The Direct Support Professional is responsible for supporting the mission of SpArc Services by providing support, training and supervision to individuals living in their own or their family’s home in order to maximize independence, choice and enhance the quality of life for those individuals served.
Position Responsibilities
- Develop, implement and review Individual Support Plans (ISPs). Provide input and feedback with regards to programs and care plans.
- Provide training and supervision in Activities of Daily Living, dressing, eating cooking, personal hygiene, cleaning, etc, and promote participation and independence in all these areas.
- Plan and provide opportunities for new recreational, cultural, educational experiences in the community or home.
- Serve as a mentor and coach to individuals. Provide guidance and direction while being a positive role model to the individual. Ensure the safety and well-being of the individual at all times.
- Ensure all interactions reflect understanding of people with disabilities, maximize consumer choice and treat all participants with personal dignity.
- Represent SpArc Services professionally at all times.
- Develop trusting professional relationships with families and support staff while maintaining professional boundaries between families, other support staff and individuals served.
- Know and follow DHS (Department of Health Services) regulations and agency policy in all areas including confidentiality, attendance, unusual incidents/incidents, documentation, abuse, restrictive procedures, and all matters pertaining to medication administration and documentation and medical issues. Promptly ask supervisor to clarify any areas of concern.
- Transport individuals adhering to all safety policies and laws. As needed assist in the safe boarding and exiting of individuals.
- Maintain documentation including notes on progress following each shift. Submit all required documentation on time.
- Support the individual maintenance of financial records including receipts.
- Immediately report any unusual behavior or events to supervisor.
- Anticipate possible problems or challenges and work to prevent unnecessary conflict. Problem-solve issues regarding client situations, with or without assistance.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED. Related experience or training certification in working with people with disabilities.
- Clear criminal and child abuse history, medical and drug screen.
- Effective verbal communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Understands the needs of consumers and adjusts behavior accordingly. Able to demonstrate compassion, empathy, and positive attitude while supporting independence.
- Able to provide crisis intervention including de-escalation of behavior.
- Demonstrates the organization’s core competencies and solid customer service skills.
- Familiarity with MS Word for Windows applications.
- Ability to translate regulations into practice. Knows the importance of effective record keeping. Possesses effective written communication skills.
- Ability to form effective partnerships with all stakeholders including family and caregivers, funders.
- Obtain DHS medication administration certification.
- Drivers license and clean driving record.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including early morning, evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Provide or obtain transportation to and from work sites.
Physical Environment/Working Conditions
Required to lift and/or physically support consumers independently. May be exposed to outside weather conditions when in the community with individuals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
MUST be available nights and weekends.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resumé to HR@sparcphilly.org, using "DSP Community Supports" as the subject line.
Please NO PHONE CALLS.
