Direct Support Professional, Day Program (FT Days)

Allied Services; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Lackawanna County is seeking a Direct Support Professional for the Day Program to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving personal growth and functional skills. Responsibilities include supervising programs, providing personal care, and implementing positive behavior management strategies. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and experience working with disabled individuals. A valid driver's license is required for travel within the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience with intellectually and physically disabled individuals preferred.
• Must pass post job offer, pre-placement and annual physical examination.
• Valid PA driver’s license required for community travel.

Responsibilities

• Supervise programs and conduct activities to improve functional levels.
• Assist individuals in achieving social and functional skills.
• Provide personal care and physical assistance as needed.

Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Knowledge of counseling techniques

Crisis intervention techniques

Ability to assist individuals with disabilities

Education

High school graduate or equivalent

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the direction of the site supervisor, the Direct Support Professional, Day Program is responsible for the implementation of specified developmental service and individual programs of instruction/assisting to promote individuals’ functional growth and development as specified below.

Brief Description

Under the direction of the site supervisor, the Direct Support Professional, Day Program is responsible for the implementation of specified developmental service and individual programs of instruction/assisting to promote individuals’ functional growth and development as specified below. Assigned duties are implemented in a manner appropriate to the age-specific needs of the individuals served. Duties can be but are not limited to assisting or training.

EDUCATION

• High school graduate or equivalent required.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of one (1) year experience working with intellectually and physically disabled and aging population preferred.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history.
• Must pass post job offer, pre-placement and annual physical examination with communicable disease screening.
• Valid PA driver’s license required for travel within the community. If position responsibilities include driving Allied vehicles, must successfully complete Allied's Driver Testing Program, as stated by policy #2.43.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills required for effective communication with staff, clients, and management.
• Knowledge of counseling techniques and crisis intervention techniques (i.e., redirection, etc.) required in order to deal with aggressive/inappropriate behaviors.
• Must adhere to program policies and procedure regarding safety and infection control.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB

• Directly supervises, programs, and/or conducts a variety of purposeful activities and planned programs to improve/maintain functional level and enhance the personal growth of each enrolled individual.
• Assists enrolled individuals in established interrelated need areas, including social, intellectual, cultural, economic, physical, spiritual, and interested areas, through Individual Program Plan facilitated in a one-to-one situation.
• Assists and supports enrolled individuals for the acquisition/maintenance of functional skills including Activities of Daily Living, Prevocational skills, communication, cognition, and community integration.
• Assists and supports enrolled individuals for the acquisition/maintenance of appropriate social skills, through community integration, individual and group instruction.
• Assists and supports proper work habits, methods, safety practices in preparation for vocational situations through individual and group instruction, community integration and by acting as a role model.
• Provide personal care and physical assistance to enrolled individuals in patient transfer to and from bathroom, company vehicles, etc. Assists and supports enrolled individuals with ambulation and gait difficulties.
• Keeps accurate records of each enrolled individual’s program plan in accordance with overall program objectives.
• Implements positive approach methods to manage behaviors under the direction of the support staff. Periodically this may involve dealing with aggressive behaviors and/or protecting others from aggressive behaviors.