Direct Support Professional - Creve Coeur (36433)

Emmaus; Creve Coeur (MO); On-site; USD 26,174 - 28,929; Full time

Job summary

Emmaus in Creve Coeur, MO, seeks a Direct Support Professional to empower clients towards independence. Responsibilities include administering medications, documenting health records, and assisting clients with daily activities and appointments. Training in CPR, First Aid, and medication administration is required.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and a valid driver's license. Candidates should be compassionate and committed to client advocacy.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in achieving independence.
• Administer medications as per physician's orders.
• Document client health and safety records accurately.
• Promote client choice and autonomy in daily activities.

Skills

Crisis management

Client advocacy

Medication administration

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Completion of one hundred hours of training

Tools

MS Office 365

Standard office equipment

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Creve Coeur, MO 63146

Salary Range: $19.00 - $21.00 Hourly

$19 hr. starting wage with opportunity to increase to $21 through completion of additional 160 hours of online training modules. Complete the modules at your own pace, in as little as a few months or spread out over a longer period. Complete the first 100 hours & increase to $20 hourly & complete the last 60 hours to increase to $21.

Job Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports the needs of clients in maximizing their ability to be as independent as possible. A successful DSP advocates in the best interest of clients by empowering their informed choice, and ensuring they are safe at home and in the community.

Emmaus Core Values

Core Values: Customer Centered, Integrity, Initiative, and Collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support – Client Care

• Promote and respect client choice.
• Ensure clients are working toward and achieving their goals.
• Support the health and well‑being of clients by administering medications per physician orders and the Medication Administration Record (MAR).
• Collaborate with the client to plan appropriate and meaningful outings. Attend scheduled and spontaneous outings, seek, and share feedback on experiences.
• Assist clients with scheduling and attending both emergency and routine medical appointments.

Direct Support – Documentation, Safety, & Compliance

• Be an expert on the Person Centered Support Plans (PCSPs) and Behavioral Support Plans (BSPs) of clients. Demonstrate understanding and apply supports in accordance with the plans.
• Be an expert on the physician‑ordered client diet to include food texture, adaptive eating equipment, and other special instructions. Seek immediate training or instruction on diet any time there is a question and before administering food to the client.
• Proactively report conditions and take appropriate action when a client is at risk of illness or injury.
• Advocate for the client’s health needs.
• Maintain timely, accurate and professional records through electronic and manual systems including observation and goal notes, electronic MAR, monthly safety packets, incident reporting, financial records, mileage tracking, training acknowledgements, shift duties, and any tracking related to client support needs such as intake and elimination.
• Ensure all activities and operations comply with regulatory agencies and requirements.

Teamwork and Conduct

• Communicate effectively with team members by being timely, courteous, and respectful. Share essential information and concerns with coworkers, all client support team members, and leadership to ensure necessary follow‑up occurs. Work across the CSM team and other locations as directed.
• Assist with training and provide shadowing to new DSPs, including but not limited to PCSPs and/or BSPs, household duties, systems, and the 45‑day checklist.
• Ensure adaptive equipment is maintained and assist staff with proper training and its usage.
• Complete oil changes, recalls, and routine maintenance as directed. Clean and fuel fleet vehicles as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Standard – Demands of the Job

• Operate standard office equipment, including but not limited to a laptop, cell phone, fax machine, printer, and copier.
• Drive an average vehicle independently, including an accessible van as required by job location.
• May be exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• Appropriately and effectively assist individuals during crisis or emergency situations.
• Perform detailed data collection, recording, and reporting in handwriting and typing.
• Complete required training as defined in the Emmaus Employee Training Curriculum within the Emmaus timeline, including but not limited to successful completion of CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration Level1, and Mandt training.

In Ratio – Demands of the Job

• Assist clients in accordance with appropriate procedures to stand from the ground, stand from a sitting position, or exit the bathtub, etc.
• Reposition clients as needed, assist them in utilizing a wheelchair, and use adaptive equipment to lift clients safely and comfortably.
• Stand in a lunge position (bend at the knees), with feet wider than the widest part of the body, while maintaining balance and stability during MANDT training or when using MANDT de‑escalation techniques.
• Transfer a client from a bed, couch, or chair to the floor to perform CPR or client evacuation in an emergency.
• Kneel on the ground and maintain proper positioning to perform continuous CPR cycles consistent with American Red Cross & Emmaus standards. For training purposes, this requires completion of five (5) full CPR cycles; in an emergency situation, CPR is performed until relieved by EMS.
• Lift 50 pounds on a limited basis and frequently assist with lifting, transferring, or moving clients and/or equipment up to the client's full body weight with the assistance of adaptive equipment, including assisting in and out of average vehicles and vans, and loading and unloading equipment and supplies.
• Operate client adaptive equipment.

Job Requirements/Desired Education and/or Experience

• H.S. diploma or equivalent OR completion of one hundred hours of training within one year of hire date required.
• Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Experience using MS Office 365 products preferred.
• Valid and current driver’s license required.
• Acceptable driving record, valid car insurance, and a personal working vehicle available for transporting clients and completing work‑related tasks required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Emmaus Homes provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.