DSP Open Interviews

Village Behavioral Health•Richmond, VA

5d•$17

About The Position

Village Behavioral Health (VBH) is a licensed behavioral health organization providing residential facilities and crisis services. Our mission is rooted in the belief that "it takes a village" to foster healing, stability, and recovery. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, person-centered, trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises throughout Virginia. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in home and community-based settings. The DSP is responsible for supporting individuals in developing and maintaining daily living, social, and community skills; promoting health, safety, and wellness; and honoring each person’s rights, preferences, and goals as outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP), behavior support plan, and agency policies and procedures. The DSP plays a key role in helping individuals live meaningful, self-directed lives in the least restrictive, most integrated community setting.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation
Ability to pass all required background checks and screenings, which may include: Virginia State Police criminal background check, Central Registry CPS check, OIG/LEIE or other exclusion list checks, DMV driving record, TB screening and/or other health screenings as required.
Must complete and maintain current certifications in: CPR/First-Aid, medication administration, crisis or behavior intervention training as required by agency and DBHDS.
Ability to maintain calm, professional demeanor in crisis or high-stress situations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to listen, follow directions, and give clear information.
Basic computer skills, including the ability to use email, electronic documentation systems, and online trainings.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or support individuals and equipment as needed (with or without reasonable accommodations) and to perform household tasks.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; “roll-up-your-sleeves” mentality and willingness to help where needed.
Ability to complete detailed documentation in a timely and accurate manner.

Nice To Haves

At least one (1) year of experience working directly with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or in a related human services field preferred (group home, day support, special education, residential, or behavioral health).

Responsibilities

Implement each individual’s ISP and any applicable behavior support, nursing, or risk management plans as written.
Support individuals with daily living skills (e.g., hygiene, dressing, toileting, eating, money management, housekeeping, cooking, laundry, medication routines as trained/authorized).
Teach and role-model skills that increase independence, self-advocacy, and self-determination.
Encourage individuals to make choices in all areas of daily life, honoring dignity of risk while following safety plans.
Provide support in communication (including use of adaptive communication devices as applicable), problem solving, and decision-making.
Promote and maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment in the home and community in accordance with DBHDS/Medicaid regulations, agency policies, and infection prevention practices.
Follow all agency and regulatory requirements for incident reporting, serious incident response, and documentation.
Observe individuals for changes in physical or mental health, behavior, or functioning and promptly report concerns to the House Manager/Program Supervisor and/or nurse.
As trained and authorized, safely administer medications and treatments, document accurately, and follow medication management policies and procedures.
Support individuals in attending healthcare, dental, behavioral health, and other appointments; provide accurate information to providers and follow through on recommendations as directed.
Assist individuals to access and participate in community activities of their choice (e.g., work, volunteering, church, recreation, shopping, social clubs, special events).
Support individuals to build and maintain natural supports, friendships, and relationships while respecting boundaries and privacy.
Provide or coordinate transportation, using agency vehicles or personal vehicle as authorized, in accordance with agency and insurance requirements.
Identify and encourage opportunities for new experiences, learning, and community integration consistent with the individual’s goals, preferences, and tolerance.
Complete all required documentation (progress notes, data sheets, behavior tracking, medication records, incident reports, logbooks, etc.) accurately, objectively, and within required timeframes using paper and/or electronic systems.
Document services in clear, behaviorally-descriptive language that reflects the individual’s response and progress toward outcomes.
Communicate effectively with the House Manager, Nurse, Case Manager/Support Coordinator, team members, and families/guardians as authorized and appropriate.
Immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or rights violations in accordance with agency policy, DBHDS regulations, and Virginia law.
Maintain professional boundaries with individuals, families/guardians, and coworkers at all times.
Participate in team meetings, ISP meetings, staffing’s, and trainings as scheduled.
Follow instructions and feedback from supervisors and participate in performance evaluations and coaching.
Demonstrate dependable attendance, punctuality, and adherence to assigned schedules.
Represent A Village Youth & Family Services in a professional, respectful manner in the home and community.
Complete and maintain all required trainings within specified timelines (e.g., New Hire/Orientation, Human Rights, Person-Centered Practices, Behavioral Support, Medication Administration, CPR/First Aid, OSHA/infection control, emergency preparedness, crisis management, EVV/EHR use, and any DBHDS or payer-required training).
Follow all agency policies and procedures, state and federal regulations, DBHDS/Medicaid requirements, and human rights regulations applicable to ID/DD services.
Participate in drills, audits, quality improvement activities, and corrective action plans as requested.
Look for opportunities to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of residential services and offer constructive suggestions to leadership.