Senior Direct Support Professional - VersAbility Resources Inc.

Position Purpose:

The Senior DSP is responsible for supporting supervisors, staff and individuals in a residence and/or habilitative activity program, which includes balancing the needs of individuals, families, and other stakeholders.  The purpose is to produce meaningful community, employment, residence and/or facility-based activities, leading to the integration of people with intellectual disabilities and related disabilities into community life.  The incumbent will coordinate the day-to-day activities and programs, while providing group leadership. Maintain individual’s confidential files for review; conduct specialized training to team members in the department and other duties as needed to assist the unit supervisor.

Primary Duties:

• Coordinate the training of an assigned team of individuals, and their involvement in meaningful activities
• Assist in the development of and ensure the implementation of individual service plans utilizing a person-centered approach
• Provide input to, and implement individual behavior management plans, including staff training of the plans
• Train staff to ensure the effective application of individual training methods, and provide professional, age-appropriate activities for individuals 
• Schedule and conduct ISP reviews, within time periods required by funding and referral sources
• Maintain individual confidential records and ensure program notes and other records provided by staff meet the organizations standards of quality
• Actively observe program implementation methods and practices to ensure the active participation of individuals in the program and the provision of individual choice is followed
• Continually communicate with families, other staff, case managers and other agency personnel to provide exceptional person-centered services
• Maintain assigned areas to ensure health and safety risks are identified and reduced/eliminated and activities are conducted in a safe and professional manner
• Maintain Medication Administration certification and ensures Medication administration including the medication rooms are in compliance
• Provide direct support to individuals as needed to ensure program staffing needs are met
• Monitor and update ISP information collected for monthly and quarterly reviews
• Comply with federal, state, and other accreditation licensing standards for the agency/program, to include record keeping, individual rights, confidentiality, input from persons served, outcome management reports, as well as all other requested duties
• Complete quarterly reviews of program plans
• Compare/correct and ensure data collection supports billing of services and time entry properly tracks an individuals and staff person’s hours worked, PTO, etc.
• Conduct time studies, task analysis and motion studies as required to support the use of Department of Labor 14c sub-minimum wage standards if applicable
• Ability to obtain and maintain VersAbility Resources’ required training including but not limited to CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and MODAPTS if applicable
• Responsible for interactions with various external contacts, including the successful transaction of business where applicable
• Ability to become certified on VersAbility Resources operational equipment if applicable
• Occasionally may need to drive vehicles including, but not limited to, large passenger vans
• Provide support for community integration efforts and HCBS Rights Compliance
• Serve as interim supervisor, when appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Skills Knowledge & Abilities:

•      Must have a general knowledge of implementing community based habilitation and employment service for people with cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities

•      Must have knowledge of Positive Behavioral Support techniques

•      Knowledge of activity planning, community integration, and person-centered planning desired

•      Knowledge of current training techniques, reinforcement schedules, and data sheet development for programs desired

•      Must multi-task

•      Must be able to demonstrate patience while training others that require frequent prompting

•      Must have effective oral and written communication skills

•      Must be able to train staff in programming techniques

•      Physically able to assist individuals in personal care or behavior management and training programs

•      Must be able to lift fifty (50) pounds, bend through a full range of motion and stand for extended periods of time

•      Valid Virginia Driving license required, and must be insurable under VersAbility Resources’ auto and liability insurance programs

•      May be tasked with special projects where the ability to work independently and/or while interacting with other stakeholders is necessary

 Education: 

 High school diploma or GED is required, A four- year college degree in a related field is preferred.

 Experience:

 A minimum of two years’ experience working with people with disabilities or a combination of education and experience.

Competencies:

 To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Accountability: Exhibits a willingness to accept responsibility and to be held accountable for actions
• Adaptability: Exhibits the ability to change (or the willingness to be changed) to fit changing circumstances. Exhibits the ability to be a leader of change when circumstances call for it
• Attention to Detail: Achieves thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task through concern for all areas involved
• Collaboration: Works with others to produce mutually beneficial outcomes and promotes collaborative working situations 
• Customer Focus: Knowing the (internal and external) customer business needs and acting accordingly; anticipating customer needs, and giving high priority to customer satisfaction and customer service
• Effective Communication: Creates an atmosphere in which timely and high-quality information flows smoothly up and down, inside and outside of the organization. Encourages open expression of opinions and ideas
• Quality:  Produces results or provides service that meets or exceeds company standards
• Reliability:  Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job
• Teamwork: Working as a productive member of a cohesive group toward a common goal, and contributing to team development and effective team dynamics

 Environmental: 

•  The incumbent works in a center based habilitation environment, warehouse environment and frequent trips into the community. 
•   Person may encounter inclement weather such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, snow etc. 
• The work requires some physical exertion such as lifting/supporting adults to facilitate daily health and hygiene needs. 
• Work will involve both standing and sitting for periods of two hours without break.

Certifications: