Direct Support Professional Job Description

Safety: Security, Environment, Health

• Maintains an environment that is healthy, safe, peaceful and comfortable
• Administers medication in accordance with medical provider directions and DSDC /State of Tennessee policies
• Gains and maintains knowledge of health and medical issues for all assigned individual(s) supported
• Assists individual(s) supported with healthcare visits, medications and therapy plans
• Notifies appropriate supervisor of any health concerns or needs for the individual(s) supported
• Follows all policies and procedures regarding safety in all environments
• Programmatic: Choice, Active treatment, Community resourcesImplements individual support plans as written
• Provides assistance and support to individual(s) in activities of daily living
• Teaches appropriate skills and involves individual(s) supported in meaningful and valued activitiesProvides and seeks out opportunities for individual(s) supported to make choices
• Obtains knowledge of individual(s) supported desired outcomes and works to ensure they are integrated into daily activities
• Rights, Dignity and Respect: Incorporates time, space, and opportunity for privacy in the life of individual(s) supported
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all personal information concerning individual(s) supported
• Knows, advocates and respects the rights of individual(s) supported
• Treats all individual(s) supported, families, coworkers and supervisors with dignity and respectCommunity involvement:Demonstrates the importance of community involvement, social interactions, and maintaining relationships
• Develops and facilitates community connections and relationships
• Assists individual(s) supported in developing and following a person centered schedule
• Aids individual(s) supported to participate in activities of their choosing
• Provides opportunities for activities in various settings and transportation as needed
• Encourages individual(s) supported to give back to the community
• Customer Service and Excellence: Exhibits professional behavior towards the individual(s) supported, families, coworkers, and supervisors
• Maintains the property of the agency and of the individual(s) supported
• Networks with coworkers, the community and other professionals to find better ways to include individual(s) supported in routine life activities
• Builds inclusive opportunities in the community for individual(s) supported
• Accountability: Handles and maintains individual/agency finances ethically, honestly and accurately with appropriate documentation and receipts
• Follows all agency policies and proceduresProvides emergency coverage when requested by management
• Takes initiative in performing additional tasks as needed or as assigned
• Provides clear, accurate and timely records and documentationProfessional Conduct: Provides positive and appropriate feedback to coworkers, team members, supervisors and agency representative
• Participates in and completes periodic training and certification as required
• Reports all concerns to the appropriate supervisor in a timely manner
• Mentors and trains new staff to ensure that the workplace is a positive and productive environment
• Attends and participates in all assigned meetings, sharing ideas, discussing issues openly and honestly
• Maintains confidentiality of records/information according to HIPAA, State, Federal laws and guidelines
• Reports all instances of abuse, neglect, mistreatment and exploitation immediately to the appropriate supervisor
• Displays conduct in the community that enhances the image of individual(s) supported and the agency

Qualifications Direct Support Professional

At least 19 years of age
Valid driver’s license for at least 3 years, acceptable driving history and proof of auto insurance as required
High school diploma or equivalent
Ability to pass mandatory drug screen and physical
Pass a criminal history and personal background checks
Requires basic language, written and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation
Ability and willingness to assist individual in activities of daily living including bathing, toileting and other self-help skills
Ability and willingness to support individuals with challenging behavior