Direct Support Professional - Paragon -

TITLE: Direct Support Professional  

Reports to: Director of Day & Community Services, Director of Residential Services, Program Coordinator, or Residential Programming Coordinator.

Supervises: None 

Other Internal contacts: Other Staff, Consumers 

External contacts: Parents/Guardians, Advocates, Case Managers, Other Providers, Businesses, Community Members 

Work Environment: 10% Office; 90% Community/Residential

 Sycamore Services is seeking a Program Coordinator to make a difference in other's lives and your own by providing training in daily living skills and promoting community involvement for people with disabilities. A non-profit organization devoted to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve by empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other challenges that can limit daily activities. We offer personalized services across home, community, and office settings, tailored to meet the unique needs of each person we serve. 

Job Summary 

• Direct Support Professionals support the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of individuals with disabilities, encouraging growth. 
• DSPs enhance the ability of consumers to lead self-determining lives by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, assertiveness, and make decisions. 
• DSPs use effective communication strategies and skills to establish collaborative relationships with consumers. DSPs provide support based on the unique needs of individual consumers and recognize the importance of friends, family, and community relationships. 
• Completes required training/education/certification, continues professional development, and keeps abreast of relevant resources and information. 
• Provide opportunities and support that help the individuals supported to be viewed with respect and as integral members of their communities. 

 Essential Functions 

• Consumer Focus.
• Assist and support consumers in developing strategies, making informed choices, and following through on responsibilities.
• Promote consumer partnership in the design of support services. 
• Provide opportunities for consumers to be self-advocates by encouraging and assisting the consumer to speak on his or her behalf. 
• Honor the choices and preferences of consumers. 
• Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals supported. 
• Promote human, legal and civil rights of all people and assist others to understand these rights. 

Communication

• Use effective communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of consumer communication styles. 
• Maintain knowledge of and use modes of communication appropriate to the communication needs of consumers. 
• Use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure consumer understanding. 

•  A high school diploma or demonstrated equivalent competency is required. 
• 18 Years of age or older. 
• Experience working with persons with disabilities in the community preferred. 
• Excellent people and communication skills are required. 
• Ability to work flexible/non-standard hours. 
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds; upper body leverage strength required. 
• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation. 
• Ability to keep accurate documentation. 
• Knowledge of community and community activities preferred. 

Facilitation 

• Maintain collaborative professional relationships with the consumer and all support team members (including family/friends) and follow ethical standards of practice. 
• Assist in the development of an individualized plan based on participant preferences, needs, and interests. 
• Assist in the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from consumers’ specific preferences, needs and interests. 
• Assist in the review of the achievement of individualized consumer outcomes, 

Supports & Instruction 

• Assist the consumer in meeting his or her physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on individual strengths and capabilities. 
• Assist consumers with household management and transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities, and independence. 
• Support consumers in the development of friendships and other relationships. 

Sycamore Services Team 

• Promote and uphold the agency’s mission statement. 
• Promote a sense of team through mutual respect and assisting co-workers as needed. 
• Work with a variety of individuals in different settings. 
• Work a flexible schedule with non-standard hours. 
• Maintain all required documentation and needed data. 
• Maintain accurate time/billing records and submit them as supervisor requests. 
• Perform other duties as needed.