FULL-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)/CAREGIVER

Gaston Residential Services, Inc.; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 19,320 - 27,517; Full time

Job summary

Gaston Residential Services, Inc. seeks a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to assist individuals served in home and community settings. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, with emphasis on appropriate social interactions and reliable judgment.

DSPs work with minimal supervision and follow GRS ethics and conduct. Salary starts at $17.50/hour and is negotiable based on education and experience. Applicants will complete thorough documentation, maintain confidentiality, transport

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate social interactions and professional communication.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and exercise good judgment.

Responsibilities

• Complete required documentation in a thorough and timely manner, including daily notes, monthly/quarterly progress notes, and incident reports.
• Follow all rules and procedures to respect rights, confidentiality, and licensure regulations.
• Communicate promptly with supervisors and team members about significant events and information.
• Provide safe, punctual transportation and help people served participate in daily activities and scheduled events.
• Assist with meals, daily living activities, and maintaining the home and personal property.
• Demonstrate professional skills and participate in development activities, including medication administration after certification and team collaboration.
• Be available to cover other duties and potential overnight hours or travel as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Professional communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The primary function of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to assure the positive teaching of the people served in a supportive and continuous manner. This teaching takes place in the home and community and is a vitally important part of the services provided.

A DSP must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

It is expected that DSP model appropriate social interactions at all times. In addition, a DSP will demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, work without close supervision and demonstrate good judgment by adhering to GRS code of ethics and conduct.

Salary for this position starts at $17.50/hour and is negotiable based on education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Completion of all required documentation in a thorough and timely manner:
  • Daily documentation of out of the ordinary events or episodes which might affect the person’s life
  • Maintenance of the household checking account, the household’s petty cash accounts, and individual person served accounts in accordance with established procedures
  • Accurate completion of incident reports
  • Familiarity with group home forms and demonstrated proper use of these forms
  • Completion of monthly and/or quarterly progress notes as assigned
• Follow all rules and procedures:
  • Ensure that the human and civil rights of the people served are respected and defended at all times and in all places
  • Compliance with confidentiality rules and regulations concerning transmittal of person served information and household information, as well as all licensure regulations
  • Familiarity with the policies and procedures of Gaston Residential Services
  • Working knowledge of emergency procedures
• Clear and prompt communication:
  • Prompt reports of significant events, problems, and information to supervisors
  • Participation in daily transition of information with other staff/supervisors
  • Communication of significant information during program plan meetings and medical appointments
  • Conduct all communication in a professional and courteous manner
• Proactive completion of routines and schedules:
  • Respond to the needs of the people served including following their individual daily schedules
  • Provide safe, punctual transportation of the people served to work, professional appointments, and recreation and leisure activities
  • Assist the people served to participate in the scheduled house meeting
  • Encourage the person to choose their recreational and leisure time activities and provide support with participation
• Completion of household activities and activities of daily living:
  • Assure that people served are actively engaged in all aspects of daily living
  • Purchasing, preparation, serving, and documentation of meals according to the menu plan and individual specialized diets
  • General maintenance and cleaning of the home and vehicle(s)
  • Assist the people served to maintain their personal property in good order
  • Assure that the people look their best and that appropriate and individualized hair styles, makeup, and clothing are encouraged
  • Insure that the people are dressed appropriately according to the activity planned and the weather expected for the day
• Demonstration of professional skills and participation in professional development:
  • Use of good judgment, with the needs of the person served as the primary concern
  • Working knowledge of each person’s program plan
  • Demonstrates the ability to complete goals/objectives as written in the person’s plan
  • Demonstrates the ability to integrate the teaching of goals/objectives in all aspects of the person’s life
  • After medication administration certification, administer and record medications
  • Participation in all required classes, whether that class is during regularly scheduled working hours or not
  • Respect for other staff on the team
  • Available to participate in any facility survey
• Other
  • This position requires lifting, pulling, pushing and bending throughout the day. DSP’s must follow GRS back safety procedures at all times.
• Other duties
  • Due to the nature of the 24-hour, 365-day a year, residential setting other duties may be deemed necessary by the Assistant Director or the designee and will be assigned as needed. This position may require some overnight hours and travel outside of the local area.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or the equivalent
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate social interactions and professional communication
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and exercise good judgment