Direct Support Professional (AM Shift)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) I provides direct care and supportive services to patients in a behavioral health setting, ensuring a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment. Working under the supervision of clinical leadership, the DSP I assists with activities of daily living, monitors patient well-being, supports treatment planning, administers medications, and contributes to interdisciplinary care. The DSP plays a vital role in maintaining a culture of care and fostering positive behavioral and emotional outcomes for patients receiving treatment. Must be open to work the AM shift (6:00 AM - 2:30 PM).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Patient Care & Support

• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Provides personal care assistance to patients as needed
• Observes and influences patients’ behavior in a positive manner.
• Support clinical team through crisis intervention, case management, and coordination of patient treatment plans throughout treatment.
• Collaborate with and assist doctors, psychologists, and rehabilitation therapists working with patients in order to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.

2. Medication Support & Health Monitoring

• Administer medications and treatments following physician’s prescriptions.
• Issue medications from dispensary and maintain records in accordance with TPEG procedures.
• Reports symptoms, reactions, and progress of patients to the Nurse Practitioner and/or Facility manager, and appropriate action has been taken.
• Take and record measures of patient’s psychical condition, using devices such as thermometers and bloods pressure gauges.
• Monitor patient’s psychical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to staff.
• Documents nursing observations.

3. Nutrition & Meal Preparation

• Inventories food, labels and dates opened food items, labels food with expiration dates, organizes pantry and fridge, prepares grocery order, takes water and fridge/freezer temps.
• Ensures that patients receive appropriate nutrition, including shopping for groceries, preparing meals.

4. Documentation & Communication

• Assist in maintaining patient records by reviewing case notes and documenting progress.
• Communicate patient progress by participating in interdisciplinary meetings and daily briefings.

5. Professional Development & Improvement

• Initiates change to improve patient care; discusses changes with doctor when appropriate.
• Utilizes educational opportunities within the facility and other avenues to maintain clinical expertise to promote personal growth and development.

6. Supervision

• Assumes responsibility and accountability including supervision of patients in the house.

7. Environment & Safety

• Ensures the safety of patients by consistently completing safety checks.
• Maintains a clean and sanitized environment, cleaning up spills, setting up equipment, and reducing the spread of germs and infection in the patient’s living area.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs other duties as may be assigned.
2. Follows and supports TPEG policies and procedures.
3. Works collaboratively and cooperatively with internal and external partners.
4. Represents TPEG, Inc., by embodying the mission, vision and values of the organization.
5. Travels occasionally during the workday and on occasional overnight stay. (Compensation for mileage, food and lodging provided.)
6. Maintains regular attendance at work and company activities and demonstrates punctuality regarding deadlines.
7. Displays creativity and vision in recommending new tactics and strategies.
8. Expands and updates job knowledge through educational opportunities and professional learning.

The description of job functions reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal duties, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Employees who hold this position may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
2. SKILLS: Demonstrated ability to multi-task, manage client care, and maintain facility standards.
3. OTHER EXPERIENCE / SKILLS REQUIRED: Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Familiarity with equity and/or diversity initiatives within an organization.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other staff, supervisors, managed health care clinicians, and medical/mental health professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently and use initiative to accomplish complex assignments with general instruction and guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and integrity on the job with confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to organize time and other resources to perform multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and to provide effective team leadership.
• Proficiency in word processing and database and/or spreadsheet applications.
• Physical and mental attributes sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize merit, excellence and intelligence in staff and potential employees.
• Valid Driver's License / Clean Driving Record
• Ability to pass Department of Justice (DOJ) Background Clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Medical Assisting certification, Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
2. Two (2) years of experience in Medical Detox, Pharmacy, SUD, Behavioral/Mental Health, EMT, or health services setting preferred.
3. Proficient in English Language
4. Proficient communicator

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Work settings vary from offices, program sites, and stakeholder locations
2. Travel modes can include the use of company or personal transportation