Direct Support Professional (DSP) (32 HRS)

The Salvation Army; Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service organization is seeking a caring individual to provide support to residents by ensuring their safety and well-being. The role includes assisting with daily living activities, maintaining accurate records, and engaging in interdisciplinary meetings. Candidates should possess a high school diploma or GED, have experience in human services, and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Valid certification and a driver's license are required for this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience in Human Services.
• Capacity and willingness to learn to use computer systems.
• Must pass AMAP certification training and maintain valid certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and clean environment for residents.
• Ensure nutritional needs are met according to prescribed diet.
• Assist clients in skill development and personal care.
• Maintain records and reports for each resident.
• Participate in treatment meetings and resident reviews.

Skills

Excellent oral & written communication skills

Teamwork philosophy

Respect and consideration for residents

Experience in medical care

Education

H.S. Diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred

Job description

The essential functions for the job include, but are not limited to, the duties listed in the job description.

Responsibilities

• Provides and ensures a safe, clean and normalized home-like environment at all times. Informs Program Manager of Physical Plant needs.
• Promptly informs the Program Manager/Assistant Program Manager of any serious incident or violations of resident and/or staff rights, according to established policies.
• Development of A.D.L. (Activities of Daily Living) and ILS (Independent Living Skills) as it relates to residents.
• Maintains ongoing knowledge of each resident’s medical, psychological, cognitive and social needs and ensures that programming is appropriate to needs and treatment goals.
• Maintains and submits timely and accurate records and reports regarding the development status, progress and other related information concerning the residents. This includes, but not limited to, daily goal data, monthly progress notes, summaries and other reports, as required.
• Maintain and check Medication administration records daily as needed.
• Maintain and order individuals’ medications in regard to the doctor’s order as needed.
• Scheduling individual’s medication appointments.
• Review individual’s medical records to ensure all appointments are followed.
• Daily communication with nurse and management on all individuals’ appointment/follow-ups.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment meetings and regularly scheduled resident reviews, as required.
• Provide habilitation services to each client as prescribed in that client’s service plans (CFA, Individual Service plan, Habilitation plan).
• Assist in transporting the individuals to and from programs, community inclusion activities, medical appointments, home visits and all other activities as needed.
• Assist each client, as needed, in skill development in areas such as activities of daily living, domestic living, recreation and socialization.
• Report immediately any observed/known deficiencies or own inability in providing habilitation services to clients, as well as all types of abuse and other facility problems, including physical plant/safety issues to management.
• Ensure assigned clients’ nutritional needs are met according to prescribed diet and assist with feeding as necessary.
• Organizes, assists, supervises and, when necessary, prepares meals for residents.
• Assumes responsibility for agency and/or resident funds personally assigned for purposes of making residents or program purchases.
• Escort the individuals on medical appointments as scheduled.
• Complete Staff Information Entry Form when Escorting the individuals on medical appointments.
• Appropriately communicates to Program Nurse and supervisors, both verbally and in writing (i.e. medical consult reports, incident reports, residence’s logbook) pertinent residents and/or program issues, ensuring the continuity of care and efficient operation of the residence. Read residence logbook daily.
• Maintains ongoing knowledge of each resident’s medical appointments and follow up needs.
• Assists Housekeeper/Cook with household cleaning and maintenance of facility.
• Housekeeping duties as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of persons and population served.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred with a minimum of one year experience in Human Services.
• Excellent oral & written communication skills, capacity and willingness to learn to use computer systems.
• Demonstrates teamwork philosophy and professional conduct consistent with agency standards.
• Has respect and consideration for the resident being served.
• Experience in medical care and interaction with medical professionals.
• Must pass AMAP certification training and maintain valid certification throughout employment.
• A valid Driver’s License is required (must be able to drive large vehicles which consist of wheelchairs or a 15‑seat van).
• SCIP R and CPR & First Aid required.