Direct Support Professional - Community Living (Northside Indianapolis)

 Summary:

Create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live meaningful lives by providing support for individuals to participate in and fully benefit from services provided. Working one-on-one or within a team setting, provide direct supervision and instruction to individuals, assist with daily personal care needs, and provide training and support for individuals to achieve outcomes in the areas of life skills, personal development, community integration, job skills and independent living.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work from home eligible:  No

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Understand and implement Individual Support Plans (ISP) of individuals served. ISP’s may include, teaching, assisting, facilitating, and building on the individual’s strengths in the following areas: health and safety, recreation, social skills, self-advocacy, employment, personal hygiene, meal planning and food preparation, shipping, budgeting and bill payment, and housekeeping and laundry.
• Assess, implement, and evaluate progress on identified goals/outcomes for individuals assigned, in accordance with the Individual Support Plan.
• Provide direct, interactive supervision, instruction, and training in a variety of life skill areas, such as: independent living skills (meal preparation, financial management, etc.); art, music, and leisure activities; social skills and relationship-building; and health and safety.
• Understand and implement the strategies and techniques in Behavior Support Plans, as applicable.
• Administer medication as prescribed by the individual’s health care provider and in compliance with medication administration standards and document such information in accordance with the individual’s support plan, physician’s orders and agency procedures.
•  Identify adaptations and/or alternative supports so that each individual may actively participate in all activities of their choice.
• Assist supervisor in designing and implementing an effective daily schedule that meets identified service standards and includes activities that are meaningful to individuals served.
• Provide transportation to and from community activities for individuals served using personal and/or agency vehicles.
• Promote, facilitate, and establish linkages and community supports for individuals served.
• Assist in planning and implementing age-appropriate, functional curriculum as outlined in daily activity plans for group and individual activities.

• Must have and/or develop working knowledge and proficiency in Person Centered Planning and Positive Behavior Supports.
• Oral/written communication skills to clearly and effectively express ideas.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize identified computer software applications to accomplish tasks.
• Ability to read, comprehend, interpret and apply information from general procedures, instructions, data and reports.
• Cooperative attitude and tolerance for stress when confronted with critical situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity.

Education and Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age or over.
•  High school diploma, GED or HSE
• Prefer 6 months of work experience in a human services field and/or experience with individuals with disabilities.
• Home Health Aid/CAN or NADSP credential a plus.

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Must have ability to lift/move materials weighing up to 50 lbs. periodically