Direct Support Professional
NW Works Mission:
Our mission is to empower adults with disabilities and individuals with barriers to employment to build skills and secure and sustain meaningful employment.
Job Summary:
Our Therapeutic Direct Support Professionals make a difference in the daily lives of the individuals that we serve. The TDSP will support, coach, and work with individuals with developmental and/or physical disabilities following a daily curriculum of activities. The TDSP will write daily case notes and report any significant changes to the Therapeutic Administrator of that client as assigned to the individual. TDSP’s may be involved in community and/or outdoor activities with individuals served.
Essential Functions (Center Based)
In conjunction with Therapeutic Program Administrator(s), the Therapeutic Direct Support Professional (TDSP) assists with coordinating and implementing daily activities for program participants.
- Provide ongoing direct supervision of all individuals in the program, including their concerns and needs which will be handled in a timely, orderly, caring and safe manner with an emphasis on quality. Management will be made aware of problems and issues in a timely manner.
- Monitors and documents productivity, engagement, and support needed to address goals outlined in the individual’s specific person-centered plan.
- Ensures that all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and provided with choice and opportunities to meet their individualized goals.
Essential Functions (Community Based)
- Assist with coordinating and implementing daily activities for the program recipients predominantly in Community based settings.
- Provides oversight, training, programming and support with program participants as needed to include transportation, advocacy, skill building and work activity.
- Monitors and documents productivity, engagement, and support needed to address goals outlined in the individual's specific person-centered plan.
- Ensures that all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and provided with ample opportunities to meet their individualized goals.
- Provides a safe and secure environment at the assigned work location communicating with business representatives of the employer
- Works with a team of Direct Support Professionals as well as Therapeutic Program Administrators to establish a professional and supportive treatment team.
- Establishes rapport across departments to ensure a therapeutic environment.
- Communicates in team meetings to develop and enhance client experience through services.
- Networks in the community to develop opportunities for individuals in community-based settings.
- Obtains feedback from individuals and stakeholders, as appropriate on satisfaction to further enhance service provision.
Service Delivery:
- Provides oversight, training, programming and support with program participants as needed to include transportation, advocacy, skill building and general activities of daily living.
- Coordinates with staff as appropriate the provision of community-based activities as well as supports individuals to navigate and further understand their community.
- Participates in relevant and required trainings as assigned to meet licensing and accreditation mandates.
- Observes individuals for changes in behavior and health to ensure therapeutic care is provided and that the treatment team is notified.
- Responsible for being knowledgeable and familiar with basic instructional techniques, special accommodations and individualized procedures in order to maximize an individual’s success.
Reporting:
- Assists with Person Centered Planning, production and day activities and maintains accurate time records and related daily documentation for individuals served.
- Documents and reports incidents and observations pertaining to behavioral or health changes of individuals to supervisor in appropriate time-frames.
- Ensures that client documentation aligns with regulatory guidelines and is completed following NW Works documentation procedure timeline.
- Tracks and reports data supporting Individual skill building that pertain to outcomes and objectives in a person-centered plan.
- Acts as a professional representative of NW Works in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong organizational skills.
- Thorough documentation skills
- Effectively communicates with people in potentially stressful situations.
- Strong quantitative skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Meets all of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Direct Support Professional Competencies as observed and documented by the Lead Direct Support Professional.
- Knowledge of Medicaid Waiver Services, Workforce Innovations and Opportunities Act, and the Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Expectations for knowledge of and compliance with the HCBS settings requirements.
Technical Skills:
- Effective use of Microsoft Office
- Ability to navigate mobile applications
- Effective and timely Vertex documentation entry (case notes)
- This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, phones, and photocopiers.
Minimum Education, Certifications and Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license and verification of a clean driving record
- Minimum of one year of experience working in the Human Services field (preferred but not required)
Work Environment:
This position works in an office environment and within a classroom setting
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical requirements include:
- Ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds
- Ability to stoop and bend
- Ability to work beyond the normal work schedule, including Saturdays as needed
- Ability to stand an entire work day
- Ability and use full range of motion
- Ability to drive a 12-passenger van
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Disability Specifications:
NW Works will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Equal Employment Statement:
NW Works, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a non-discrimination policy prohibiting discrimination in employment and the provision of services on the basis of the fact or perception of race, color or creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status or status with regard to public assistance.
NWW strictly follows the guidelines of Executive Order 11246 and our affirmative action plan is available for your review upon request.
NW Works is proud to offer competitive wages and a number of benefits, including a 401K with employer match; health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; health savings accounts; and a comprehensive employee assistance program. We also offer referral bonuses for current employees, so be sure to mention the name of the person who referred you in your application.
DBHDS Regulations 12VAC35-106.270 & 12VAC35-106.280
