Direct Support Professional (DSP) III - Seven Hills Foundation

Overview

The Direct Care Professional for Home Based Residential Supports will play a crucial role in providing compassionate and effective support to participants who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working directly in the person’s home, the specialist ensures a respectful and culturally sensitive approach while assisting parents and caregivers in navigating the unique challenges they face. They demonstrate unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support, both within individuals’ homes and within the broader community. As an integral part of their role, they collaborate seamlessly with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the consistent delivery of essential day-to-day services.

Responsibilities

Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.

Foster individuals’ independence while respecting their unique abilities and challenges. To support individuals to take on as much control as possible over the routines and activities in their home.

Deliver personalized support directly in individuals’ homes, tailoring services to meet individual needs.

Facilitate connections and resources within the community, promoting individuals’ well-being and inclusion.

Work closely with clinicians, therapists, family liaison, medical professionals, and other specialists to create a well-rounded care plan.

Follow all routines of the individuals and home including, but not limited to, Behavior Support Plans, personal care, Physical Therapy, etc.

Teach, assist and support individuals in the community and at home so that the individual can learn, practice and master skills that enable them to enhance their status by assuming socially valued roles.

Equip families with knowledge and tools to advocate effectively for their loved ones.

Support each individual’s existing relationships and increase their networks of friends and acquaintances.

Ensure that all individuals are supported to explore and express their interest in community membership.

Ensure that the health and well-being of individuals are met by accompanying individuals on appointments as needed, providing a well-balanced diet prepared to meet individual needs (when applicable), following all instructions given by Primary Care Physician and Health Care Coordinator, and incorporating physical movement/exercise when applicable.

Safeguard the privacy and security of individual, family, and organizational information. This includes ensuring compliance with Seven Hills’ policies, procedures, and safeguards related to HIPAA and other state/federal regulatory standards.

Demonstrate respect and cultural sensitivity toward differences in ethnicity, culture, and personal preferences.

Complete the agency training program in a timely manner and participate in other professional development as required by supervisor (within 6 months of employment.)

Implement ISP/Support Plans and strategies as written and at frequency stated in the plan.

Demonstrate accurate data collection procedures and consistent use of described support strategies that promote success.

Establish and maintain precise data within designated individual confidential records using the Seven Hills database, adhering to agency protocols and regulatory guidelines.

Take a leadership role in advocacy with and on behalf of the individual, as well as the family.

Take a leadership role in supporting the accomplishment of the individual’s goals.

Train staff in the implementation of intervention strategies and correct data collection procedures.

Assist in personal needs and manage individual’s funds within budget; provide receipts and maintain all individual expenses in accordance with subsidiary guidelines.

Maintain neatness and cleanliness of individual’s bedrooms.

Maintain a positive relationship with individual’s family members/guardians which includes providing status updates, daily communication, and acting as a positive liaison between the family and community supports.

Maintain regular contact and positive relationship with other members of the team

Assist the individuals with personal shopping and household maintenance as necessary, providing ongoing opportunity for individuals to assume increasing control and responsibility.

Participate in supervision and staff meetings.

Regularly participate in training sessions, ensuring continuous professional development.

Facilitate teamwork between all team members via open communication, sharing of responsibilities and a positive, constructive attitude.

Responsibilities include regular on-call availability, typically once a month, to handle after-hours incidents.

Follow Foundation and Affiliate Policies and Procedures regarding scheduling, addressing crisis situations and communicating appropriate general information.

Perform additional duties as required or directed.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience in direct support, disability services, or related areas.  Prior experience working with individuals with intensive behavioral challenes preferred.

Strong communication skills and cultural competence.

Relevant computer skills are essential.

Valid License. Good driving record.

Varied interests and personal connections in the local community.

Proven record of conscientious, responsible behavior (work, volunteer or school history.)

Ability to work as part of a team. Positive, constructive.