Description:
TITLE: Lead Direct Support Professional
REPORTS TO: Living Services Coordinators
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time/Non-Exempt
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED Required. An associate degree in human services, social work, or a related field would be preferred, particularly for leadership roles. Alternatively, 2 years of experience in a similar position with comparable duties is also acceptable.
REQUIREMENTS
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Must be at least 18 years old.
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Must have a verifiable High School Diploma/G.E.D.
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A valid driver’s license.
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At least two years of experience as a DSP.
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Proficient and confident with applicable software and technology.
BASIC FUNCTIONS: The Lead DSP works alongside the Living Services Program Manager and Living Service Coordinator, ensuring individuals receiving service experience a high quality of life through support and advocacy.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Direct Support Services (75%):
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Individual Support: Provide individualized support outlined in the Individual Support Plan (ISP) to people with disabilities. This includes assisting with daily activities such as personal care, hygiene, medication management, meal preparation and planning, and household chores.
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Household Maintenance: Ensure the safety and cleanliness of the household, adhering to established routines and responsibilities. This may involve laundry, shopping, meal preparation, and general cleaning tasks.
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Community Integration: Support individuals in developing and maintaining positive relationships within the community. This includes facilitating participation in social activities, events, and appointments.
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Health and Wellness: Assist individuals with maintaining their physical and mental well-being, including providing transportation to appointments, grocery stores, and community activities. Providing medication management as needed.
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Documentation: Maintain accurate records, including filling out Medication Administration Record (MAR) and signing chore lists.
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Communicate effectively with CFL management regarding incidents or accidents as required by Incident Reporting procedures.
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Training and Development: Attend routine house meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge in providing support services. Additionally, train new staff assigned under your caseload.
Mentorship and Administrative Support (25%):
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Mentorship: Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to other DSPs and team members about person-centered specific functions, guidance, and coaching.
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Model professional relationships between individuals supported and team members.
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Administrative Support: Assist Living Services Coordinators with administrative tasks as needed. This may include scheduling, documentation, and collaboration efforts.
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Document Management: Perform monthly check-ins ensuring all individual home documents based on your caseload, including contact lists, printed schedules, and emergency contacts, are up to date and current.
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Leadership: Collaborate with the Living Services Program Manager to develop strategies for addressing challenges or improving the quality of care and support provided to individuals.
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Participate in Quarterly Connect team meetings to discuss individual supported progress, goals, and any modifications needed to support plans.
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Attend monthly management meetings on the first Thursday of each month.
Other Responsibilities:
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Problem-Solving: Address any challenges or issues that arise while providing support services and finding creative solutions to meet the tailored needs of each individual.
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Continuing Improvement: Actively participate in feedback sessions, and professional development opportunities to continuously improve skills and enhance the quality of support services.
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Advocacy: Serve as an advocate for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld in all aspects of their lives.
Requirements:
Special Skills and Knowledge:
Possess an understanding of and commitment to the philosophy of integration, normalization, and individual-driven services. Ability to lead teams and provide leadership for CFL’s staff working with each individual. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to make independent judgments, work with minimal supervision, and take the initiative. Ability to adapt training and support techniques to individual needs and learning styles. Possession of a valid California driver’s license with a good driving record, access to a vehicle, and auto insurance. First aid certification must be obtained within the initial 90-day period of employment. Bilingual skills preferred.
Physical Demands
While fulfilling the duties of the job, the employee must be able to communicate effectively through talking and hearing. The employee may need to assist individuals in transitioning from bed to chair or chair to vehicle, as well as from a chair to the shower or bed using a Hoyer lift. At CFL, we adhere to a no-single lift policy, ensuring that Direct Support Professionals are thoroughly trained in appropriate movement techniques, including the safe utilization of Hoyer lifts, to assist the individuals we support.