PLATTE COUNTY BOARD OF SERVICES

Developmental Disability Resources Since 1975

Job Description

Position Title: Direct Support Professional – Community Networking

Department: Community Supports

Job Purpose: The Direct Support Professional is the frontline leader responsible for promoting those with intellectual/developmental disabilities to live their best lives by working directly with people to reach their day to day and long-term goals of community involvement and membership.

Evaluated By: Professional Manager

Supervision Given: None

Status: Non-Exempt Employee

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED or HiSET
• Age 18 Valid Driver’s License and Good Driving Record
• Successful Background Screen
• Eligibility to Work in the U.S.
• Must be able to pass and maintain all required trainings including CPR/First Aid, Crisis Prevention, Medication Administration, etc.
• Must possess, maintain, and have the ability to utilize a personal electronic device for the purpose of communication, two-factor authentication, and tracking hours worked.
• Must be adaptable to a changing schedule, with flexibility in both workdays and hours based on participant and program requirements.
• Must have successfully completed the DSP I Orientation and Training period

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

PROMOTES THE PCBS MISSION

• Embodies the PCBS Vision, Mission, and Values Statements
• Serves as an example for supporting a Person-Centered philosophy
• Shows consistent skills in supporting persons served to lead their healthy, clean, and safe lifestyles that meets their preferences

IS A STRONG ADVOCATE

• Advocates, and provides an example of advocating, for people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
• Supporting persons served to provide input into all aspects of their lives and the Individualized Person-Centered Planning process and provides mentorship to others as needed
• Is a leader in ensuring persons served know about their community and support them in making choices related to accessing the community

PROVIDES EXCELLENT DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES

• Is skillful, and mentors others, in the implementation of Individualized Person Centered Plans which may include the following:
1. Provide protected oversight at levels noted in the plan
2. Administer medications according to policy and training
3. Physically assist (support, lift, transfer, etc.) persons as needed
4. Provide transportation for persons served
5. Provide personal hygiene support
6. Provide non-violent crisis intervention techniques as needed according to policy and training
7. Provide other supports for persons served as needed
• Is a leader in documenting supports provided as required and maintaining privacy and confidentiality of persons served following PCBS policy and procedures
• Deliver services designed to increase an individual’s connection and engagement in formal and informal supports.
• Develop flexible, sustainable and supportive community resources and relationships.
• Ability to introduce individuals served to community resources and supports.
• Ability to develop skills that will facilitate integration of individuals into their community.
• Maintains current training in all required areas

CONTRIBUTES TO A POSITIVE WORK-ENVIRONMENT

• Serves as mentor and example for co-workers, particularly those in a DSP roles
• Leads by communicating both verbally and non-verbally in a clear, efficient and respectful way in both oral and written formats
• Sets an example and mentors others to complete tasks on time and up to the expected standard
• Shows exceptional skills in working through disagreements with honesty and transparency fostering a trusting team environment
• Supports, mentors and works with teammates in a collaborative way that aids improvement of skills and outcomes
• Works with Professional Manager to ensure proper staffing

Secondary Functions:

• Report vehicle maintenance/safety needs to supervisor
• Attend all meetings and agency functions as required
• Perform all other duties assigned by supervisor

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Extended periods of standing and walking, with some sitting.
• Regular lifting, kneeling, stooping, crouching, or bending as appropriate
• Possibility of physical intervention as trained in CPI if confronted by a person displaying combative or potentially dangerous behavior
• Will require periods of driving agency vehicles
• May require the administration of chest compressions and rescue breaths as trained in CPR
• Noise from persons served, office machines, appliances, and telephones.
• Will have a substantial use of video display terminal.
• Possibility of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other communicable diseases