Job Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our residential homes in local neighborhoods around Montgomery and Bucks Counties. The DSP is one of our frontline caregivers who helps our residents stay safe and healthy while assisting them with activities of daily living with respect for their dignity and individuality. Your work will involve hands-on care, a sense of humor, the ability to observe and take detailed notes, physical mobility, a positive attitude, and respect for legal compliance and confidentiality standards. As a DSP, you will receive excellent training, competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a flexible schedule.

Basic Qualifications

Education/Training

High School Diploma or GED

Experience

Previous experience providing hands-on care to adults with developmental disability preferred, but not required.

Basic Skills

• Ability to read and write in English
• Moderate mathematics skills required
• Proficient interpersonal relations and communicative skills
• Auditory and visual skills

• Has valid driver's license with a clear three-year driving record

   

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the physical duties required
• Must have adequate mobility that requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching (vertical and horizontal), using fingers, hands, feet, legs and torso in providing various care
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
• Occasionally must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including transferring of client

• Satisfactory completion of post-offer pre-employment physical exam and drug test as required

   

Equipment/Machine Operations

Must maintain skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate the following equipment and machines used in the performance of this job:

• Office equipment -- including printer, scanner, fax machine, copier, etc.
• Time Clock System
• Vehicles
• Mechanical lifts
• Adjustable chairs/beds, wheelchairs
• General household appliances
• Shower equipment

• Various other equipment and supplies

   

Essential Duties

Provide quality care to individuals served in an environment which promotes their rights, as illustrated by the following:

• Provide individualized attention, which encourages each individual's ability to maintain or attain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
• Maintain the comfort, privacy, and dignity of each individual in the delivery of services to them. Interact with individual in a manner that displays warmth and promotes a caring environment through verbal and nonverbal interactions.
• Encourage the growth and development of individuals served including goal achievement.
• Attend to the personal needs of the individuals which may include assistance with grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, incontinent care, toileting, transferring, ambulation, range of motion, communicating, or other needs in keeping with the individuals' care requirements.
• Responsible for promptly reporting and responding to the appropriate personnel incidents or evidence of individual abuse, unusual incidents based on regulations or agency policies, or violation of residents' rights.
• Provide assistance to individuals using lifts, transfers, and safety techniques as required as needed.  Must also demonstrate ability to use mechanical lifting devices and follow proper agency lifting procedures.
• Must provide medical assistance to individuals served, such as administering medicine, first aid, CPR, and/or Heimlich maneuver as trained by the agency. Must also adhere to protocol set forth by the Nursing Department and perform these tasks as trained by Nursing.
• Responsible for the general upkeep of the group home including general housekeeping, grocery shopping, me l preparation, and/or laundry.
• Assist with all work-related transportation duties, which may include transporting individuals served to and from daily activities and medical appointments, on errands related to the group home, and/or on community activities.  Must also exhibit the ability to properly handle stressful situations while operating the vehicle.
• Perform all job responsibilities in accordance with prescribed safety and infection control procedures including thorough hand washing, use of disposable gloves where indicated, and proper disposal of soiled materials.
• Communicate and interact effectively and tactfully with the individual served, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors.
• Participate in regular one-to-one, staff meetings, and annual program plan meetings as needed.
• Respond appropriately to staff shortages by assisting in other homes programs as assigned.

• Complete 24 hours of required training annually.

   

Other Duties

• Assist the immediate supervisor with various tasks to support program and/or department operations as directed; may also be assigned special projects.
• Perform tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or redesigned based on the needs of individuals served.

• Attend additional training required by program/department.

   

Standard Requirements

Completion and clearance of a criminal background check and a child abuse clearance.

Supports the Mission and values of Indian Creek Foundation and the program.

Is knowledgeable of resident rights and ensures an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity, and well-being of all individuals served in a safe, secure environment.

Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for:

• Safety, including universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety plans, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair, and maintenance needs.
• Confidentiality of all data, including individuals served, employee, and operations data.
• Compliance with all regulatory requirements and agency policies as required by Human Resources, licensing, and funding agencies.
• Demonstrate knowledge and compliance with HIPAA standards.
• Conducts oneself in a professional manner when representing Indian Creek Foundation.

Functions as a member of the Team:

• Cooperates and works together with all co-workers, plans and complete job duties with minimal direct supervision and appropriate judgment.
• Uses tactful and appropriate communications in all situations.
• Reports and follows up regarding reported complaints, problems, and concerns with appropriate personnel.
• Promotes positive public relations with individuals served, family members, other team members, and community.
• Completes requirements for training, acceptable attendance, dress codes including personal hygiene and other work duties as assigned.

Complete all documentation to ensure compliance with all regulations and agency policies.

Exhibits behavior as set forth by the Code of Cond