Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Caregiver–Residential Youth Support 2nd Shift-THUR/SAT

Job Summary

The Residential Group Home Direct Support Professional works in the group home environment with students with developmental disabilities and severe behavior problems. DSPs work directly with students, sometimes in a one-to-one capacity, in order to promote independence in the areas of communication, self-help, social skills, and functional living skills. The Direct Support Professional Weekend shift works Thursday 3:15 - 10:45pm, Friday 3:00 pm - 10:45 pm, and Saturday 7:45 am - 10:45 pm.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment that meets and/or exceeds all requirements set forth by Heartspring.
• Provide a structured environment for students by following the schedule of activities that promotes the student’s learning opportunities and their independent living skills.
• Implement and document the students’ training programs as prescribed in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or informal training programs.
• Implement, document, and provide input into the Student Support Plan (SSP), as outlined by the psychology department.
• Implement and document student-specific training in specialized areas, as prescribed by the students’ teams (i.e., Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy).
• Escort students to off-campus events, including special outings, field trips, and healthcare appointments.
• Perform and assist with non-violent behavior management system for crisis intervention as needed.
• Adhere to all procedures and techniques as outlined in the Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (NCI) training.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, team members, supervisors, and all persons involved in the students’ programs.
• Document and/or report any health concerns, whether ongoing (i.e. diabetes, seizures) or emergent (i.e., lacerations, bruises).
• Document and report any instances of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other unusual incidents or events, as per Heartspring and Department of Child & Family Services guidelines.
• Prompt and regular attendance is required; working on major holidays is necessary, as scheduled.
• Assist in training and welcoming new Direct Support Professionals.
• Provide specific verbal praise for students throughout the day.
• Prepare and serve meals for students as needed, based on dietary restrictions and programming needs.
• Provide for the safety and protection of the students in the event of an emergency (fire, tornado, severe weather, etc.), whether on campus or out in the community.
• Label and maintain students’ clothing and personal belongings and notifying the supervisor of any needs in a timely manner.
• Complete other duties, as assigned.

Educational, Training, and Licensure Requirements

• High school diploma, or equivalent.
• Valid Kansas drivers’ license and good driving record preferred (required in order to drive students in Heartspring vehicles).
• Must successfully complete all required orientation and training conducted by Heartspring staff.
• Must complete 18 hours of in-service training per year.
• Must make up all missed trainings, classes, and meetings in a timely manner.
• Must maintain Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) certification (annual).
• Must maintain CPR certification.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Must be dependable, reliable, and responsible.
• Maintain composure, keep emotions under control, control anger, and avoid aggressive responses, even in very difficult situations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving and multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, being careful about detail and thorough in completing assigned tasks.
• Excellent ability to communicate both orally and written in order to convey information effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departmental functions.
• Must be honest, ethical and maintain confidentiality.
• Quickly assess situations and make proper behavioral judgements, especially in emergency situations.
• Ability to listen effectively and obtain information from others.
• Ability to use/operate standard computer system and hand-held devices.