Location: Madison,WI, USA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE:
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
REPORTS TO: FLSA STATUS:
Residential Case Manager Non-Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Residential Case Manager (RCM) and the Executive Director (ED), the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for direct support of consumers in their homes and in the community. The goal is to help consumers live as independently as possible in the community, to help them to realize the fullest membership achievable in community life and to support them to the end of their life in the community setting.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
90% Direct Consumer Support:
• Plan, support and/or accompany people to be a part of all aspects of activities in their homes and communities which includes upkeep of home; grocery shopping; banking; cooking; going to church, coffee shops, health clubs, etc.; support consumers in volunteering or jobs, seeing friends, going to dances, etc.
• Provide “Personal Care” -- this term refers to assistance with creating and maintaining a positive, personal appearance (clothing choices, dressing, bathing, grooming, etc.)
• Help with meals (planning, shopping, food preparation.).
• Assist with household needs and chores (laundry, cleaning, errands).
• Lift 50lbs + and lift, bend, or twist to attend to the consumer and their needs.
• Assist each person to develop and maintain friendships and family relationships. (This means different things for each different person. This may consist of something as small as purchasing a thank you card to helping someone reconnect with their family for the first time in years).
• Help people with hospitality in their homes and neighborhoods including being a host or hostess.
• Monitor and be aware of the nuances of someone's health and medications.
• Help people to effectively communicate their needs and wishes to others.
• Carry out plans that are the collaborative efforts of the team, from medical professionals, case managers and/or from guardians.
• Perform all aspects of job in a way that allows for consumers to have maximum choice, independence, and inclusion.
• Help consumers be always seen in a positive light diminishing negative behaviors and focus on abilities.
10% Administrative/other:
• Attend all required in-services, trainings, team meetings and meet all required health screening obligations including monthly team meetings and all other meetings as required.
• Complete record keeping in homes such as writing in daily log, recording medications and any other record keeping as required by supervisor. Complete all required paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
• Communicate with supervisor and other team members on consumer progress and plans.
• Report any problems to the supervisor that may occur when performing support duties.
• Participate in forwarding the mission, vision, values, and goals of RISE UP.
• Participate in and take responsibility for own learning, seeking feedback on performance and actively participate in self and peer performance appraisal.
• Empower each consumer to direct his/her own life as independently as possible.
• Demonstrate respect for consumers. Maintain a cooperative and supportive working relationship with consumers, family, and RISE UP staff.
• Always maintain consumer confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May include on-call duties.
• Always maintain positive and respectful relationships with team and supervisors.
• Possess motivation and desire to do an excellent job! Have compassion to understand each consumer's situation.
• Be able to meet and adapt to the changing needs of a consumer and/or their health.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience working formally or informally with elderly and/or people with disabilities.
• Basic understanding of good nutrition for the elderly and ability to carry that through with duties related to nutrition.
• Good oral communication skills.
• Comfortable being in public with consumers.
• Ability to take risks by trying new things and meeting new people to enhance consumers lives.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Valid State of Wisconsin driver's license in good standing (or ability to obtain) and reliable transportation is preferred.
• Physical ability to bend, lift, reach, kneel, shovel, and do yard work; able to support consumers in the performance of household duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to effectively develop, collaborate, and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of staff, both internal and external.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast paced and changing environment with multiple priorities and objectives.