Direct Support Professional

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be of 16 years of age.
• High School diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license and insured vehicle preferred.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: This part-time, non-exempt position is responsible for implementing the Individual Service Plan and for the provision of quality services through the following areas:

• Must ensure the well-being of the client at all times during services by providing direct supervision and care.
• Maintain client confidence and protect the agency by keeping information confidential.
• Maintain client health status by safely and thoroughly carrying out health procedures, such as tube feedings, toileting, monitoring and responding to seizure activity, first aid, medication administration, etc.
• Respond calmly to health and emergency situations and report to the family and your supervisor.
• Ensure client and family satisfaction by engaging the client in activities of interest, providing positive reinforcement, role modeling age appropriate behavior, exercising sound decision making skills, and creating a positive living and training environment for the client.
• Advocate for the rights of all clients by reporting any incident or signs of abuse and/or neglect per procedure.
• Provide updated information to staff in regard to client needs, issues, or changes.
• Ensure that agency service documentation requirements are met through timely submission of incident reports and documentation.
• Provide only those services authorized by the Individual Service Plan and schedule.
• Responsible for assuring that program services are delivered to the client according to written goals of each client's service plan.
• Maximize all client independence opportunities by teaching skills in areas such as socialization, self-help, communication, self-care, fine motor and gross motor, self-advocacy, leisure, recreation and other areas defined in each client’s service plan.
• Promote a positive experience with clients while adhering to Arc policies, procedures, and guidelines

TRAINING REQUIRED:

• Must complete 9.5 hours of Job Coach training within 6-months of appointment to the position and with 4 hours of continuing education/training annually.
• Ability to complete DHS required trainings within an established timeline.

EQUIPMENT USAGE

Computer/laptop

Adaptive personal equipment

WORK CONDITIONS

Indoor and outdoor environments.

Travel within local community.

Entails spending time going from seated to standing position repeatedly.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to stand, sit, walk, bend, and lift as needed.

Ability to hold, lift, and carry small children

Ability to move from seated to standing position repeatedly.

Employment contingent upon: criminal history checks, child and dependent adult abuse clearance, a professional reference and reliable transportation. High school diploma or equivalent is preferred . Experience working with person who have developmental disabilities preferred.