Lead Direct Support Professional - Respite Center in O'Fallon, Missouri at Community Living, Inc.

Position Summary:
The Lead Direct Support Professional in the Respite Center provides support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities that require protective oversight, behavioral support, or assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL) and certain independent activities of daily living (IADL) and provides leadership and direction to Support Staff.

Pay Rate: $20/hour with additional differentials
Part Time Weekend Shifts: Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Becomes familiar with individuals’ program file. Performs activities outlined on the program plan to achieve the goals and expectations identified by the parents/program coordinator.
• Transports individuals safely.
• Prepares snacks and meals. Incorporates assistance of individuals as often as possible to teach life skills related to cooking. Allows individuals to prepare, serve, and clean up snacks as part of daily routine.

• Serves food (or feeds) individuals who have no or limited self-feeding skills.
• Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, as well as any other recreational rooms that may be used.
• Assists individuals with activities of daily living such as feeding, toileting, personal hygiene, and changing clothes.
• Assists with the participation in community activities and modifies activities as needed.
• Maintains discipline and order in a manner agreeable with parents and agency directives, as well as with the individual’s program plan.
• Assists with implementing individual and group activities.
• Ensures the safety and welfare of all individuals.
• Gets to know each participant and anticipates the individual’s needs.
• Responsible for training new hires on van responsibilities such as maintenance and mileage.
• Responsible for staff scheduling.
• Oversees the meal menus and shopping.
• Passes medications without error as applicable.
• Completes and maintains all required trainings.
• Performs other duties as required and assigned.

Management/Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead staff are responsible for directing and supervising the daily activities of the Direct Support Professional staff and the programs at the Respite Center.

Qualifications:

Education, Experience, Skills:

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 6 months’ experience with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Possess sound oral and written communication skills as well as decision-making skills.
• Must be able to write and document in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Possess the ability to use Microsoft Office applications including, but not limited to Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to work as a team member.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Driver’s License

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Drive large van to and from events, programs, etc. Must assist individuals entering and exiting the van. Lock down wheelchairs on vans.
• Physically assist individuals as needed.
• Lift individuals who cannot bear weight.
• Push and maneuver wheelchairs.
• Moderate Work – Exerts up to 50lbs of force occasionally and 20lbs frequently. Standing, sitting, reaching, typing, and walking is common.

Prerequisites for Employment:

• Criminal Background Check
• Family Care Safety Registry Check
• Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Check, Proof of Insurance

Community Living is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Community Living strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees or applicants with regard race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.