What is a DSP and what does a DSP do?
POSITION: Direct Support Professional
DSP DEPARTMENT: Residential Program
REPORTS TO: Residential Director/ QIDP Manager
RESPONSIBILITY: To assist an individual with a disability in leading a self-directed life and contribute to the community, assists with activities of daily living and encourage attitudes and behaviors that enhance community inclusion. A DSP may provide supports to a person with a disability at home, work, school, church, and other community places. A DSP also acts as an advocate for the disabled individual, in communicating their needs, self-expression and goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED
- Satisfactory Criminal Background Check
- Valid Driver’s License or State ID
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Communicate in English via telephone, verbally and in writing to converse with staff, consumers
- Required to walk or stand for extended periods of time
- To reach with arms and hands
- Lift and move objects up to 50 pounds
- Able to climb stairs
- Must be able to perform essential job functions of this job, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable performance of essential functions
JOB DUTIES:
Residential Duties:
- Implementation of residential goals, laundry, cleaning, cooking, personal hygiene, etc.
- Plan monthly meals with the residents using nutritional guidelines CILA
- Assist the residents with weekly grocery shopping CILA
- Assist the residents with meal preparation
- Monitor household safety practices
- Assist residents as needed in all safety drills or emergency evaluations.
- Assist in skills assessment of the residents
- Report any physical problems with the houses to the maintenance staff
- Complete all documentation as required, incident, seizure and progress towards goals
- Transport residents to bank, grocery store and appointments as needed
- Transport residents to community functions
- Supervise and document the self-administration of medications training program for residents of the CILA and ICF
- Maintain residential files on specialized diets to assure that they are current and they are being followed
Quality and quantity of work:
- Work meets the agencies standards of accuracy and neatness
- Able to meet deadlines
Dependability:
- Arrives at work on time
- Use benefits appropriately
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision
Working relationships:
- Coordinate programming and services with day programs and other agencies in a manner to promote harmonious and effective delivery of services
- Treat consumers with dignity and respect
- Willingness to work with co-workers
- Ability to accept constructive criticism
- Ability to follow directives from management
- Tactful and courteous in dealing with co-workers, supervisors and residents
- Uses appropriate lines of communication with House Manager and Residential Director
- Works with supervisors and coworkers in a manner to promote teamwork and efficient completion of agency work
Adhere to company rules:
- Follow policies and procedures regarding safety, security, and a harassment free environment
- Maintain confidentiality concerning personnel matters, all consumer matters, and contract information
Training and certification:
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- Participate in staff training as required by the agency
- Maintain certification in CPR and First Aid
Other Duties as Directed
To become a DSP and join our team, Please print out this application and bring it into the main office, located at 1718 N 2525th Rd in Ottawa, along with your current resume.
OR click this link to see what positions are available via Facebook.
DRS/Community Employment
Allison Perez is our Employment Coordinator who works with the Division of Rehabilitation Services to find employment in the community for individuals with disabilities. Allison is a great advocate and mentor. To get in contact with Allison, call 815-434-0737 and ask for extension 1140. You can also reach her by email at allisonp@ottawafriendship.com.
