Community Habilitation / Respite Worker

Community Habilitation Job Description- Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Safety: Security, Environment, Health

Ø Maintains an environment that is healthy, safe, peaceful and comfortable

Ø Assists individual(s) supported with healthcare visits

Ø Follows all policies and procedures regarding safety in all environments

Programmatic: Choice, Active treatment, Community resources

Ø Implements individual support plans as written

Ø Provides assistance and support to individual(s) in activities of daily living

Ø Teaches appropriate skills and involves individual(s) supported in meaningful and valued activities

Ø Provides and seeks out opportunities for individual(s) supported to make choices

Ø Obtains knowledge of individual(s) supported desired outcomes and works to ensure they are integrated into daily activities

Rights, Dignity and Respect:

Ø Incorporates time, space, and opportunity for privacy in the life of individual(s) supported

Ø Maintains strict confidentiality of all personal information concerning individual(s) supported

Ø Knows, advocates and respects the rights of individual(s) supported

Ø Treats all individual(s) supported, families, coworkers and supervisors with dignity and respect

Community involvement:

Ø Demonstrates the importance of community involvement, social interactions, and maintaining relationships

Ø Develops and facilitates community connections and relationships

Ø Assists individual(s) supported in developing and following a person centered schedule

Ø Aids individual(s) supported to participate in activities of their choosing

Ø Provides opportunities for activities in various settings

Ø Encourages individual(s) supported to give back to the community

Customer Service and Excellence:

Ø Exhibits professional behavior towards the individual(s) supported, families

Ø Maintains the property of the agency and of the individual(s) supported

Ø Networks with coworkers, the community and other professionals to find better ways to include individual(s) supported in routine life activities

Ø Builds inclusive opportunities in the community for individual(s) supported

Accountability:

Ø Handles and maintains individual honestly and accurately with appropriate documentation

Ø Follows all agency policies and procedures

Ø Takes initiative in performing additional tasks as needed or as assigned

Ø Provides clear, accurate and timely records and documentation

Professional Conduct:

Ø Provides positive and appropriate feedback to coworkers, team members, supervisors and agency representatives

Ø Participates in and completes periodic training and certification as required

Ø Reports all concerns to the appropriate supervisor in a timely manner

Ø Attends and participates in all assigned meetings, sharing ideas, discussing issues openly and honestly

Ø Maintains confidentiality of records/information according to HIPAA, State, Federal laws and guidelines

Ø Reports all instances of abuse, neglect, mistreatment and exploitation immediately to the appropriate supervisor

Ø Displays conduct in the community that enhances the image of individual(s) supported and the agency

Qualifications Direct Support Professional

Ø At least 19 years of age

Ø Valid NYS ID or driver’s license

Ø High school diploma or equivalent

Ø Ability to pass mandatory drug screen and physical

Ø Pass a criminal history and personal background checks

Ø Requires basic language, written and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation

Ø Ability and willingness to assist individual in activities of daily living including bathing, toileting and other self help skills

Ø Ability and willingness to support individuals with challenging behavior