Direct Support Professional (Full-Time) | Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, & Summit Counties

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Our agency is growing and bringing job opportunities to the surrounding communities! We seek professional, dedicated and compassionate staff to join our team.

• This position is Full-Time
• 2nd Shift available
• All positions and shifts include weekends
• Placement is based on your location and priority of OLW homes

Summary: Under limited supervision, the Direct Support Professional(DSP) provides services to individuals with various developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses and severe behavioral issues in accordance with their individual needs in achieving social, emotional and behavioral goals. The DSP will assist in maintaining and meeting consumer's health, occupational, social and emotional goals.

Essential Functions: The following list is not intended to be comprehensive, it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities.

• Advocates on behalf of the consumer; upholds respectful and efficient communication with consumers and all relevant parties, maintaining the highest level of respect and service.
• Provides emotional support by developing an age-appropriate relationship with consumers. Works with consumers individually or in groups using applied support techniques.
• Assists consumers in maintaining a clean and pleasant home by performing basic housekeeping and deep cleaning duties.
• Aids consumers in developing and maintaining daily living skills encouraging independence, hygiene (i.e. bathing, toileting, dental care), appearance (i.e. care of clothing, laundry, appropriate dress, etc.), behavior (i.e. appropriate responses/actions with others including other consumers and the public), proper diet/eating habits, the preparation of meals, and safety (fire drills, first aid techniques).
• Performs direct support and supervision, including but not limited to:
• Providing transportation and supervision during medical, dental, social activities, community and recreational outing, and other appointments.
• Providing consumers with in-home health care as needed.
• Adhering to consumer's rights, mandated reporting and unusual incident requirements.
• Providing supervision during community and recreational outings.
• Attending consumer related meetings as needed.
• Observing any changes in consumer status/well-being and report immediately to Direct Support Manager and/or other individuals as appropriate.
• Demonstrating an understanding of procedures for all home emergencies, medical, natural disaster, fire and behavioral incidents.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.
• Obtains and maintains certification as a Delegated Medication Passer.
• Attends appropriate in-services and continuing education.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of consumer and personnel information.
• Collects and records data regarding consumer well-being, progress, health, unusual incidents, personal goals and other information.
• Understands and complies with job requirements as outlined in Agency policies/procedures, e.g., mandated reporting, personnel policies, consumer rights, etc.
• Gives input and information regarding consumer's individual plans, health concerns and behavioral plans.
• Completes documentation daily and communicates with staff, consumers, day programs, family, medical professionals and other personnel in reference, to consumer's well-being, progress health, unusual incidents, personal goals and other information about consumer.
• Dependable, demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing, good moral character, good judgment and ability to work in stressful situations in a calm therapeutic manner.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission and values of the agency.
• Adheres to agency's attendance standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• Eighteen (18) years of age.
• A valid Ohio Driver License with a record suitable for insurability purposes and maintains a driving record in accordance with Agency policy.
• Must have reliable transportation, and two (2) years of licensed driving experience may be necessary.
• Proof of High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Criminal background that is compliant with OAC 5123:2-2-02 Employment of persons providing service to individuals with DD.
• Must be in compliance with agency drug free work place program and pass both a drug test and physical screening
• Cooperative and patient with a caring nature.
• Must have ability to communicate and interact with consumers, families and staff maintaining the highest level of respect and service.
• Experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities is preferred.

Environmental Factors/Physical Requirements

• May be exposed to infectious illnesses
• May be exposed to aggressive consumers
• May be requested to be on call or cover shifts other than regularly scheduled shift
• Requires physical exertion including but not limited to walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, squatting, pushing, pulling and ling and lifting, up to 50 pounds. These may be in excess, of light duty work.
• Requires corrected hearing and vision to normal range.