Direct Support Professional 2 - The Beach House (Group Home)

Saintmaryshome; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive work environment

Training opportunities

Competitive salary

Job summary

A community support organization in Virginia Beach is seeking dedicated staff to assist individuals with daily needs, promote good health, and facilitate skills development. The ideal candidate will demonstrate kindness, patience, and effective communication while collaboratively working with a team to support individuals with special needs. Previous experience is preferred, along with a high school diploma or GED. This role offers a compassionate environment, where you can make a significant impact in individuals' lives.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with special needs.
• Experience with behavioral challenges preferred.
• CPR, Basic First Aid, and some DSP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with daily needs and activities.
• Provide health maintenance and monitor medical conditions.
• Facilitate skills development and effective communication strategies.
• Serve as a role model and mentor for behavior development.
• Advocate for individuals’ personal goals and choices.
• Maintain clean and safe living environments for individuals.

Skills

Kindness and patience

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Creativity

Compassion

Education

High school diploma or GED

Some college preferred

Job description

Description

RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Supports

• Assists assigned individuals with all their daily needs, including but not limited to:
• Assisting young adults to participate in routine, scheduled and spontaneous activities at the Home and in the community, such as preparing for day program, attending appointments, and participating in field trips and recreational activities such as sports, music, reading, arts and crafts, games, study groups, swimming in the hydra therapy pool, etc.
• Grooming, hair care, nail care, mouth care, dressing, bathing, and toileting/diapering
• Eating and following designated individualized feeding techniques
• Applying splints and braces
• Therapeutic positioning using a variety of adaptive equipment in multiple environments
• Mobility, including lifting individuals from a seated or lying down position, pushing individuals in their wheelchairs, using adapted lifting equipment, and helping individuals walk and maintain stability

Health Maintenance

• Provides as much care and assistance needed to promote good health and maintain safety
• Helps individuals receive medical care and communicate with medical professionals
• Monitors, records and reports information regarding health conditions. Fluid input, output, temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Seizure observation, documentation, and reporting.
• Monthly weights
• Reports any changes in an individual’s physical condition and seeks medical intervention when needed

Skills Development

• Applies effective communication strategies and teaches necessary skills to the individuals served
• Implements support programs as written and at the frequency required as identified in an individual’s ISP
• Demonstrates accurate data collection procedures as required by the ISP to document progress on skill development and achievement
• Can incorporate skill development opportunities in a natural manner throughout the regular daily routines
• Participates in team planning meetings and provide feedback to ensure the development of meaningful and appropriate ISPs

Behavior Development

• Serves as role model and mentor, demonstrating desired behaviors, and coaching individuals using approved techniques and strategies
• Develops and maintains relationships of trust and respect
• Uses approved physical intervention techniques as directed to protect individuals and others
• Provides support and assistance by participating in each individual’s specific behavior training programs and completing necessary documentation
• Works closely with the QIDP to ensure plans are implemented effectively and modifications affected as needed
• Assists with data collection and analysis for support outcomes and behavioral interventions for assigned children

Advocacy

• Assists individuals with achieving personal goals and works on behalf of individuals to overcome barriers
• Helps individuals participate in activities of their choice and supports their gifts and talents
• Acts in the best interest of each individual’s personal beliefs, choices, and interests rather than in response to perceived shortcomings or staff interests
• Encourages and assists children and young adults in the exploration of new opportunities and environments
• Encourages social development and relationships with friends and other meaningful relationships through active and appropriate engagement with others

Operational Support

• Maintains and cares for each individual’s personal belongings and adaptive equipment to include laundry daily
• Maintains clean and orderly living units and program areas for the individuals served
• Provides supervision and always ensures safety of individuals
• Participates in shift report and completes necessary documentation
• Works collaboratively with others to implement and oversee a variety of recreational activities
• Ensures appropriate support and supervision to all individuals while promoting increased independence and choice
• Reports equipment problems, unusual incidents or injuries appropriately and completes necessary paperwork.
• Prepares food in accordance with dietary guidelines and food handler’s license requirements
• Maintains property through routine cleaning of living areas to include: bathrooms, kitchen, living area and bedrooms

Requirements

CONDUCT

• Demonstrate kindness, patience, and compassion when working with staff, residents, and visitors.
• Collaborate effectively with all team members, maintaining a positive, respectful attitude.
• Approach challenges with creativity and a commitment to fostering a fun, engaging environment.

EDUCATION/EXPEREINCE

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; some college preferred.
• Previous experience working with individuals with special needs.
• Previous experience working with individuals with behavioral challenges preferred.
• Drivers’ license, and acceptable driving record required.
• CPR, Basic First Aid, and some DSP experienced preferred.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat for variable periods of time, adhere to the Home’s dress code policy, and always wear a company-issued ID badge.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds independently and with or without assistive equipment
• Must be able to be certified in First Aid/CPR and Therapeutic Options
• Must be able to obtain Food Handler’s Card
• Must complete 2-day Person-Centered Thinking training through The Learning Community for Person-Centered Practices