Download Job Description: DSP I

Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc.
Job Description Form
Division/Department:
Location:
Job title:
Direct Care Staff I (Program Aide)
Type of position:
 Full-time
 Part-time
 Consultant
 Intern
Hours____/week
 Exempt
 Nonexempt
General Description:
 Support individuals with cognitive/physical disabilities with basic needs including using
restroom, eating, personal hygiene, transferring, and general mobility.
 Work cooperatively with team to assist in providing optimum learning environment for the
development of vocational, social, and emotional skills.
 Ensure safety and security of clients and environment. Report any significant changes in
clients or environment.
General Qualifications:
 CNA or two years experience in related field
 Knowledge of safety precautions and emergency procedures
 Good common sense, responsible, patient, compassionate, supports individuals in selfdetermination
 Basic knowledge of positive behavioral supports
 Employee should be at least 18 years of age
Education and Work Experience Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or equivalent in experience

Direct Service Professional (DSP) certification or equivalent in experience
General Duties:
A. Care Responsibilities
1. Support individuals in meeting personal care needs including
a. using restroom (clothing changes, supporting individual at his/her level
of need)
b. eating (full or partial support)
c. supporting clients in hygiene and cleaning personal work space
d. assisting individuals who use wheelchairs with transferring
e. support mobility to and from classes and in and out of program
f. support with any other self-help needs
2. Provide one to one and hand over hand support in classes.
3. Work with individuals directly and support their instructional and behavioral
objectives developed by the team.
4. Assist clients in preparation of snacks, drinks, lunch, serving and clean-up.
5. Maintain awareness of individual physical need and respond immediately.
6. Understand and demonstrate basic knowledge of appropriate support for
individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities.
a. use respectful language, tone of voice, and terminology with reference
to all individuals. Speak to individuals in a manner appropriate to
chronological age (adults).
b. Ensure privacy and modesty with relation to personal hygiene needs,
any personal client incidences, and any information exchanged with
others. Teach individuals to take privacy for themselves.
c. Support individuals in participating in all things related to their own
needs at the level at which they are able and willing to participate.
Teach and support gradually to increase that level of participation.
B. Health and Safety Responsibilities
1. Support individuals in maintaining their cleanliness at all times.
2. Maintain a sterile environment in restrooms and food preparation areas and
maintain a safe and clean environment in the rest of the physical site. Support
individuals in maintaining these areas.
a. floors, tables and chairs, toilets, sinks, urinals, porta-potties, bed pans,
refrigerator, counter tops, work surfaces, etc.
b. proper use and maintenance of appliances such as washers/dryers
(cleaning filters regularly, not overloading), microwave ovens,
refrigerators and freezers, Hoyer lifts, etc.
c. notify Program Director of any malfunction of equipment or appliances
or any building maintenance or repair needs.
d. appropriate storage of soap, cleaning supplies, and medications
immediately after use; locked if toxic. Properly secure equipment.
e. emptying trash and properly disposing of contaminated materials daily
and more frequently if necessary.
3. Provide specific support required by individuals using or having wheelchairs,
oxygen compressors/tanks, feeding tubes, colostomies, internal or external
catheters, diabetic equipment, tracheostomies, Harrington Rods, special
supportive or protective apparatii, allergy or seizure medications and/or
procedure, or any other physical or medical treatments.
4. Understand job hazards and prevent accidents, familiar with OSHA
requirements, Universal Precautions. Follow proper procedures as outlined in
Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc. Employee Handbook including:
a. use the correct ratio of disinfectant solution in cleaning laundry, eating
utensils, restrooms, counter tops, tables, etc.
b. proper back care procedures during lifting, consistent and proper use
of back braces, using two person lifting, Hoyer lift, or other appropriate
procedure for maintaining safety of self and others when lifting.
c. prevent transmission of contagious diseases
d. proper procedure to protect self and others in case of aggressive
behavior. Assuring individuals are guided to appropriate areas of the
site that will ensure safety (from physical aggression, environmental
hazards or discomforts, or during emergencies).
e. Assure individuals are always well supervised according to ratio for
program license.
f. Keep site free of hazards such as precarious or falling objects, tripping
hazards, physical barriers, toxic materials and chemicals (including
class materials), sharp objects, flammable materials, etc.
5. Keep communication notebooks up to date and maintain appropriate
correspondence about significant events or conditions with homes/others as
needed.
6. Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and competence regarding program emergency
procedures.
C. Other General Responsibilities
1. Assure confidentiality is upheld in regards to all information whether oral, written,
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pictorial, recorded (video, audio, or electronic), and observe all HIPAA
regulations regarding such.
Recognize and report client issues directly to supervisor with immediacy and
accuracy regarding
a. Changes in mental, emotional, or cognitive status or baseline behavior.
b. Signs of physical illness or injury (fever, cold, sweating, evidence of
pain, ashen or pale skin, bowel/bladder problems, etc.)
c. Concerns about appropriateness of dress or condition of clothing.
d. Poor quality, quantity, condition or nutritive value of food brought.
e. Concerns regarding hygiene (body, mouth, condition of teeth, hair,
nails, etc.)
f. Signs of neglect or physical abuse (bruises, cuts, scratches, abrasions,
burns, swelling, decubitus).
Accurately recalls reportable incidences involving clients for factual
documentation.
Work cooperatively with team members including other direct support
professionals, therapists, volunteers, supervisors, interdisciplinary team
members, and community members.
Supervise classes during brief absences of instructors.
Provide support to individuals by actively assisting and supervising in
classrooms, during client breaks and lunch, being alert and awake at all times,
being appropriately responsive to all situations and interactions, and assisting
with deboarding and boarding buses.
Assist with maintaining scheduled activities in a timely manner, work with
cheerfulness, cleanliness, and efficiency. Maintains flexibility when schedule
requires alteration by Program Director.
Assist individuals into classes and assure they are clean, have their personal
needs met, and are on time to class.
Assist with positive behavioral support and reinforcement.
Ensure proper supervision, coordination, safety, and support during deboarding
and boarding buses. Provide thorough clean-up and closure of program,
particularly on assigned days.