Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Summary: Participate as an active and contributing member of a dynamic and collaborative team. Provides direct support to individuals with disabilities in developing and/or maintaining skills that will enhance the quality of their lives in the community; assists with personal care and daily routines occurring in community training sites.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for carrying out the mission and core values of the organization through relationship building activities internally and externally, as well as skills training acquired as a result of the implementation of the Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Facilitate individuals active participation in community based activities, including contracted services and volunteer activities.
• Complete daily and routine data collection and documentation as stipulated in the Individual Service Plan (ISP) including behavioral support and other specialized plans.
• Observe, respond, and report/document individuals physical, social, behavioral and personal needs by recognizing any changes in individuals that may require additional follow-up or attention.
• Monitor and report any unusual events in accordance with SJCS policy and state regulations.
• Assist in the development of activity calendars to ensure that the activities conducted meet the needs of the individuals supported as indicated in ISPs.
• Provide safe transportation to and from scheduled community activities, appointments, and/or community sites.
• Provide routine feedback regarding fleet transportation services as needed and requested.
• Provides adequate supervision to individuals to facilitate their health and safety including administering medication that is timely and in the correct dosage.
• Attends and participates in all relevant agency events, workshops, training and meetings.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to gain working knowledge of St. Johns Community Services policies and procedures.
• Ability to act as a representative of St. Johns Community Services to the public.
• Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with other staff members and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of acceptable food preparation and safety practices and procedures.
• Ability to model and teach relevant social and behavioral skills.
• Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work may require lifting heavy objects up to 30 pounds. Work environment involves risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions e.g. safely operating a motor vehicle, exposure to aggressive human behavior.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. St. John's Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• High school diploma or G.E.D. preferred; Bachelors degree in related field preferred.
• Two or more years related experience working with persons with disabilities preferred; Experience in community based programs a plus.
• Valid health certificate that meets the requirements for the jurisdiction(s) in which the employee works.
• Must meet SJCS and funding jurisdiction current requirements for criminal background/records check.
• Valid state-issued drivers license with current driving record in good standing required.