuming.

III.\ PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. HABILITATION: Demonstrate a familiarity with each persons history, social contacts, likes and dislikes; follow the individual plan recommendations for each person; assist or supervise all aspects of daily living skills (i.e. baths, personal hygiene, grooming, toileting, eating, etc.) allowing for maximum independence. Assist in developing habilitation plans, activities, work, and behavior interaction support plans as prescribed by the Person Centered Planning (PCP) process. Follow the nutritional instructions of the people served by the program and as such, follow a planned menu in the preparation of daily meals or any specifically prescribed diets.

2. COMMUNICATION: Must communicate directly and in a clear and courteous manner with the people supported, coworkers, family members, guardians, caseworkers, and the public. The DSP must follow written and verbal directions and actively support JFMs goals and philosophy. Communication with each person may be verbal, in writing, or through basic sign language or gestures. Must be able to interpret body language, vocalizations, and physiological signals. Must be positive, consistent and appropriate in offering feedback, direction, coaching and support for a persons psychological and emotional needs as outlined in the persons plan.

Communication / interactions with people supported must always be respectful and in a manner in which the person likes to be addressed and engaged, consistent with how the staff interacts and communicates with all other people of the same age. This includes meeting the persons preferences regarding name to be used, communication style, tone and volume of voice, and technique. Such interactions / communication may need to be revised regularly during the interaction according to input or feedback from the individual. Respectful interaction and communication style and technique is of particular importance in c allenging or difficult situations.

Staff communication (to include non-verbal communication such as gestures or facial expressions) that concerns the people supported shall never be conducted in the presence of the individual as if the person is not present. Furthermore, when discussions or interactions in the presence of the person supported shall always include the person, with full acknowledgement of the persons presence and provide opportunity for the person to participate, regardless of the persons