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) ie. knowledge of day Hab plans and process.

· 6 months working as part of the Day Hab Wow team

· Valid NYS Driver’s 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

· Ability to work with staff as well as individuals to model successful supports

· Time management skills as well as ability to adapt and think fast during crisis and environmental changes

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, 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

· Communicate with Residential Managers and families of those individuals who are attending program. 

Responsible to: Day Habilitation Manager /Assistant Manager/designee

Essential Functions:

· Provide support/mentoring to the DSP’s that will be working in the Day Hab Without Walls

· 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. The Lead Day Hab DSP will assist familiar and unfamiliar staff in community inclusion and model successful supports to ensure DPS’s feel comfortable in their role.

· 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.

· Treats everyone with courtesy and compassion recognizing individual uniqueness and needs. Displays honesty, integrity and humility. Makes difficult decisions with empathy.

· Values and builds a collaborative culture and spirit. Willing to learn from others. Moves others to take action. Pro-actively resolves conflict. Follows through in a timely manner. Anticipates and solves problems promptly with flexibility and creativity.

· Inspires and challenges others to reach their full potential. Celebrates the accomplishments of others. Effectively provides feedback to staff and colleagues

• Perform medical/health related functions while adhering to AMAP policy, including working with the Health Coordinator 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.) 
• 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.
• Mentor and/or train new staff as needed and/or requested.
• Any and all other related duties as requested by supervisor.
• To foster community inclusion by involving the people in the planning and implementation of recreational and leisure activities.