The Direct Support Professional provides individualized support including, but not limited to: assisting individuals with personal cares, medication administration, recreational activities, meal preparation, and problem solving.

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Supports and cares for individuals within established policies and procedures.
• Interacts with individuals on one-to-one or group basis providing guidance and a positive supportive influence.
• Provides documentation according to individual services and LSS best practices.
• Assists individuals in performing personal care, meal preparation, medication administration, recreational activities, obtaining appropriate health care, and community involvement. May provide limited health care such as administering tube feedings and obtaining vital signs.
• Performs general housekeeping, laundry, and outdoor maintenance duties.
• Transports and accompanies individuals to meetings, services, appointments, and other activities.
• May purchase supplies and/or groceries for the program.
• Advocates for individuals in the community.
• Provides information concerning the status of individuals to families, guardians, social workers and other professionals within established guidelines.
• Provides independent skills training for individuals that is consistent with goals outlined in individual service plans.
• May administer basic first aid as needed.
• Demonstrates through role modeling and mentoring the mission and vision of LSS.

• Manage crisis situations effectively using internal and external resources.
• Mediate disputes
• Ability to accept/follow through with direction and recognize boundaries.

• Attends staff meetings and participates in training activities as required.

ADDITIONAL AGENCY REQUIREMENTS (Required of all employees):

• Must comply with agency and departmental policies and regulations
• Must relate to individuals and families of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic circumstances with respect and dignity.
• Must support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Agency.

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. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalency is preferred. One (1) year of work experience, working with individuals with disabilities, aging and/or vocational rehab is preferred.

PERKS:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Ability to Contribute to 403B
• Employee Assistance Program
• Service Awards and Recognition

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• The incumbent of this position must have a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.
• First Aid training, and CPR Certificate (when required) preferred but may be obtained after hire.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to communicate both in verbal and written format, effectively and efficiently in job. Ability to document in a neat, legible, accurate, objective and consistent manner to reflect the services provided. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from all levels of LSS management and employees, as well as the individual, family, and funder.

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:

Working knowledge of computers to allow employee to access computer systems and applications to complete timecards, read and respond to email, and complete required on-line training. Able to use technology that is necessary to perform job responsibilities; use available technology effectively (voicemail, computer, printer, photocopier, fax and telephone, and various types of audio visual equipment). Knowledge and/or ability to develop competencies involving use of supportive technology and adaptive equipment to support individuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment 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.

The job allows the employee to vary physical position or activity for comfort. The employee may be required to stand and /or walk for 8 hours or longer. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently (i.e. 34% to 66% of the time) required to bend/stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach above and below shoulder height, grasp/handle objects, use fine manipulation/fingering. In addition the worker is occasionally (1% to 33% of the time) required to sit, climb, push or pull up to 50 lbs, and operate foot controls. The employee may be required to lift up to 50 lbs rarely, and up to 35 lbs frequently.

The position will require the ability to access a variety of locations in the community. May be required to assist with transferring individuals who have physical limitations.

The employee must react appropriately in times of crisis that may include verbal and physical aggression from the individuals supported. Employee must also recognize and take appropriate action if signs of abuse or neglect are present. Understands and is able to evaluate the potential for medical or behavioral emergency.

The employee of this position works in a LSS program and may be exposed to common household allergens such as dust, pet dander or mildew. The employee will also be exposed to outdoor weather conditions when traveling on company business.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

TRAVEL: Daily travel may be required.

EOE Tagline:

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.