Direct Support Professional/s

Direct Support Professionals Needed

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will strive to achieve the mission of Benedictine and operate in an ethical manner that always focuses on the quality of life, health, safety, and well-being of the men and women we support. The DSP will provide appropriate supervision, assistance, and training to individuals in areas such as food preparation, social skills, household maintenance, personal hygiene, shopping, and the use of community-based services. The pay for this position is $17.00-20.00/hour. Additionally, employees receive a $2.50 shift differential for hours worked Friday evening through Monday morning.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Consistently report to work on time as scheduled, prepared to perform assigned duties and responsibilities throughout the entire scheduled work period/shift.
2. Attend each individual’s IP (Individual Plan) meeting to make recommendations for the individual’s goals and desires regarding community living, employment, and leisure activities for the future.
3. Work with the individual and staff to achieve residential, employment, and community living goals established in the IP.
4. Assist the individual in the care of personal belongings.
5. Ensure high standards of personal hygiene and good grooming.
6. Counsel individuals on maintaining close relationships with family and friends.
7. Counsel individuals in identifying and resolving social or other problems.
8. Ensure that the policies and procedures of Adult Services are followed.
9. Maintain individual logs, progress notes, and all other required documentation.
10. Assist in the appropriate use of leisure time.
11. Chaperone group-sponsored trips and social functions.
12. Administer medical care and first aid. Maintain medication charts in accordance with the Delegating Nurses guidelines and instructions.
13. Communicate with the RN Case Manager about the health status of the individuals supported.
14. Provide transportation to and from medical appointments as assigned.
15. Support the individual during appointments to ensure comfort and effective communication with medical providers.
16. Communicate with medical providers as needed.
17. Ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted to the RN Case Manager in a timely manner.
18. Facilitate any required follow-up, including obtaining medication refills.
19. Ensure smooth transitions between weekend and weekday staff by communicating all pertinent information regarding individuals and house operations.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• Complete required DDA trainings.
• Attend scheduled meetings and trainings as required.
• Follow directions delegated by the House Counselor or assigned by the Group Home Manager.
• Cooperate with Benedictine administration and in-state/out-of-state agencies during any inspection or investigation.
• Attend mandatory meetings and maintain job-specific certifications and licenses, including but not limited to CPR/FA, MANDT, and Med Tech Certification.
• Attend and successfully complete all mandatory trainings.
• Perform other assigned duties, including but not limited to: working in another home if needed, being reassigned to work with a different person supported, serving as a second staff person, and/or training a new hire until they have completed all required trainings.

Job Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have Med Tech certification (or be eligible to obtain Med Tech certification).
• Prior training and experience as a CNA/GNA is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills; good organizational skills; flexible and able to work independently with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Must present a professional manner at all times when interacting with individuals, families, and colleagues.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. upon offer of employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must pass pre-employment criminal background checks through CJIS, as stated in Family Law Article 5-561, and pass a pre-employment CPS check.
• If the position requires driving, must have a current and valid driver’s license in good standing and a driving record that permits coverage under Benedictine’s driver insurance.
• If the position requires use of a personal vehicle for transportation services, must be able to use a personal vehicle in the execution of job duties and provide required insurance documentation.
• Must be a strong advocate of the Benedictine mission to help children and adults with developmental disabilities achieve their greatest potential and be motivated to contribute to that mission with pride and integrity.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift or push up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to see clearly, with the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time.
• Must have a functional range of motion in all limbs, including legs, arms, hands, and fingers.
• Must be physically able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• Must be able to speak and hear clearly.