DSA Direct Support Professional (DSA-DSP) at Skyward – Roseburg, Oregon

Job Description and Duties – Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Department: Day Support Activities (DSA) - Community Based

DSA Overview:

The Day Support Activities (DSA) Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides individualized care and support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) receiving community-based services from Skyward. The DSA DSP's primary role is to assist individuals in achieving greater independence, improving life skills, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring their safety, health, and well-being while in the community.

Key Responsibilities:

Day Support Activities and Care:

• Provide hands-on assistance to individuals with I/DD in the community such as communications skills, boundaries, appropriate behavior and sometimes money management.
• When necessary, assist with medication administration as prescribed and in accordance with Skyward protocols and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs).
• Support individuals with meals and feeding, ensuring dietary restrictions and preferences are respected.
• Monitor individuals for changes in behavior, physical health, or mental well-being and report any concerns to supervisory staff.

Person-Centered Support:

• Implement individualized support plans (ISPs) in collaboration with residents, their families, and their Service Coordinators.
• Assist individuals in achieving personal goals and objectives outlined in their ISPs.
• Encourage independence and self-advocacy by teaching life skills such as communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Respect individual preferences, dignity, and privacy at all times.
• Provide emotional and social support, fostering positive relationships with those around them, their families, and other staff members.

Health and Safety:

• Assist in the implementation of safety protocols, including emergency preparedness and first aid.
• Support individuals with mobility challenges while in a community setting.
• Monitor the individual's health and well-being, reporting any changes or concerns to a supervisor.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of services provided, including daily logs, incident reports, and progress notes.
• Document any behavioral or medical changes and communicate these with your supervisor.
• Document the individual's progress, concerns, and any potential adjustments needed to their ISP.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Work collaboratively with other DSPs, healthcare professionals, and Skyward staff to ensure comprehensive care.
• Assist with training and mentoring new staff members, providing guidance and sharing knowledge.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and attend training sessions as required by the facility and OARs.

Behavior Management:

• Support individuals in managing challenging behaviors through positive behavior support strategies outlined in their Functional Assessment, Behavioral Support Plan and/or ISP.
• Implement behavior support plans as outlined by Skyward and OARs.
• Foster an environment that promotes respect, kindness, and inclusion, helping individuals to build trust and a sense of security.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, assist with transferring residents, and perform other physical tasks as needed.
• Ability to bend, squat, stand for extended periods, and assist individuals with mobility.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations and manage crisis situations effectively and quickly.
• Ability to safely drive a motor vehicle.

• Be able to pass a background check annually
• Obtain CPR/First Aid certification within the first 90 days of employment
• Clean driving history
• Drug free workplace
• Must have verbal and written communication skills adequate to the specific job
• Must have valid drivers license
• Must have current vehicle insurance
• Must have reliable transportation