JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Community Support Coordinator (CSC) and their assigned Direct Support Professional (DSP) mentor, the Assistant Direct Support Professional (ADSP), provides support and training to individuals with developmental disabilities to enhance the individual’s competencies and help them achieve their individual goals and help to build goals and grow relationships with the community. The Assistant Direct Support Professional will be assigned a Direct Support Professional mentor who will work with them. The ADSP will work as a second staff or in conjunction with other DSPs. The ADSP will always be working alongside a DSP and will not work alone with individuals supported.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensures a meaningful day for individuals by providing systematic training and customized supports based on their individual needs and desired outcomes.
• May attend and participate in team meetings to ensure that the training and supports that are developed for individuals are truly what the individual needs and desires
• Work with the individual, their family, and other team members in identifying the person’s desired goals and outcomes. This may include participation in the completion of any assessments/evaluations as recommended by the Individual Support Plan (ISP) team.
• Responsible for the delivery of training as defined in the ISP and maintain accurate data collection, records, and reports as required to maintain accountability and meet regulatory requirements.
• Works collaboratively with ISP team and the individual supported to regularly review personal growth and ensure individual progress.
• Serves as a positive role model, trainer, and provides assistance as needed for the individual in areas of socially enhancing behavior, personal hygiene, language, personal grooming, etc., while utilizing teachable moments.
• Work cooperatively with supervisors, DSPs, family members, and other agency staff to assist all personnel in meeting the needs of the individual.
• Instruct, follow, and enforce safety precautions in accordance with federal, state, local, and Apace's rules, regulations, and procedures to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
• Assist the individual in meeting their nutritional and dietary needs.
• Provide necessary supervision and training to the individual in various environments within their community to increase valued social rules.
• Assist individuals in enhancing their presentation within the community by maintaining their personal appearance and hygiene.
• May attend staff meetings, training conferences, and other developmental sessions as required to continue to improve job performance.
• Assist individuals with daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping with strict adherence to Apace's procedures.
• Contributes positively to the work team and seeks support and guidance from their mentor.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to meet the physical demand of the assigned individual to provide supports, which may include lifting, bending, crawling, kneeling, squatting, etc. while assisting individuals with mobility transfers, and transportation needs. If lifting or other adaptive equipment is available, it MUST be used.
• Ability to work with individuals with special needs, including physical hygiene/care.
• Ability to accept directions and follow through with completion of assigned tasks.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills and has a sense of teamwork.
• Heightened observation skills to assist in understanding verbal and non-verbal cues from individuals supported.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be sixteen (16) years of age or older.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of or experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.