Direct Support Professional

Hampton Roads Residential Services, Inc. provides quality residential services to individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Residents receive housing accommodations and staffing access at all times to provide them with support in their daily routines and activities. Residents are provided with transportation and assistance as needed for community integration activities, bathing needs, meal preparation, monitoring personal safety, medication administration and all outcomes outlined in their individualized service plan (ISP). Support services are intended to train and assist each resident in attaining the communication and functional skills necessary to live in their community and reach their maximum potential.

General Summary: Under direct/indirect supervision, Direct Support Professionals provide medically necessary and appropriate personal care and community living support to persons with developmental disabilities, persons with severe mental disabilities, and/or individuals with co-occurring diagnosis.  Direct Support Professionals seek to deliver a person-centered service and provide support based on each individuals' Individualized Support Plan.  The Direct Support Professional provides suitable services with dignity and respect to all persons served. The Direct Support Professional has a high degree of personal integrity, generates positive energy and makes a difference every day.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of Direct Support Professional. Some duties described herein may not be assigned to every Direct Support Professional.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide community living supports to include but not limited to: meal preparation, laundry, routine household care, and maintenance, activities of daily living such as dressing, shopping, money management, socialization and relationship building, leisure and community activities, and attendance at medical appointments, etc.
2. Provide, as appropriate, personal care services to include but not limited to: eating/feeding, toileting, transferring, bathing, personal hygiene, etc.
3. Dispense, administer and monitor medication as indicated via professional order. Document dispensing and/or administration of medication immediately after the event.
4. Engage persons-served and monitor their well-being.
5. Engage persons-served in problem solving, skill training and side-by-side activities.
6. Document on the progress, or the lack of progress of outcomes outlined in the persons-served Individual Service Plan at the end of each shift daily.
7. Provide excellent customer services, always being courteous, responsive, professional, and helpful to the organization’s internal and external customers.
8. Know the contract requirements for your program/service.
9. Participate in Person-Centered Planning meetings as required. Make recommendations concerning treatment planning, as appropriate. Assist with the implementation of the person-centered Individual Service Plan and make recommendations concerning treatment planning to direct supervisor, as needed.
10. Build a friendly and open communication network with parents, guardians and friends of persons served and encourage natural support every day.
11. Create in others an awareness of their powers and self-worth.
12. Assist with facility and vehicle maintenance, which may include indoors and out of doors tasks.
13. Provide and/or assist with transportation related to personal care, community living supports, employment and/or planned activities.
14. Adhere to a high level of health and safety practices in the facility and corporate vehicles.
15. Make certain that 100% of the training requirements are renewed prior to the expiration date, as specified by job.
16. Work toward personal and professional goals and objectives. Attend job related in-services and trainings when offered and actively seek to further develop competencies.
17. Attend and actively participate in all mandatory staff meetings.
18. Adhere to applicable licensing rules, accreditation standards and Hampton Roads Residential Services’ Policies and Procedures
19. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor or program directors.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Personable, positive, and enthusiastic attitude, with capability to deal effectively with people (internal and external).
2. Knowledge of characteristics and conditions experienced by persons-served.
3. An ability to see the individual value of persons-served and staff peers rather than viewing them only through their organizational role.
4. Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the use of technological advances that include, but not limited to: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet, fax/copy machines, cell phones, etc.
5. Able to respond in emergency situations.
6. Ability to answer a business telephone using knowledge of business procedures and etiquette.
7. Ability to schedule/plan work in advance, and set effective and realistic timeliness and meet goals.
8. Knowledge of negotiation and mediation techniques.
9. Basic knowledge and skills in simple arithmetic, operating household appliances, basic nutrition, cooking, cleaning performing routine household tasks and routine household maintenance.
10. Leadership skills.

Required Minimal Qualifications

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. One year of related experience in field (Human Services, Psychology, Social work or Sociology).

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two or four year degree in related field (Human Services, Psychology, Social work or Sociology).
2. Two years or more experience in related field.

Essential Requirements

1. Maintain a valid motor vehicle operator license.
2. Complete and maintain all required trainings, certifications, and credentials.
3. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
4. Ability to write and/or manipulate a computer keyboard.
5. Ability to hear and speak clearly.
6. Ability to see both near and far.
7. Ability to stoop, kneel, bend and reach.
8. Ability to work independently and within a team.
9. Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively in both oral and written communications.
10. Able to demonstrate good moral character and even temperament necessary to gain and maintain credibility and trust of persons served and co-workers.
11. Ability to work under challenging conditions.
12. Assure reliable transportation.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.