Direct Support Professional, Day Program (FT Days)

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the site supervisor, the Direct Support Professional, Day Program is responsible for the implementation of specified developmental service and individual programs of instruction/assisting to promote individual’s functional growth and development as specified below.

Assigned duties are implemented in a manner appropriate to the age-specific needs of the individuals served. Duties can be but are not limited to assisting or training.

EDUCATION:

High school graduate or equivalent required.    

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of one (1) year experience working with intellectually and physically disabled and aging population preferred.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history.

Must pass post job offer, pre-placement and annual physical examination with communicable disease screening.

Valid PA driver’s license required for travel within the community. If position responsibilities include driving Allied vehicles, must successfully complete Allied's Driver Testing Program, as stated by policy #2.43.

Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills required for effective communication with staff, clients, and management

Knowledge of counseling techniques and crisis intervention techniques (i.e., redirection, etc.) required in order to deal with aggressive/inappropriate behaviors.

Must adhere to program policies and procedure regarding safety and infection control.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB:

Directly supervises, programs, and/or conducts a variety of purposeful activities and planned programs to improve/maintain functional level and enhance the personal growth of each enrolled individual. 

Assists enrolled individuals in established interrelated need areas, including social, intellectual, cultural, economic, physical, spiritual, and interested areas, through Individual Program Plan facilitated in a one-to-one situation. 

Assists and supports enrolled individuals for the acquisition/maintenance of functional skills including Activities of Daily Living, Prevocational skills, communication, cognition, and community integration. 

Assists and supports enrolled individuals for the acquisition/maintenance of appropriate social skills, through community integration, individual and group instruction. 

Assists and supports proper work habits, methods, safety practices in preparation for  vocational situations through individual and group instruction, community integration and by acting as a role model. 

Provide personal care and physical assistance to enrolled individuals in patient transfer to and from bathroom, company vehicles, etc.  Assists and supports enrolled individuals with ambulation and gait difficulties. 

Keeps accurate records of each enrolled individual’s program plan in accordance with overall program objectives. 

Implements positive approach methods to manage behaviors under the direction of the support staff. Periodically this may involve dealing with aggressive behaviors and/or protecting others from aggressive behaviors.