Direct Support Professional

Job Details: Job Location: 02 Haverford Hills J11

• Havertown, PA, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School Diploma/GED, Salary Range: $17.50Hourly, Travel Percentage: None, Job Category: Union, Multiple opportunities are available throughout Delaware County and Chester County! Full-Time and Part-Time Availability! CADES is a nonprofit human services organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Since 1951, we have empowered people with special needs to achieve their highest potential by committing to serve others through the demonstration of the Core Values of Respect, Trust, and Growth. Today, CADES operates over 30 community living arrangements, adult day programs, the George Crothers Memorial School, and early-intervention services. CADES seeks Direct Support Professionals to further our mission of empowering those with special needs to achieve their highest potential. Position Description: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) works with other team members in the implementation of support plans for adults who have intellectual and/or physical challenges. The DSP provides necessary services to implement individual support plans and provide for personal care needs of individuals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide care and guidance for all individuals. Must provide the level of supervision noted in the individualized service plan (ISP) for each individual in the home. Provide a family living atmosphere for all individuals. Ensure that the individual’s personal hygiene needs are met and they are dressed appropriate to the weather.

Prepare and monitor a well balanced meal according to the individual’s dietary needs. Ensure that the site has the required minimum supply of food/drink at all times. Ensure that the food/drink on site is appropriate to the dietary needs of the individuals. Assist in developing specific monthly programs for individuals.

Responsible for completing individuals’ laundry if appropriate. Store laundered clothing neatly and appropriately in closet or dresser drawers. Provide transportation for all needs of the individual. Ensure that individual’s day service needs (i.e., materials, change of clothing, lunch, drinks, adaptive equipment, medication, diapers, etc.)

are properly prepared and delivered. Ensure bags are checked upon return home. Properly uses and cares for all adaptive (feeding supplies, wheelchairs, walkers etc) and medical equipment. Reports broken or lost equipment immediately to House Supervisor. Ensure a safe and secure environment for individuals, self and co-workers.

Responsible for completing various agency specific forms and submitting forms/receipts to appropriate party in timely manner. Administer medication as per agency protocol and keep adequate supply of medication. Complete medication logs as per agency protocol.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Experience or interested in working with individuals with multiple disabilities, including complex cognitive, medical and physical disabilities. Ability to direct and assist with the physical activities of individuals in recreational, social, pre-vocational and adult educational activities.

Ability to perform personal care activities for individuals who can not do so for themselves. Ability to provide effective implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISP). Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally. Ability to interact professionally with individuals, staff and caregivers. Ability to accomplish personal care duties for adult individuals such as feeding, toileting, diapering, dressing, etc.

Other duties as assigned. This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including the ability to lift a minimum of 20 pounds, bend, twist, and turn. CADES will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, if needed, to perform the essential functions of the job CADES considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or sexual orientation.

All applicants will be considered solely on the basis of their qualifications.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma (GED). One (1) year experience working with individuals living with multiple disabilities in a residential or day program, including a strong understanding of the safety and communication support required for individuals with physical disabilities.

Experience with individuals living with multiple disabilities, including a strong understanding of the safety and communication support required for individuals with physical disabilities. Experience working in Human Services – aging population, behavioral health, psych hospital setting, IDD, mental health, drug and alcohol, and children and youth, preferred.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritize multiple, often competing, priorities. Ability to request, accept, and utilize feedback and training appropriately. Demonstrated strong attention to detail. Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills.

Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision. Demonstrated ability to anticipate future needed changes or identify problem areas and take effective actions. Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, presentation, written and verbal communication skills.

Must be able to perform CPR and crisis intervention using agency-trained protocols. Demonstrated basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook; knowledge of electronic health record systems preferred. Must pass and maintain CADES driving and securement certifications. Must possess a current, valid driver's license in state of residence, have a minimum of three (3) years of driving experience within the United States, and have an acceptable driving record.