Position Overview
Working in the home and/or a community environment the Direct Support Professional is responsible for the delivery of quality one‑on‑one services to intellectual and/or developmental disability individuals and working towards their outcome statement as outlined in the Individual Support Plan. Care may also involve activities of daily living and communication with other members of the individual’s multidisciplinary team.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide professional support to adult or pediatric individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in their homes, workplaces, or community settings to promote their emotional, physical, and personal well‑being.
- Implement strategies to assist the individual in obtaining their outcomes as stated in the Individual Support Plan (ISP).
- Complete documentation to substantiate services delivered (e.g., EVV, daily service notes).
- Assist the individual and the interdisciplinary team in the development and maintenance of the ISP.
- Immediately report any changes or problems in the individual’s condition to the manager.
- Complete all documentation in accordance with state and program regulations, Aveanna HealthCare policies and procedures, and applicable accreditation standards.
- Always adhere to confidentiality standards and professional boundaries.
- Help individuals reach their goals of greater independence by offering guidance, instruction, and role‑modeling.
- Actively seek opportunities for those served to experience life in their homes and communities based on their hobbies and interests.
- Support individuals’ preferences and ensure their interests are honored.
- Assist individuals in developing life skills necessary to reach their potential (e.g., interaction with others, cooking, housekeeping, budgeting, personal hygiene).
- Assist individuals in living an everyday life.
- Ensure the health and safety of the individual.
Requirements
- Desire to assist individuals to live life to its fullest.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Active driver’s license, current automobile insurance, current car registration, and current inspection if transporting clients.
- Willingness to accompany those served into the community and provide support during interactions while respecting the civil and human rights and dignity of the individual.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
- Eligible for State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance.
- FBI clearance required for individuals who do not meet Pennsylvania residency requirements.
Other Skills and Abilities
- Adhere to confidentiality standards and professional boundaries.
- Recognize incidents and report them.
- Remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
- Attention to detail.
- Time management.
- Strong commitment to excellence.
- Effective problem‑solving and conflict resolution.
- Excellent organization and communication skills.
- Quick‑thinking and astute decision‑making.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to speak, write, read, and understand English.
- Occasional lifting, caring, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds.
- Prolonged walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and twisting.
- Must be able to sit and climb stairs.
- Must have visual and hearing acuity.
Environment
Must be able to function in a wide variety of environments which may involve exposure to allergens and other conditions.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.