Purpose: 

The Direct Support Professional provides support to individuals enrolled in the Day Habilitation Program. The DSP will assist each individual in reaching his/her maximum level of independence and power of potential by promoting a sense of self-worth, acceptance, achievement, citizenship, personal growth and personal choice. The DSP will demonstrate a professional demeanor through the adoption and implementation of the DSP Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.

Qualifications:

· High School Diploma/GED preferred; background experience may be considered in lieu of education.

· CPR/First Aid Certification (training provided)

· AMAP Certification (training provided)

· SCIP Certification (training provided)

· Program specific training (provided)

· Valid NYS Drivers License acceptable to Agency Insurance standards/depending on program needs. Maintain valid insurance and provide insurance card if using your own vehicle.

· Ability to exhibit/maintain a professional, kind, courteous and patient manner at all times

Physical / Cognitive Requirements:

· Lifting/transferring – individuals/items of various weights – must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

· Bending/Reaching/Pushing/Pulling

· Ability to perform SCIP techniques and maintain certification at all times

· Effective verbal and written communication skills

· Reading / Math skills at a level to perform job duties (read-implement physician orders, give medications as ordered, prepare recipes, read program documentation, etc.)

· Demonstrated interest and ability to make possible the personal outcomes of individuals receiving services

· Exposure/ability to safely use household chemicals 

· Adherence to Agency policies, including Attendance Policy

Responsible to: Community Services Coordinator or Day Habilitation Manager/Designee 

Essential Functions:

· Provide direct assessment, training, assistance and guidance in all areas of physical, intellectual, emotional and social development as outlined in the individual’s day habilitation plan. As a member of the individual’s circle of support, the DSP will assist in developing goals in community living, activities and routines which are appropriate to the individual's desired outcomes and which are consistent with the individual's interests.

· Implement the habilitation plan through exposing participants to a wide variety of community volunteer, cultural, social, and recreational activities, as well as enhancing learning of new skills in a community setting. Staff must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Perform medical/health related functions while adhering to AMAP policy, including working with the Health Coordinator/Nurse Trainer and the administration of medications upon satisfactory completion of the AMAP course. Implement and carry out prescribed therapies or treatments as ordered by licensed Physicians, nursing staff, and/or therapists. 
• Work with individuals to develop the necessary skills to meet the needs and expectations of volunteer site or employer (including role modeling/demonstration, shadowing/emotional support, systematic fading, and monitoring/evaluation of work performance.) 
• The DSP will work with the participant supported to meet long term goals and potentially move on to a career if they choose. They will work with everyone supported to engage in new relationships and community supports to encourage people to be as independent as possible.
• The DSP will be comfortable in transportation situations due to being in the community daily.
• The DSP should be a self-starter. They should be comfortable with establishing daily plans within their groups, and be flexible to changes with a back up plan.

· Maintain regular and ongoing communication with individuals, their families, businesses in which they volunteer/work, AIM staff, etc… Communicate program design to members of support team, parents, residential staff and other advocates. Respond to questions and concerns from families, individuals, regulatory agencies, and/or members of the business community in a professional manner. Advocate for participants to ensure their needs are expressed and rights are not violated. Effectively present updates on the status/progress of the day hab to Leadership, families, advocates, etc…

• Attend ISP or Circle of Support Meetings as scheduled. 

· Attend and participate in mandatory OPWDD approved training and Agency sponsored in service training as schedule.

· Comply with all state, federal and agency policies, procedures, regulations as indicated by OPWDD.

· Transport program participants with agency vehicles, in compliance with agency policies, procedures, and traffic laws. Follow the program schedule as outlined, while being flexible to meet the wants and needs of the individuals served.

Other Duties:

• Flexibility of schedule to ensure individual care and program implementation.
• Any and all other related duties as requested by supervisor.