GENERAL FUNCTION:
The
Direct Support Worker (DSP) is responsible for assisting the professional service team in the execution of habilitation and
rehabilitation plans for those with intellectual and other developmental
disabilities, including behavioral or mental health needs. The DSP'S role is to recognize that men and
women with intellectual disabilities can learn and enjoy growing in skill and
knowledge, and that they can live their lives as full community citizens and
with fully vested rights if they are provided the correct supports. The DSP supports participants’ abilities
to learn by showing them how to do things, engaging them in doing things for
themselves to the best of their abilities, completing activities for them when
needed, and providing repetition of these learning opportunities, even when the
progress is slow. The DSP knows
that he or she is there to teach and support the everyday things and activities
of a normalized life and the abilities and activities that lead to as much independence
of the supported persons as possible for fully satisfying community lives.
This DSP addresses needs with strategies described in the Individual Service Plan of a supported person with more complex physical, medical, mental health, or behavioral needs. He or she assists the individual or individuals with whom he or she works in obtaining benefits such as housing, food stamps, or other life sustaining governmental services that have been identified as needed.
The DSP:
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Valid driver’s license (clear of suspensions or blocks) and ability to drive car or van
· Dependable vehicle available for use on the job
·
Ability to follow (operationalize and
document) participants’ plans of care
·
Ability to assess, instruct, and support
social needs of those served
·
Ability to teach basic concepts of daily
living
·
Ability to assess and provide for
personal care needs
·
General knowledge of community resources
·
General knowledge of personal health and
personal/home safety
·
Knowledge of basic nutrition and the
ability to cook
·
Ability to organize, clean and maintain
a household
·
Ability to handle and use adaptive
equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, etc.
·
General knowledge of financial matters
(general banking/budgeting skills)
Demonstrated ability to:
·
Read, comprehend and implement program
guidelines and standards
·
Facilitate community connections
·
Articulate and follow ARCO’s philosophy
·
Write with clarity
·
Communicate in a way which promotes
positive and personal growth of the individual
· Model behavior and interactions appropriate to community standards
Meet Core Standards