Direct Support Professional

This position is for our Marysville, Lake Stevens, and Everett locations

GENERAL FUNCTION:

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) provide support and training to the program clients by assisting them in the core service areas of health and safety, personal power and choice, positive recognition by self and others, community integration, constructive relationships, and building skills competence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. TRAINING

• Attend regular state and agency-mandated trainings as scheduled and stay current on all trainings.
• Prior to driving clients, must attend agency driver training.

B. CLIENT SUPPORT

• DSPs perform shift work that is based on the needs of the clients. Adjustments to shifts and sites may be made at the discretion of management.
• Implement PCSP and IISP goals and objectives, and collect and record client data.
• Instruct and support clients in daily living skills (cleaning, laundry, basic repairs, yard work, etc.), ensure basic health and hygiene needs are met, support with meal preparation, leisure activities, community living, and integration skills, and assist clients in caring for their pets (where applicable), and ensure all related tasks are being completed daily.
• May be required to work alone with clients who have behavioral or medical problems and who may exhibit challenging or aggressive behavior. With the training provided, DSPs will learn how to respond and deescalate situations.
• Transport or arrange transportation for clients to recreational activities, doctor appointments, IISP goal outings, or work as scheduled.
• Assist clients with developing financial skills and supports with purchases/shopping.
• Document client activities, challenging behaviors, and incidents using Practical Health Systems, VOAs online documentation system. Report any changes (mental, physical, emotional, or behavioral) to appropriate personnel and document them in client records.
• Support clients with medication management per their plans and ensure the physician/nurse orders are followed. Report any problems or difficulties with medications or treatments to the supervisor immediately.
• Follow all client dietary guidelines when preparing meals.

C. COMMUNICATION

• Participate in staff meetings which may occur outside of scheduled hours.
• Practice excellent communication with other staff and the Program Manager regarding all aspects of client care, household operations, personnel, and VOA/DS business.
• Develop and maintain professional, caring relationships with clients.
• Perform other duties as necessary or assigned.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be able to read and understand program requirements and perform required documentation.
• Required to obtain an NAR, CNA, or HCA credential within 120 days of employment.
• Must attend all scheduled training and complete LTC certification within 120 days of employment.
• Washington State driver’s license and the ability to transport clients in an agency provided vehicle.
• Must have and maintain an acceptable background check record per WAC 388-101D-0070 guidelines.
• Must possess basic computer and internet skills.
• Use a smartphone to clock in and out.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While performing the duties of this job, DSP is frequently required to read, speak, stand, walk, and sit.
• Must be able to fulfill all documentation requirements, including the use of a computer.
• May be required to stand for long periods of time.
• Required to physically assist some clients to ensure that safety procedures are followed when transferring, bathing, toileting, and ambulating. Staff may need to physically lift or steady clients using approved methods.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Staff may be required to be subject to drug and alcohol testing in the case of an automobile accident or reasonable suspicion.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job functions.

Benefits:

• Vacation and Sick Time: accruals are based on hours worked, available to use after 30 days of employment.
• Holidays: 8 paid per year
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flex Spending
• 403(b) Retirement Plan matching
• Paid travel time between clients; Mileage reimbursement; and free trainings