Becoming Independent Job Description

POSITION: Direct Support Professional I (DSP I)

PROGRAM:Living Services

POSITION DESCRIPTION: A DSP I serves as a personal attendant for individuals who choose to or are working towards living independently. A DSP I is expected to assist and supervise individuals with personal care needs as well as help them to achieve their personal goals through learning skills and participating in activities of their choice that the individuals, by virtue of their condition, cannot personally perform on an independent basis.

SALARY: $21-$22/hour

STATUS: Non-exempt

Critical Job Functions

While working with individuals, DSP I’s are expected to provide instruction, assistance, and supervision in skills essential for individuals striving for independent living as described below:

PROVIDE SUPPORTS & TRAINING

Works 1:1 with individuals in home/community environment (direct supervision & support)
Supervise and assist with personal health and hygiene, including personal grooming, bathing, toileting, the use of adaptive equipment, and appropriate attire
Provide assistance, supervision, and support to individuals with a variety of personal care needs, including those related to health and hygiene, maintenance of their household, healthy eating, health-related appointments, and instructions, including medication, financial systems, and shopping
Attend, actively engage, and participate in team meetings & trainings
Completes monthly trainings on schedule within the provided timeframe

IMPLEMENT SERVICE PLANS

Ensure individual's personal choice is at the forefront of service plan delivery
Understanding and adherence to any individualized service plans, including medical or behavioral
Participate in meetings with the interdisciplinary team/circle of support as requested

KEEP RECORDS AND WRITE REPORTS

Records data relative to tasks (BI information platforms; Therap/EVV/ISP data, ADP, TripLog, etc)
Time and Attendance records (ADP) - Responsible for daily punches for all shifts/applicable breaks and daily review of timecards/corrections/edits (notes)
Therap - Daily notes must be submitted for all 1:1 services within 24 hours of service
Company email must be checked during each shift. Email responses are expected within 24 hours or at your next scheduled shift (for emails where you are the only recipient). Text message correspondence must be replied to during your shift
Google Calendars/Daily Schedule - All staff must ensure either their Google Calendar or their daily schedule is reflective of all activities during working hours

DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Assist individuals in establishing and maintaining social connections with persons of their choosing, with a focus on reducing relationships with paid supports
Support and participate alongside individuals in community events and activities
Develop and maintain effective relationships with persons served (including their family and friends), peers, supervisors, and other staff, affiliated agency staff, and members of the community
Participate in meetings with the interdisciplinary team/circle of support
Plans and coordinates Community Access activities per shift based on individual's interests
Encourages and schedules engagement in HQ classes/utilization and HQ/BI Community events

TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS SERVED

Transport persons served as needed to and from community activities/appointments/errands, etc. This may be in a personal vehicle, BI vehicle, or riding public/para transportation services
Ensure safe entry and exit protocols, as well as ensure the safety of individuals while in a moving vehicle (i.e., tie-downs, seatbelts)
Ensure inspection and cleanliness of the vehicle before/after each use
Triplog application (with Magic Trip enabled) must be used for all personal and fleet mileage driven during your scheduled work day. Trips must be reviewed, corrected, and submitted daily or at the start of the next shift
Applicable inspections performed via Fleetio application prior to usage of any BI vehicle at any time

Other

Provide support as a Direct Support Professional working in any BI program, including but not limited to providing in-home care, transportation, in-community services and direct supervision for individuals served
All BI working hours should be performed at a BI location, in the individual’s home, or at a community site with the individual.. Exceptions need to be pre-approved by your supervisor
Availability and flexibility to accommodate changing individual support needs
Executes position-specific job duties and other duties as assigned at the discretion of BI

Candidate Should Possess The Following Skills

Organized: Able to perform job duties with efficiency and accuracy
Dependable: Can be relied upon; trustworthy, responsible, punctual
Good Judgment: Chooses courses of action that result in beneficial outcomes for all BI stakeholders
Positive Attitude: Has an overall positive, open, and supportive attitude
Interpersonal Relations: Is able to relate well to others
Communication: Excellent verbal/written communication skills in English, is able to comprehend and follow direction, as well as be an effective listener
Initiative: Is a self-starter
Philosophical Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to BI’s established culture of dignity and respect

Qualifications And Requirements

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities is desirable. Good customer service skills and an interest in helping others pursue and achieve their goals are required. Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace (English).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

A physical condition that will permit frequent bending, turning, and lifting without injury
Ability to operate a vehicle for a portion of your shift
Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time
Ability to assist individuals in wheelchairs
Provide personal care to individuals, including assistance in the restroom and feeding
Lift at least 40 pounds
Clearance of pre-employment Functional Capacity Evaluation with no restrictions that cannot be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship

MAY REQUIRE ONE OR ALL:

Valid California driver’s license
Insured, dependable vehicle
Proof of current auto insurance
On-Duty Meal Period Waiver
First Aid and CPR certification
Criminal Record Clearance

Becoming Independent jobs

Direct Support Professional I