Direct Support Professional - Newton, MA (weekends)

The Direct Support Professional (Awake, Overnight, Asleep, Live-in) is also responsible for ensuring a safe, therapeutic family-like environment adhering to all safety standards, Federal and State regulations, agency and corporate policies. The position is responsible to ensure that individuals we support are treated with dignity and respect. The Direct Support Professional is responsible for supporting community integration, promoting wellness and self-determination. The goal of this position is to promote the pursuit of independence and happiness for all individuals participating in our services and to contribute to a welcoming environment in the home for family members and other stakeholders. The Direct Support Professional should make every effort to promote principles of normalization and dignity and include opportunities for individuals to fully join their communities.

Available Shifts 

• Part-time weekends (Up to 20 hours)
• Hourly Rate: $13:50

Key Responsibilities

• As a Direct Support Professional, you will directly participate in daily routines while assisting and encouraging each person to develop their skills and be as independent as possible. Personal routines include a variety of different activities both at home and in the community.
• Assist individuals in Self-Advocacy, decision-making and empowerment.
• Participate in the development and implementation of service plans reflecting the individual’s vision, preferences, goals, lifestyles, and interests.
• On a daily basis, you will be assisting with personal care, household chores, administration of medication, preparing meals, and other activities of daily living.
• Assess, teach, evaluate, and supervise individual’s skills in the areas of daily living, meal planning, housekeeping, career needs, and social, recreational, and community activities.
• Complete written documentation daily that reflects the individual’s progress on their goals as well as staff interventions.
• Complete daily communication activities as required by the program including: day program and transportation, making communication log entries and completing data charts, incident reports, fire drill logs and menus as needed.
• Report significant issues (health, behavioral, psychiatric) to the appropriate supervisor in a timely fashion.
• Complete all training, staff meetings and supervision sessions as required by the program, including but not limited to: First Aid, CPR, OSHA & Blood Borne Pathogen, Medication Administration, Positive Behavioral Supports, Fire Safety and Human Rights and DPPC Training

Requirements

• High school diploma (Associates degree preferred)
• 6 months’ relevant experience
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to maintain a professional relationship under all foreseen and unforeseen circumstances.
• Must demonstrate initiative, creativity, be dependable, reliable and work well independently and within a team atmosphere.
• Must be able to exercise independent thinking and good judgment under all circumstances.
• Must be able to set goals, analyze work develop plans and utilize time effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Flexibility to work throughout the division.

Physical Demands

• Lifting is required. Ability to lift at least a minimum of twenty (20) pounds.
• Ability to physically assist individuals in personal care
• Ability to perform common household cleaning activities that involve: consistent standing, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and walking
• Ability to drive agency vehicle

Other Requirements

• Clearing of background checks as required by state and federal law.
• Valid MA driver’s license (some positions require a vehicle)