Job Description

Direct Support Professionals support the emotional, physical and personal well-being of individuals with disabilities, encouraging growth. DSP’s enhance the ability of consumers to lead self-determining lives by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, assertiveness and to make decisions. DSP’s use effective communication strategies and skills to establish collaborative relationships with consumers. DSP’s provide supports based on the unique needs of individual consumers and recognize the importance of friends, family and community relationships. Completes required training/education/certification, continues professional development, and keeps abreast of relevant resources and information. Provide opportunities and supports that help the individuals supported to be viewed with respect and as integral members of their communities.

Duties/Responsibilities:

A. Consumer Focus

1. Assist and support consumers to develop strategies, make informed choices and follow through on responsibilities.

2. Promote consumer partnership in the design of support services.

3. Provide opportunities for consumers to be self-advocates by encouraging and assisting the consumer to speak on his or her own behalf.

4. Honor the choices and preferences of consumers.

5. Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals supported.

6. Promote human, legal and civil rights of all people and assist others to understand these rights.

B. Communication

1. Use effective communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of consumer communication styles.

2. Maintain knowledge of and use modes of communication appropriate to the communication needs of consumers.

3. Use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure consumer understanding.

C. Facilitation

1. Maintain collaborative professional relationships with the consumer and all support team members (including family/friends) and follow ethical standards of practice.

2. Assist in the development of an individualized plan based on participant preferences, needs and interests.

3. Assist in the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from consumers’ specific preferences, needs and interests.

4. Assist in the review of the achievement of individualized consumer outcomes.

D. Supports & Instruction

1. Assist the consumer to meet his or her physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing supports, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.

2. Assist consumers with household management and transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities and independence.

3. Support consumers in the development of friendships and other relationships.

E. Sycamore Services Team

1. Promote and uphold the agency’s mission statement.

2. Promote a sense of team through mutual respect and assisting co-workers as needed.

3. Work with a variety of individuals in different settings.

4. Work a flexible schedule with non-standard hours.

5. Maintain all required documentation and needed data.

6. Maintain accurate time/billing records and submit as supervisor requests.

7. Perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

1. 18 Years of age or older.
2. Excellent people and communication skills required.
3. Ability to work flexible/non-standard hours.
4. Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.
5. Ability to keep accurate documentation.

Education and Experience:

1. High school diploma or demonstrated equivalent competency required.
2. Experience working with persons with disabilities in the community preferred.
3. Knowledge of community and community activities preferred.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds; upper body leverage strength required.