Direct Support Professional
Total Job Openings: 10
Job Immediate Start: Yes
Job Location: Winamac & Logansport
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities. We strive to help our clients live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Depending on the needs of the client, DSPs aid with life skill development, health maintenance, medication administration, personal care and behavioral development.
DSPs work in a number of settings including Group Homes (small residential homes that serve 2-8 people), Day Programs (life skills, pre-employment training, work services and habilitation programming), Home and Community Based Services (in-home care and supports) and Vocational Habilitation (job skill training and job placement).
DSPs work to provide services that enrich the lives of our clients with an emphasis placed on creating an environment that encourages the client to experience a full life directly related to our mission of “Creating Opportunities/Supporting Success.” DSPs provide respite, assist the client in participating in traditional daily and weekly activities, such as shopping at the grocery store, going to movies, enjoying hobbies, employment and vocational activities, etc. DSPs also advocate for clients to be fully integrated into community life
Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Must possess a valid Indiana Driver’s License and valid Auto Insurance and pass required background checks.
Working conditions: While working, you may be required to deal with the following conditions: 1) possible exposure to blood borne pathogens; 2) possible exposure to profanity, violent and/or offensive behavior from the clients; and 3) variable hours depending on job or job location, as Peak Community Services operates programs and services 24/7, 365 days a year.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Ability: Must: 1) be able to lift up to 70 lbs., walk, bend, crouch, kneel, twist, push, pull, squat, turn in the knees, back, wrists and shoulders and grasp with both hand (in order to properly perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, Client Intervention Techniques and Lifting and Carrying Techniques). 2) Must have normal hearing, with the aid of corrective devices, as needed (i.e., hearing aid). Must have normal vision, with the aid of corrective devices, as needed (i.e., glasses or contacts). 3) Must be free from fainting spells, blackouts, dizziness, or seizures. 4)Must have the ability to sit in a normal seated position for extended periods. 5)Must have the ability to endure extended periods of driving. 6) Must have the ability to tolerate exposure to dust, gas, and/or fumes. 7) Must have the ability to exert up to 20-50 pounds of force, occasionally, and/or 10-26 pounds of force frequently. 8) Must be able to speak, read and write in English 9) Must be able to complete the Peak Community Services training programs and successfully pass associated test to meet competency requirements. 10) Must have basic computer skills including, but not limited to, sending and receiving e-mail, accessing web page, entering basic data, use of the Time Keeping System, and common use applications. 11) Some positions require that employees must be able to pass a TB test. 12) Must be able to carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Report to: Program Director, Manager and/or Coordinator
DSP Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The focus of the DSP is to provide clients with the highest quality of support and services. Peak Community Services has an uncompromising commitment to quality and integrity. Employees are expected to perform their duties and responsibilities to this high standard of quality.
Some of the duties and responsibilities vary in intensity and frequency depending on the assignment.
Advocacy –Assist clients with achieving personal goals; works on behalf of clients to overcome barriers; helps clients participate in activities of their choice; respects client’s personal beliefs, choices and interests.
Health Maintenance –Provides care and assistance to promote good health; administers medications according to physician instructions; records information regarding health events, conditions and status; provides First Aid and CPR and seeks emergency medical care when needed.
Personal Care –Supports clients with eating, grooming and toileting; assists clients with their mobility including lifting them from a seated or lying down position and helping them walk and maintain stability.
Life Skills Development –Teaches work-related skills and job preparedness; record progress on skill development and achievement.
Behavior Development –Serve as a role model and mentor, demonstrating the desired behaviors and coaching the client using approved techniques and strategies; use approved physical intervention techniques when they are necessary to protect clients and others.
Operational Support –Maintains cleanliness of program area; provides transportation for clients to their activities; completes tasks that are beyond the client’s abilities or which they refuse; follows procedures for handling money.
Professional Behavior –Acts in a professional manner and communicates effectively with others; completes all required training programs, at least 24 hours annually; attends required meetings.
CARF - Maintain conformance with CARF and all applicable standards, rules, regulations, laws and administrative codes.