Direct Support Professional (DSP), Night and Weekend Recreation PT

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Direct Service Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing a nurturing, loving, safe, and supportive space for individuals of all abilities. Hand in Hand's unique night and weekend recreation/respite programs, provides a welcome place for individuals of all abilities to spend time with peers and engaged caregivers working on their individual independence and social goals in a community setting. 

The Direct Service Provider (DSP) executes programming, volunteer activities, enrichment, and recreation activities for children, teens, and adults. They demonstrate leadership, actively participate in activities and programs, and serve as a positive role model for all participants and colleagues. 

Responsibilities of the Direct Service Provider (DSP) include direct care of children, teens, and adults, development and deployment of adaptive activities, quality and safety control, parent/guardian interaction, and behavior support/management. All Direct Service Provider (DSP) Dayhab staff members ensure program and individual goals and objectives are met.

LOCATION:

Assigned Community Locations

JOB HOURS:

Hours are flexible based on applicant availability, evenings and weekends. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Execute and Support Initiatives for High-Quality Programs:

• Ensure all activity provision and activities comply with Iowa Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), CARF, and agency policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Advocate for the use of the least restrictive environment and interventions necessary for all participants.
• Participate in regular training sessions and staff meetings to stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.
• Execute a program schedule with flexible, consistent routines, and planned transitions.
• Provide transportation to and from activities. 

Implement Engaging Activities that:

• Are designed to increase independence and provide access to the community.
• Are driven by participant preference and prioritize individual choice. 
• Assist adults with achieving individualized goals.
• Incorporate a wide variety of experiences, materials, equipment, and instructional strategies.
• Celebrate each participant’s unique culture and abilities while fostering empathetic interactions with diverse individuals.

Facilitate Connection and Strong Communication:

• Develop professional relationships with participants, parents, volunteers, and other members of the community.
• Facilitate regular and positive communication with parents/guardians using formal and informal communication methods approved by the agency.
• Serve as a support person and advocate for families.
• Participate in care/case meetings as requested, suggesting goals, and providing progress updates unique to everyone.
• Meet with parents/guardians of participants to discuss progress, incidents, and needs as warranted.
• Collaborate with the Program Director and Director of Behavior Support and Training to complete necessary forms and assessments for behavior intervention and progress as necessary.

 Ensure the Safety and Well-Being of Participants at All Times:

• Maintain constant visual and auditory supervision of all participants.
• Follow all sanitary procedures, including hand washing, bloodborne pathogen training and practices, toileting procedures, and soiled clothing practices.
• Immediately report all suspected cases of child and dependent adult abuse according to state Mandatory Reporting requirements.
• Always demonstrate respect for participants, communicating with empathy and compassion at their level and near the individual.
• Meet all personal care needs of assigned children, teens, and adults of all abilities, which can include but are not limited to toileting, catheterization, and g-tube feeding.
• Develop knowledge of individual participant needs and preferences and share these with colleagues.

Contribute to the Development of an Inclusive, Nurturing, Safe, and Engaging Space to Promote Learning and Development:

• Maintain a neat, clean, organized, and engaging program space.
• Develop a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to promote feelings of security, safety, and belonging.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and privacy requirements.
• Monitor supplies and regularly communicate needs to the Program Director.
• Complete daily housekeeping tasks, including laundry, dishwashing, floor mopping, sweeping, and the general cleaning of surfaces.

Accurately and Fully Complete All Necessary Paperwork and Reports Before the End of Each Shift:

• Ensure timely completion of incident/injury reports, reviewing each shift before submission.
• Ensure accurate completion of all daily activities.
• Accurately and thoroughly complete all waiver case notes.
• Accurately clock in and out, ensuring proper timekeeping for duties.

Complete All Annual Required Training and Renewals Including but Not Limited to:

• CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporting, Universal Precautions
• Safety Care
• HIPAA Compliance
• Medication Administration from IACP Medication Manager (13 Hours)*       (as requested/determined appropriate)
• Direct Course Required Training to Include but Not Limited To: Direct Support, Professionalism, Everyone Can Communication, Positive Behavior Supports, Professional Documentation and Other Assigned Trainings
• Other training as assigned. 

Other:

• Maintain knowledge of all services provided by Hand in Hand to promote our programs in the community.
• Maintain ongoing communication with staff and Director of Programs, NLC regarding ideas, concerns, safety issues, and suggestions for designing and growing Hand in Hand programs.
• Communicate with administrators, therapists, case managers, and other professionals from outside agencies to coordinate services.
• Stay abreast of concerns or issues affecting Hand in Hand participants and families, offering ideas to better serve the population and meet those needs.
• Participate in emergency preparedness drills and actual emergency situations as required.
• Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, including those related to confidentiality and ethical practice.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The individual must be at least 16 years of age.

Education and/or Experience Required

· Certified in infant, child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and Iowa’s mandatory reporting of abuse (Hand in Hand will coordinate courses for certification if not yet obtained) 

Education and/or Experience Preferred

· Experience working with individuals with disabilities in a direct care setting.

· Experience using behavior modification techniques. 

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents and policies as set by Iowa Health of Human Services, CARF, HCBS, and other governing bodies. Ability to communicate effectively with participants, their caregivers, and other employees of the organization.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds during the routine care of children and adults. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to chemicals approved for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing program space. 

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

License

Individual must maintain a valid driver’s license, insurance, and possess reliable transportation.

Technology/Equipment 

Ability to effectively and efficiently make use of technology such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.

COMPETENCIES:

This person will possess a deep understanding of direct care and demonstrate the following key competencies:

Person-Centered Support: Demonstrates a commitment to providing individualized support tailored to each participant's needs, preferences, and goals. Advocates for the rights and choices of participants, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

Safety, Health, and Risk Management: Maintains a safe environment for all participants by adhering to health and safety regulations, including proper use of equipment and facilities. Recognizes and responds to potential hazards and emergencies promptly and effectively. Completes all reporting and documentation accurately and timely. Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations, prioritizing the well-being of participants.

Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and empathetically with participants, families, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Utilizes both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to ensure understanding and foster positive interactions. Provides regular updates and reports to supervisors and relevant team members.

Professionalism and Ethical Practice: Adheres to professional standards, including maintaining participant confidentiality and complying with agency policies and procedures. Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and accountability in all job duties and responsibilities. Engages in continuous professional development and seeks opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.

Program Implementation: Effectively implements engaging and inclusive activities that promote participants’ independence, skills development, and community integration. Adapts activities and support strategies to meet the diverse needs and abilities of participants. Ensures that all activities comply with HCBS and CARF standards.

Documentation and Reporting: Accurately and thoroughly completes all required documentation, including daily logs, incident reports, and case notes. Ensures timely submission of all reports and maintains organized records. Utilizes technology and software applications for documentation and reporting as required.

Personal Care and Assistance: Provides respectful and compassionate personal care, including assistance with daily living activities such as feeding, dressing, and hygiene. Ensures the dignity and privacy of participants while delivering personal care. Demonstrates proficiency in specialized care techniques, such as catheterization and g-tube feeding, if applicable.

Cultural Competency: Values diversity and inclusion, showing respect for all people regardless of race, gender, age, disability, lifestyle, or viewpoint. Seeks to understand and integrate different perspectives in classroom activities.

Team Collaboration: Works collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, and external professionals to deliver high-quality support. Participates in team meetings, care planning sessions, and training activities. Shares information and insights that contribute to the overall effectiveness of the program

Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Demonstrates the ability to think critically and solve problems effectively in various situations. Adapts to changes in the work environment, participant needs, and program requirements with flexibility and resourcefulness. Proactively identifies challenges and seeks solutions to improve participant outcomes and program quality.

Emotional Intelligence: High emotional intelligence to manage one's own emotions and understand and influence the emotions of others in a classroom setting. High level of empathy, patience, and understanding to support individuals.

Advocacy and Empowerment: Encourages and supports participants to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions. Promotes the empowerment of participants by facilitating access to resources, opportunities, and community connections. Represents participants' interests and needs in care meetings, community settings, and within the agency.

Knowledge of Disabilities/Diagnoses: Demonstrates an understanding of various disabilities and diagnoses, including their characteristics, challenges, and support needs. Stays informed about current best practices and research related to disabilities and developmental disorders. Tailors support strategies to meet the unique needs of individuals with different diagnoses.

Behavior Management: Implements effective behavior management techniques to promote positive behavior and address challenging behaviors. Develops and follows individualized behavior support plans in collaboration with the behavior support team. Monitors and records behavior incidents accurately, providing data for ongoing assessment and intervention planning.

Professional Development and Continual Learning: Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated with the latest research and best practices in disability support. 

Initiative: Identifies what needs to be done and takes action before being asked, when the situation requires it. Goes beyond what is normally required to achieve goals and improve the classroom environment.