Direct Support Professional II

POSITION DESCRIPTION: This position assists individuals who choose to or are working towards living independently. It includes assisting individuals with personal care needs as well as identifying and achieving personal goals in their lives. Position facilitates access to community resources and assists individuals with self-advocacy. CRITICAL JOB FUNCTIONS Possesses the professional skills and abilities specific to the technical aspects of the position. PROVIDE SUPPORTS - Participate alongside individuals offering assistance and support in a variety of personal care needs, including those related to health and hygiene, maintenance of household, healthy eating, health related appointments and instructions, including medication, financial systems, and shopping. - Coordinate instruction and support to facilitate the acquisition of skills in both one to one and group situations. - Assist individuals with accessing community resources and self advocating to get needs met. - Implement and train individuals on emergency procedures and use of emergency response systems for health and safety. DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT SERVICE PLANS - Promote BI’s philosophy of competency, self-advocacy and independence. - Assist with development, understand and adhere to all individual service support plans. Participate in meetings with the interdisciplinary team/circle of support as requested. KEEP RECORDS AND WRITE REPORTS - Maintain required individual progress records; write and submit accurate reports as per procedures established. - Ensure correct data entry and accuracy of all time and attendance and work records. TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS SERVED - Transport individuals as needed which may include assistance with public and/or para transportation services. DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS - Develop and maintain effective relationships with persons served, peers, supervisors and other staff, affiliated agency staff, and members of the community. - Assist in establishing and maintaining the individual’s circle of support, with a focus on reducing relationships with paid supports, as requested by the individual. - Seek out relevant generic community resources and access services and resources appropriately to aid individual’s participation in community activities. - Facilitate and participate as needed with trips, activities, Support Groups, and classes. - Broker various living arrangement alternatives as requested. - Attend, actively engage, and participate in weekly staff meetings, training sessions, and other relevant meetings. OTHER - Provide support as a Direct Support Professional working in any BI program including but not limited to, providing in-home care, transportation and in-community services for persons served. - Executes position specific job duties and other duties as assigned at the discretion of BI. CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS Organized: Able to perform job duties with efficiency and accuracy Dependable: Can be relied upon; trustworthy, responsible, punctual. Good Judgement: Chooses courses of action that result in beneficial outcomes to the agency and the community Positive Attitude: Has an overall positive, open and supportive attitude Interpersonal Relations: Is able to relate well to others Communication: Is an effective listener, communicates well both verbally and in writing Initiative: Is a self-starter Philosophical Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to BI’s established culture of dignity and respect. QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED required. College coursework in Special Education, Social Work, or a closely related field preferred. EXPERIENCE: Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities is desirable. Good customer service skills and an interest in helping others pursue and achieve their best life is required.