Direct Support Professional 1

ST MARYS HOME • Norfolk, VA

3h

About The Position

I. JOB SUMMARY: The Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP1) provides services to children & young adults with developmental disabilities which focus on helping each individual to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. The DSP1follows a person-centered model of care to assist individuals to participate fully and meaningfully in their daily routines at the Home and in the community. This includes ensuring that active, individualized treatment is a continuous, ongoing, and integrated effort focused on helping the individual develop the skills needed so that they can live the kind of life that they desire. The DSP1 functions as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team supporting all services and activities identified in each Individual Support Plan (ISP). This position requires excellent communication skills, kindness and compassion, and an understanding of the kinds of supports required by children and young adults with special needs.

Requirements

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; some college preferred.
• Drivers’ license, acceptable driving record
• Must complete Person Centered Practice Training and pass competency assessments after the training.
• Must complete training and demonstrate competency of Safety Care concepts and physical interventions
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat for variable periods of time.
• Must be able to follow proper procedures to safely lift up to thirty-five (35) pounds, use lifting equipment, and position individuals in a variety of positioning equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Must wear company-issued ID badge at all times

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with individuals in an elementary educational environment or working with special needs children and young adults preferred.
• CPR, Basic First Aid, and some DSP experienced preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists individuals with all of their daily needs
• Helps individuals receive medical care and communicates appropriately with medical professionals
• Applies effective communication strategies and teaches necessary skills to the individuals served
• Serves as role model and mentor, demonstrating desired behaviors, and coaching individuals using approved techniques and strategies
• Assists individuals with achieving personal goals and works on behalf of individuals to overcome barriers
• Maintains and cares for each individual’s personal belongings and adaptive equipment
• Provides supervision and ensures safety of individuals at all times
• Is familiar with and applies organizational mission and values at all times
• Acts in a professional manner and communicates effectively with others
• Attends all job related mandatory training sessions

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED