Direct Support Professional III - Becoming Independent

BECOMING INDEPENDENT JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:  Direct Support Professional III

PROGRAM:  Living Services (LS)

POSITION  DESCRIPTION:  This position assists individuals in identifying and achieving personal goals in their lives through community inclusion, volunteerism, employment, education, and other social/personal interests, including living independently.

SALARY: $23-$24/hour 

STATUS: Non-exempt; no employee supervision 

CRITICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Possesses the professional skills and abilities specific to the technical aspects of the position

PROVIDE SUPPORT & TRAINING

• Assists with training and mentoring new staff, individuals entering programs and building overall department morale.
• Assist DSP I/II’s in identifying & mitigating barriers; finding solutions. (LS/EDU)
• Support and participate alongside individuals in vocational, volunteer, and community activities in alignment with the organization’s philosophy.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining social connections with others in the community.
• Coordinates and provides instruction to promote skill development and independence (in some situations with providing personal care), and other educational topics to individuals served (both individually and in groups).
• Assists with curriculum development and transportation optimization.
• Daily schedule support for persons served and staff. (EDU)
• Completes monthly trainings within the provided timeframe.
• May serve as acting PIC for the team.
• Provide group trainings and support in all areas (tech, community for DSP I - DSP III level) (LS/EDU/ES)
• Association of Community Rehabilitation (ACRE) Employment Services Certified 

DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT SERVICE PLANS

• Ensure individual's personal choice is at the forefront of service plan delivery.
• Develop person-centered service plans (ISPs), including doing assessments, coordinating activities, and assisting with resumes and vocational supports. (ES/LS)
• Participate in developing and implementing instructional and behavioral plans.
• Conduct interviews and assessments in preparation for service plan development.
• Schedule, coordinate, and participate in team planning meetings as requested.
• Explore and solicit volunteer/paid work opportunities. (EDU)

KEEP RECORDS AND WRITE REPORTS

• Records data relative to tasks (BI information platforms; Therap/ISP data, ADP, TripLog, etc).
• Time and Attendance records (ADP) - Responsible for daily punches for all shifts/applicable breaks and daily review of timecards/corrections/edits (notes).
• ADP for persons served - Responsible for all individuals data entered daily (volunteer/paid work/community access) - if unable to complete same day will enter first thing next shift. (EDU)
• Writes General Event Reports (GER).
• Daily ADP audit of DSP II entries. (EDU)
• Prepare Semi-Annual Reports/Complete File Review.
• Act as main point of contact for NBRC and Circles of Support, prepare and participate in annual meetings & complete annual meeting minutes. (LS/ES)
• Ensure all employee platforms and total hours worked/billed align (W2W, EVV, ADP, Case Notes, TripLog/Magic Trip) 
• Therap - Ensure all DSP daily notes are submitted for all 1:1 services (LS/ES) within 24 hours of service.
• Company email must be checked during each shift. Email responses are expected within 24 hours or at your next scheduled shift (for emails where you are the only recipient). Text message correspondence must be replied to during your shift.
• Google Calendars/Daily Schedule - All staff must ensure either their Google Calendar or their daily schedule is reflective of all activities during working hours.
• Perform a daily quality check to ensure the completion & submission of billing sheets per work contract. (EDU)
• Approve ISP Therap programs. (ES/LS)

DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with persons served, peers, supervisors, and other staff, affiliated agency staff, and members of the community.
• Oversee small committee meetings (strategize, facilitate, and evaluate results).
• Assist DSP I & II’s in identifying & mitigating barriers; and finding solutions.
• Attend, actively engage, and participate in weekly staff meetings, training sessions, and other relevant meetings.
• Research, establish, and maintain opportunities for communication with community connections. (ILS/ES)
• Facilitate face-to-face contact with community members to support the person’s interests in work, recreation and community and assist in connecting them with activities and experiences of their choosing. (LS/ES)
• Community partnership (volunteer and paid work) development, and assistance with services, including interactions/communication with Social Security, Medi-Cal, housing reviews. (LS/ES)

TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS SERVED

• Oversee dispatch coverage, ensuring drivers feel supported and operations run efficiently. (EDU)
• Transport persons served as needed to and from community activities/appointments/errands, etc.  This will frequently be a personal vehicle but may include the operation of BI vehicles or riding public transportation. 
• Follow all inspection/cleanliness of vehicle requirements before/after each use.

• Triplog application (with Magic Trip enabled) must be used for all personal vehicle and fleet mileage driven during your scheduled work day. Trips must be reviewed, corrected, and submitted daily or at the start of the next shift.
• Applicable inspections performed via Fleetio application prior to usage of any BI vehicle at any time.

OTHER

• Assist with the setup of various program spaces for activities (chairs, tables, etc.).
• All BI working hours should be performed at a BI location, in the individual's home, or at a community site with the individual. Exceptions need to be pre-approved by your supervisor.
• Provide support as a Direct Support Professional working in any BI program, including but not limited to providing in-home care, transportation, and in-community services for persons served.
• Executes position-specific job duties and other duties as assigned at the discretion of BI.

CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS
 

Organized:  Able to perform job duties with efficiency and accuracy.

Dependable: Can be relied upon; trustworthy, responsible, punctual.

Good Judgment: Chooses courses of action that result in beneficial outcomes for all BI stakeholders.

Positive Attitude: Has an overall positive, open, and supportive attitude.

Interpersonal Relations: Is able to relate well to others.

Communication:  Excellent verbal/written communication skills in English, is able to comprehend and follow directions, as well as be an effective listener.

Initiative: Is a self-starter.

Philosophical Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to BI’s established culture of dignity and respect. 

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:  

High school diploma or equivalent is required; College coursework or related professional experience in Special Education, Rehabilitation, Psychology, or a closely related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:  Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities is desirable. Good customer service skills and an interest in helping others pursue and achieve their goals are required. Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace (English).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A physical condition that will permit frequent bending, squatting, turning, and lifting without injury.
• Ability to operate a vehicle for a portion of your shift.
• Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to assist individuals in wheelchairs.
• Provide personal care to individuals, including assistance in the restroom and feeding.
• Lift at least 40 pounds.
• Clearance of pre-employment Functional Capacity Evaluation with no restrictions that cannot be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship.

MAY REQUIRE ONE OR ALL:

• Valid California driver’s license
• Insured, dependable vehicle
• Proof of current auto insurance
• On-Duty Meal Period Waiver
• First Aid and CPR certification (training will be provided)
• Criminal Record Clearance

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