Direct Support Professional
Overview:
Under the direction and supervision of a Treatment Specialist, Program Manager, or Program Director, provides direct care for assigned clients in a therapeutic after school, in-home, weekend respite, and summer program serving children ages 5 – 22 with behavioral and emotional challenges and with cognitive or developmental delays.All work is performed within a systems-based framework and a psycho-educational model. Work is performed collaboratively with and in support of other services offered by St. Joseph's Villa.
All work adheres to the highest professional ethic standard and in compliance with St. Joseph’s Villa’s mission, values and guiding principles.
Responsibilities:
Maintains sight and sound supervision of children.
Implements independent daily activities for clients.
Provides education to clients to enhance social, community, and life skills.
Administers medications in accordance with program procedures and after successfully completing medications training.
Manages behaviors and maintains discipline in accordance with program procedures. Sets parameters and implements positive behavior supports.
Uses approved behavior management techniques to work with clients in crisis.
Assists clients with personal care and personal hygiene including feeding (which may include feeding tubes), toileting, and bathing. Washes clients’ clothing and bedding if necessary.
Maintains documentation regarding clients as required.
Transports clients to activities in the community after successfully completing vehicle training.
Promotes good community relations and represents St. Joseph’s Villa in a positive manner to the community and families.
Participates in staff meetings.
May perform similar work within a home setting.
Assumes Lead role when assigned. As Lead, supports Counselors in delivery of direct care to all clients, ensures medications are administered correctly, completes shift documentation and records, contacts Administrator-on-Call when variances occur, prepares meals, and, in the absence of staff, assumes direct care of client.
Evaluates work processes and methods and submits recommendations for continuous quality improvement.
Attends scheduled training programs for professional development that includes, at a minimum, trainings required by St. Joseph’s Villa and by regulatory and accrediting bodies.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- HS Required, BS/BA degree in related field preferred.
- Experience with relevant population.
- Must be able to work effectively with client population and in a team-based environment.
- Proficient with Windows, Outlook, and MS Word.
- Experience with proprietary software preferred.
- Excellent documentation skills.
- Valid Virginia driver’s license with excellent driving record.