Provide direct support services to individuals with developmental disabilities in any Arc Otsego program. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) delivers quality services as outlined in participants' program plan(s) by encouraging and facilitating the development of each individual in reaching his/her maximum potential while guaranteeing the safety, health, and well being of all assigned individuals.  Assists individuals with daily living activities, Day Habilitation, Vocational Training and other Program Activities, implements program plans, maintains a safe, secure, and clean environment, accurately and thoroughly completes all required documentation and completes other duties as assigned.  Serve as a role model to people living in the residence, participating in program(s) and to other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist Individuals With Daily Living Activities:

• Provide direct care to the assigned individual (s).  These tasks include, but are not limited to, bathing, changing soiled or incontinent clothing, dressing, undressing, hair care, shaving, dental care, etc.
• Assure that each individual maintains a clean and neat appearance that is appropriate for home and for community outings.
• Assist with food and meal preparation, meal time monitoring, and modeling for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner
• Provide transportation in an agency vehicle for people for whom you provide support, including transportation monitoring.
• Drive agency vehicles as assigned, in a safe manner, obeying all laws and regulations.

• If Medication Certified (AMAP), administer medication accurately and thoroughly as per policy and procedure.

Implement Program Plans

• Implement the objectives assigned from the Individual's Plan and document data collected in a timely manner.
• Implement program schedules for the individual(s) for whom you provide support.
• Implements vocational and/or behavioral service plans including relevant data collection
• Monitor vocational trainees' daily program attendance.
• Promote family, community and social involvement for each individual.
• Demonstrate the use of Positive Approaches in the prevention, redirection, and intervention of behavior problems and concerns.  Intervene with disruptive individuals in a calm, professional manner in accordance with federal and state regulations, program policy and procedures and behavior plans.  Document all such interventions on required forms and charts and notify appropriate supervisory staff.

Assist Individuals With Day Habilitation, Vocational Training and other Program Activities:

• Provide individually chosen, continuous active treatment to individuals with day habilitation activities during all operating hours of the day habilitation site whether on site or in the community.
• Ensure that activities are individually chosen, intellectually stimulating, augment health maintenance, and enhance each person's ability to participate in community activities.
• Follow all day habilitation/treatment plans for each person. This includes objectives, ongoing services, staff actions behavior/monitoring plans, meal plans, etc.
• Provide age appropriate activities that are functional for the person and that support the person to achieve the life s/he wants.
• Interact with all people supported in a way that respects their ages, regardless of any physical, intellectual, or behavioral disability.
• Keep the Site Manager, Coordinator and Individual Program Coordinator (IPC) informed about any concerns involving the persons supported.
• Assists in the provision of vocational skills training and work skills assessment. Includes one-on-one training of Vocational Training Center trainees, where applicable.
• Conduct a downtime group or individualized downtime activities.

Maintain a Safe, Secure and Clean Environment:

• Carry out all assigned and required cleaning and maintenance of the building, equipment, grounds, and vehicles.
• Assist with and complete domestic duties as assigned
• Follow agency policies and procedures for ensuring the security of the residence and the safety of the people residing in the home.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating environment.
• Assure that safety devices are in good working order and that safety procedures are being followed.

Complete Documentation/Follow Compliance Procedures:

• Review all logs, notes and records at the beginning of and during each shift.
• Collect data as required in each person's day habilitation and/or treatment plan
• Accurately document services and response to services and complete all other required documentation. 
• Respect the privacy of the individual and his or her family; ensure the confidentiality of all individual records, and communications as per corporate compliance procedures.
• Assure security of all confidential files and information on customers and people under our auspice.
• Accurately use Agency assigned software (Therap, Microsoft 365)
• Performs clerical duties (copying, filing, record purging, etc.) as needed or directed

Other Duties:

• Interact with staff, families, and representatives of other agencies and members of the public in a professional manner.
• Attend all team meetings for individuals for whom you have been assigned primary or secondary responsibility.  Team meetings may occur outside of your regularly scheduled shift.
• Participate in staff meetings and in-service trainings as required by OPWDD and Agency
• Work additional hours as mandated. 
• Attend scheduled training sessions and staff meetings.
• Implement the Residential Quality Improvement Program, Program System Review (PSR), as directed.
• Serve as a member of a committee as required or requested.
• Bring other concerns that may arise to the attention of your immediate supervisor; follow ‘chain of command' thereafter.
• Maintain a positive relationship with other Arc Otsego programs, departments, other community agencies, and businesses in the community.
• Adhere to all agency policies, mission, and values, with a particular emphasis on providing the supports desired by each person supported to achieve the life s/he wants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

III. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position requires no supervisory responsibilities. 

IV. QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma, GED or CNA is preferred. Previous experience and/or training in a similar field will be considered in lieu of educational preference.  

REASONING SKILLS

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate the following competencies: Sound decision making and judgment, interpersonal skills, planning/organizing, strategic thinking, time management and delegating. The ability to work independently in multiple settings.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports/correspondence and good communication and writing skills.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar or line graphs.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Must be knowledgeable about Internet software, Microsoft Office components including Word, Office, Excel and PowerPoint.  Becomes knowledgeable and trained in the use of Therap for plan writing, event reporting and ongoing communication.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid NYS driver's license and an acceptable driving record.  Successful completion of behavior intervention techniques, CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration Certification and all other required training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physically able to bend/stoop, squat, push/pull, reach above/below shoulder level frequently.
• Must be able to independently lift and/or transfer, push or pull up to 50 lbs.  No lifting restrictions.
• Ability to physically intervene using Agency-endorsed behavior interventions.
• Must have adequate vision, speaking and hearing ability, with or without correction, to be constantly aware of, detect, and able to respond to each individual's needs when not in immediate vicinity.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Ability to ambulate; reach with hands and arms
• Ability to operate a computer and software programs.

V. EXPECTATIONS

• Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
• Maintain acceptable attendance and punctuality in accordance with The Arc Otsego's standards.
• Adhere to all policies and practices in place at The Arc Otsego.

VI. WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Works with household cleaning solutions.
• Moderate noise; 75-90% of work is performed indoors, 10-25% outdoors.
• Works with wheelchairs, electric/hydraulic/manual lift/ramp equipment, lifts and hook-ups, oxygen tanks, mechanical/electrical beds, household appliances, cleaning equipment, whirlpool machines, mist machines, suction machines, augmentative communication devices, yard equipment and office equipment.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
• Must clean up human waste and other body fluids as required.
• Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule including overtime.

Americans with Disabilities Act: Reasonable accommodations will be made in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADAAA of 2008.

Occupational Safety and Health Act: Exposed to human body fluids, airborne agents, household chemicals. May be exposed to contagious diseases.