The Arc/PDDC • 2350 West Westmoreland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 • 215-229-4550

Direct Support Professional, Community Supports
Reports to:  Associate Director Community Supports
FLSA status:  non exempt

Summary
The Direct Support Professional, Community Supports is responsible to support the mission of The Arc/PDDC by providing support, training and supervision to individuals residing in the community.

Position Responsibilities
Direct Service

  1. Develop, implement and review Individual Support Plans (ISPs).  Provide input and feedback with regards to programs and care plans for each individual served to ensure a well integrated approach to consumer care. 
  2. Provide training and supervision in Activities of Daily Living, dressing, eating cooking, personal hygiene, cleaning, etc, and promote participation and independence in all these areas. Provide personal care to consumers as needed
  3. Plan and provide opportunities for new recreational, cultural, educational experiences in the community or home.
  4. Serve as a mentor and coach to individuals. Provide guidance and direction while being a positive role model to the individual. Ensure the safety and well-being of the individual at all times.
  5. Ensure all interactions reflect understanding of people with disabilities, maximize consumer choice and treat all participants with personal dignity.
  6. Anticipate possible problems or challenges and work to prevent unnecessary conflict. Problem-solve issues regarding consumer situations, with or without assistance.
  7. Provides crisis intervention as necessary to support consumers.  Uses the least restrictive emergency procedure when necessary to protect the individual from injuring self or others.  Follows intervention policies and regulations.  State unusual incident standards are understood and followed.
  8. CPR certified and First Aid trained.
  9. Ensures all documents and consumer records are accurate and submitted timely as per agency policy and procedures and regulations. Accurately completes time cards according to regulatory and program standards.
  10. Positively and professionally represent Arc/PDDC at all times.
  11. Develop trusting professional relationships with families and support staff while maintaining professional boundaries between families, other support staff and individuals served. 
  12. Know and follow DPW (Department of Public Welfare) regulations and agency policy in all areas including confidentiality, attendance, unusual incidents/incidents, documentation, abuse, restrictive procedures, and all matters pertaining to medication administration and documentation and medical issues.  Promptly ask supervisor to clarify any areas of concern.
  13. Transport individuals adhering to all safety policies and laws.  As needed assist in the safe boarding and un boarding of individuals.  
  14. Maintain documentation including notes on progress following each shift.  Submit all required documentation on time.
  15. Support the individual maintenance of financial records including receipts.
  16. Immediately brings to the attention of supervisor any concerns about consumer
  17. Participate in skill development and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

  1. High school diploma or GED.  One year minimum related experience or training certification in working with people with disabilities. Valid driver’s license preferred.
  2. Clear criminal and child abuse history, medical and drug screen.
  3. CPR/First Aid certified.
  4. Effective verbal and written communication skills including communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and varied abilities.
  5. Understands the needs of consumers and adjusts behavior accordingly.  Able to demonstrate compassion, empathy, and positive attitude while supporting independence.
  6. Able to provide crisis intervention including de-escalation of behavior.
  7. Demonstrates the organization’s core competencies and solid customer service skills.
  8. Effective word processing skills using MS Word for Windows applications. 
  9. Ability to translate regulations into practice.  Knows the importance of effective record keeping.
  10. Ability to form effective partnerships with all stakeholders including family and caregivers, funders.
  11. Obtain DPW medication administration certification.
  12. Ability to work a flexible schedule including early morning, evenings, weekends and holidays. 
  13. Provide or obtain transportation to and from work sites.

Physical environment/working conditions
Required to lift and/or physically support consumers independently. Exposed to outside weather conditions when in the community with individuals.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The above statements describe the general nature of the work being performed by the individual assigned to this position.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties. Employees may be directed to perform tasks other than those specifically described in this description.