Direct Support Professional (Thurs & Fri 8:45p-7:15a)

Choices for all, barriers for none.

Home Life is a private, non-profit organization in Corvallis, Oregon, that provides safe, integrated community living services. We empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering support that enhances their quality of life.

Home Life - Job Description

Position: Direct Support Professional (DSP) 

Reports to: Program Manager

Program/Division: Supported Living

Supervises: N/A

Pay Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly, eligible for overtime) 

Last Revised: 01-2024

Job Summary:

Direct Support Professionals assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy active, productive, and empowered lives by providing support to increase or maintain the skills needed to live independently and build relationships in the community.

Minimum Qualifications:

Eligibility for Employment

• Ability to pass an initial criminal history check from the Department of Human Services Criminal Records Unit and recheck every 2 years thereafter.
• Be a citizen of the United States or legally able to work in the United States
• Must be at least eighteen years old and hold a current driving license, insurance, and a good driving record (unless in a non-driving position).
• Ability to complete required training and annual training thereafter.
• The ability to maintain regular attendance and to perform tasks outlined in this description (with or without a reasonable accommodation) is an essential function of this position.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience

• HS Graduate or equivalent required.

Skills

• Effective Verbal and Written Communication
• Technical Skills
• Organizational & Time Management
• Problem-Solving
• Coping Skills
• Relational Skills and Teamwork
• Professionalism
• Change & Project Management

Abilities

• Ability to cope under stressful situations, ability to respond to emergencies when services are being delivered, and ability to cope with changes.
• Be able to read and understand written and verbal orders (in English).
• Ability to perform basic computer operating skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Demonstrate an ability to establish good working relationships with administrators, program directors, fellow staff, volunteers, and supported individuals.
• Demonstrate an ability to establish clear and appropriate boundaries in relationships with staff and supported individuals.
• Act as a role model by maintaining personal hygiene, wearing work-appropriate attire, and maintaining work-appropriate language and personal boundaries.
• Demonstrate an active commitment to the Mission Statement and values of Home Life.
• Ability to model and educate on Home Life values and expectations to co-workers and new employees.
• Act as a role model by treating all people with warmth, empathy, and genuineness with respect and sensitivity for their privacy, rights, culture, ethnicity, religion, and lifestyle differences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 year of experience working as a care provider or otherwise related role.
• Experience working with and/or supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
• Associate’s degree in Human Development, Psychology, or related field
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (and list out DSP pay increase qualifications)

Duties & Responsibilities:

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

General Responsibilities

Overall Expectations:

1. Report directly to the Program Manager; adhere to all policies, rules, and procedures of Home Life, Oregon Developmental Disability Services, DHS, and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR).
2. Ensure that working hours are accurately documented by clocking in and out in the payroll system and submitting Timecard Change forms if changes to your timecard are needed.
3. Understand the importance of respecting the homes and boundaries of supported individuals and treating their property with respect and professionalism.
4. Understand the requirements of maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding individual information.
5. Work as a team with the other support staff in the program to ensure the best quality of services are provided to our supported individuals.
6. Ensure that all pertinent information regarding supported individuals, major issues, or the program is communicated to other staff or supervisors as needed.
7. Ensure that all supported individuals’ households are safe and communicate any maintenance needs of their home to a Supported Living Manager as applicable.
8. Attend and participate in staff meetings unless excused by the Manager, and attend all required training as assigned by the management or Training Coordinator.
9. Complete initial core competency training standards and at least 24 hours of in-service every year of employment.
10. Read all pertinent Therap and other documentation each shift and communicate with staff appropriately.
11. Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by Management.

Health and Safety:

1. Follow the Individual Support Plan(s) and protocols of supported individuals as outlined by the ISP team.
2. Complete all documentation in accordance with directives and training in a timely manner and consistent with the OAR guidelines.
3. ensure that the supported individuals’ medical needs are met according to their ISP and support needs, including physical supports and assistance navigating wheelchairs.
4. Respond appropriately to emergent situations, following the Individual Support Plan
5. Document and update supported individuals’ medical records, e.g., Medical updates, medical orders, immunizations, weights, ongoing medical records, and MARs if used by an individual.
6. If applicable, become delegated to perform medical tasks by a licensed, contracted Registered Nurse.
7. Become trained in individual positive behavior supports (when applicable) and follow the plan, including using safeguarding techniques and protective physical intervention as necessary.

Finances:

1. Follow supported individuals' Financial Plan as described in their Individual Support Plan (ISP).
2. Document purchases, expenses, and receipts in Financial Books and Logs of Supported Individuals and return immediately following the end of the shift.
3. Ensure the safeguarding of finances and that individual funds are maintained in a safe, secure space.

Advocacy:

1. Read, ensure understanding, and continually follow supported individuals’ ISP and all other support plans as applicable.
2. Assist supported individuals in meeting goals and objectives listed in their ISP.
3. Use the least intrusive supportive services to assist and encourage supported individuals to live as independently as possible within a safe, healthy environment that fosters growth with the understanding that they have many capabilities, are valuable, and contribute to the community.
4. Ensure supported individuals’ routines are adhered to, e.g., work routine, day supports, appointments, and all other activities.
5. Advocate for supported individuals and attend assigned meetings and appointments.
6. Assist supported individuals in understanding their rights, responsibilities, and freedoms to facilitate individual independence.
7. Assist supported individuals in developing and maintaining positive connections in the community; model and teach safety and appropriate social behavioral etiquette.
8. Assist supported individuals’ relationships to maintain and grow with friends and families, and in coordinating, confirming, and following through with family.
9. Coordinate and develop social/recreational activities to enrich the program.

Misc. and Other Duties as Assigned:

• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager or other members of the management team.
• Duties are subject to change based on the supported individuals' needs and state requirements.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Ability to stand and walk for sustained periods of time
• Ability to do light lifting (less than 20 lbs.) on a frequent basis and moderate lifting (20-50 lbs.) on an infrequent basis.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements or tasks on a frequent basis.
• Ability to apply physical holds (as per Oregon Intervention System OIS instruction) and other duties as needed with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to push an individual in a wheelchair