I. JOB SUMMARY: DSP2 is a team member who provides support and services to individual children and/or young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities which are focused on helping each individual to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. A DSP2 follows a person-centered model of care to assist assigned individuals to participate fully and meaningfully in their daily routines at the Home and in the community. This includes ensuring that active, individualized treatment is a continuous, ongoing, and integrated effort focused on helping the individual develop the skills needed so that they can live the kind of life that they desire. DSP2 functions as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team supporting all services and activities identified in each Individual Support Plan (ISP). This position requires excellent communication skills, kindness and compassion, an understanding of the kinds of support required by children and young adults with special needs, as well as competency in providing detailed behavioral support strategies to ensure safety, encourage growth, social development and engagement.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES:

Daily Supports - Assists assigned children and/or young adults with all their daily needs, including but not limited to:

• assisting children and young adults to participate in routine, scheduled and spontaneous activities at the Home and in the community, such as preparing for school, attending appointments, and participating in field trips and recreational activities such as sports, music, reading, arts and crafts, games, study groups, swimming in the hydra therapy pool, etc.
• grooming, hair care, nail care, mouth care, dressing, bathing, and toileting/diapering
• eating and following designated individualized feeding techniques
• applying splints and braces
• therapeutic positioning using a variety of adaptive equipment in multiple environments
• mobility, including lifting individuals from a seated or lying down position, pushing individuals in their wheelchairs, using adapted lifting equipment, and helping individuals walk and maintain stability

Health Maintenance

• provides as much care and assistance needed to promote good health and maintain safety
• helps individuals receive medical care and communicate with medical professionals
• monitors, records and reports information regarding health conditions. Fluid input, output, temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Seizure observation, documentation, and reporting.
• monthly weights
• reports any changes in an individual’s physical condition and seeks medical intervention when needed

Skills Development

• applies effective communication strategies and teaches necessary skills to the individuals served
• implements support programs as written and at the frequency required as identified in an individual’s ISP
• demonstrates accurate data collection procedures as required by the ISP to document progress on skill development and achievement
• can incorporate skill development opportunities in a natural manner throughout the regular daily routines
• participates in team planning meetings and provide feedback to ensure the development of meaningful and appropriate ISPs

Behavior Development

• serves as role model and mentor, demonstrating desired behaviors, and coaching individuals using approved techniques and strategies
• develops and maintains relationships of trust and respect
• uses approved physical intervention techniques as directed to protect individuals and others
• provides support and assistance by participating in each individual’s specific behavior training programs and completing necessary documentation
• works closely with the Support Coordinator and the Program Manager to ensure plans are implemented effectively and modifications affected as needed
• assists with data collection and analysis for support outcomes and behavioral interventions for assigned children

Advocacy

• assists individuals with achieving personal goals and works on behalf of individuals to overcome barriers
• helps individuals participate in activities of their choice and supports their gifts and talents
• acts in the best interest of each individual’s personal beliefs, choices, and interests rather than in response to perceived shortcomings or staff interests
• encourages and assists children and young adults in the exploration of new opportunities and environments
• encourages social development and relationships with friends and other meaningful relationships through active and appropriate engagement with others

Operational Support

• maintains and cares for each individual’s personal belongings and adaptive equipment
• maintains clean and orderly living units and program areas for the individuals served
• provides supervision and always ensures safety of individuals
• participates in shift report on living units and in school-to-evening transition report in the classrooms when needed and completes necessary documentation
• works collaboratively with others to implement and oversee a variety of recreational activities
• ensures appropriate support and supervision to all individuals while promoting increased independence and choice
• reports equipment problems, unusual incidents or injuries appropriately and completes necessary paperwork.

Professional Behavior

• is familiar with and applies organizational mission and values at all times
• complies with all policies and procedures at St. Mary’s, including but not limited to: attendance, punctuality, dress code, infection control, safety, lifting, abuse and neglect, and confidentiality
• acts in a professional manner and communicates effectively with others
• works promptly and efficiently so that individuals arrive at scheduled activities prepared and on time
• is respectful and courteous to individuals, fellow employees, and visitors
• follows instructions with a positive attitude
• activates employer-paid annual membership in the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals
• attends all mandatory in-service training sessions; attends at least 4 Webinars presented by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals.
• completes at least fifteen (15) in-service training hours or CEU’s every twelve months

Other duties as assigned: There may be occasions when staff are reassigned to provide the best benefit to the children/young adults served and to support operational effectiveness. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Education/Experience:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; some college preferred.
• Previous experience working with individuals in an elementary educational environment or working with special needs children and young adults preferred.
• Previous experience working with individuals with behavioral challenges preferred.
• Drivers’ license, and acceptable driving record required.
• CPR, Basic First Aid, and some DSP experienced preferred.

Physical and Other Requirements

• Must complete Person Centered Practice Training and pass competency assessments after the training.
• Must complete training and demonstrate competency of Safety Care concepts and physical interventions.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat for variable periods of time.
• Must be able to follow proper procedures to safely lift up to thirty-five (35) pounds, use lifting equipment, and position individuals in a variety of positioning equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Must wear company-issued ID badge at all times.