Direct Support Professional - Home and Community

Many flexible part-time schedules are available for Keene area and surrounding towns

$750.00 Sign-on bonus

Direct Support Professional - Home and Community

Summary : The Home and Community Direct Support Professional (DSP) helps individuals with developmental disabilities or acquired brain injury live independently in their homes and communities. This caregiving role involves a variety of duties ranging from direct care, to assisting an individual with grocery shopping, meal preparation, personal care, attending community events, staying connected with friends and family, maintaining health, assisting with decision making about schedules and daily activities.

Direct Support Professional work is varied, creative, flexible, and rewarding. It offers the opportunity to assist someone to reach their full potential and life as independently as possible. Positions are typically part time with some fulltime opportunities available. Extensive training provided.

Essential Functions :

• DSPs provide support in helping individuals develop independent living skills including social skills, cooking, communication, money management, community activities, household duties, safety, health, and personal hygiene.
• DSPs assist individuals in accessing and engaging in community and social activities. These could include going out to eat, attending concerts or movies, building friendships, volunteering, taking walks, or participating in sports or workouts. DSPs provide transportation to community activities, and must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• DSPs support individuals in achieving goals outlined in their service agreements. They accurately track an individual's progress, inform the Program Manager of any changes affecting an individual's well-being, injury, illness, and health or emotional changes.
• DSPs complete required documentation (daily notes, medication logs, incident reports, progress notes, etc.) accurately and on time, and adhere to all regulations, policies and procedures. They follow safety protocols to maintain a safe environment, and report unsafe conditions to the Program Manager. A DSP acts in accordance with legal responsibilities to ensure the individual's safety and welfare and maintains confidentiality.
• DSPs administer medication if the individual is unable to self-administer, as determined by the agency nurse. Medication training is provided by the agency.

Education / Experience High school diploma or equivalent required. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities, related experiences as an aid or caregiver preferred but not required. Must complete all MDS training within six months of hire and annually thereafter.

Working Conditions DSPs are considered Essential Employees and may be required to work flexible schedules in various settings. Must have a valid driver's license, and reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursement is available. Medication certification and Safety Care training may be required. Must be able to lift 25+ lbs with assistance as needed. Employment is contingent upon passing criminal, motor vehicle, BAAS, DCYF, and OIG background checks.

Pre-employment Background Check Requirements : Criminal records, motor vehicle record, Bureau of Adult and Aging Services (BAAS), Division of Child, Youth and Families (DCYF), Office of Inspector General (OIG)