IDD Direct Support Professional job in Philadelphia at Help At Home

GENERAL PURPOSE

Provide direct support services, companion services and/or respite care to young adults and adults with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Services are provided to the clients at home and/or in the community setting, in accordance with the Individual Support Plan (ISP).

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) are directly supervised by a Program Specialist, as well as the Program Director.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists individuals in learning and developing new skills that will enhance opportunities for independence and inclusion.  Support may include the use of community resources and recreational facilities, volunteer opportunities, and assistance with daily living needs, medical appointments and specialized therapies.
2. DSPs perform within the limits of employee’s preparation and experience.  If unable to perform a certain task, reports to the supervisor immediately.
3. Provides and maintains safe environment for the consumers. Use supplies and equipment safely and properly (footstools, side rails, etc.).  Practice Universal Precautions in all contacts with consumers.
4. Assists the consumer with attaining goals in order to have positive outcomes as described in the individual’s ISP.
5. Utilize positive reinforcement and behavior modification techniques to improve the client’s socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree.
6. Performs or assists the consumer with home maintenance activities as prescribed in the ISP.
7. Respects the autonomy and right to confidentiality of all consumers and families.
8. Produces accurate documentation of the services.  Documents care provided and response of the consumer/family.  Submits time sheets and all other documentation in a timely manner.
9. Performs all duties in an ethical manner and in compliance with local, state and federal laws, Medicare/Medicaid regulations and established personnel policies and procedures, including confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines.
10. Performs other job-related duties as may be assigned.

TRAINING:

1. Upon hire, all employees will be required to complete the mandatory in-service training related to the following topics:

• Identification and Prevention of Abuse and Neglect and Exploitation of an individual.
• Recognizing, Reporting and Investigating Critical Incidents
• Participant Complaint Resolution
• Quality Management Plan
• Agency Emergency Preparedness
• Handling Medical and Behavioral Emergencies
• Infection Control and Standard Precautions
• Tuberculosis
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
• Department Policy on intellectual disability principles and values.
• Training to meet the needs of an individual as identified in the ISP
• Grievance Procedures
• Department Issued Policies and Procedures
• Accurate billing and documentation of service delivery

1. Additional Training Topics will include:

• Seizures
• Dysphagia
• Prevention of Falls
• Emergency Preparedness
• Fire Safety
• Driver Safety (If Applicable)

COMPETENCIES

1. Knowledge and Experience:  High school diploma or equivalent; or completion of a state approved training program; or demonstrate skills and have a passing score on a written competency test.  Satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers.  Passes the criminal background check.  Minimum age requirement of 18 years.
2. Personal accountability:  Exercises good health and personal hygiene practices.  Demonstrates awareness of one’s own behavior and its impact on others.  Maintains excellent attendance, including traveling to client site in all weather conditions.  Performs tasks in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
3. Interpersonal Skills:  Maintains a professional attitude and demeanor and communicates effectively. Relates courteously and cooperatively with consumers, caregivers, colleagues, supervisors, co-workers and all others.  Demonstrates optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other home care team members and demonstrates respect and concern for the wellbeing of consumers and others.
4. Physical Demands: 
   1. This position requires the employee to work in a variety of environments (housing styles, cleaning and maintenance, heating and cooling) during visits to clients in their place of residence. 
   2. Requires the ability to ambulate throughout a patient's home, navigating stairs and other physical barriers typical to private residences.
   3. Must able to deal effectively with stress.
   4. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
   5. See attached Physical Requirements Form.
5. Requirements:
   1. Travel: In-Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) require the consumer to actively participate in community activities.  Therefore, all DSPs must possess a valid driver’s license, have clean driving history, and have access to a vehicle that is registered and insured.