Home Life - Job Description
Direct Support Professional – Supported Living

Entry-level Direct Support Professionals will meet the following requirements (with or without reasonable accommodations) for employment with Home Life. This position is eligible for overtime and considered “non-exempt.”

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to pass an initial criminal history check from the Department of Human Services Criminal Records Unit and recheck every two years after.
• Be a citizen of the United States or legally able to work in the United States
• Eighteen years old and high school graduate or equivalent.
• Current driver license, insurance and a good driving record (unless in a non-driving position).
• Ability to complete required training and annual training thereafter.
• Be able to read and understand written and verbal orders.
• Ability to perform basic computer operating skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates Degree in Human Development, Psychology or related field
• 1 year of experience working as a care provider or otherwise related role.
• Experience working with and/or supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for sustained periods of time
• Ability to do light lifting (less than 20 lbs.) in a frequent basis and moderate lifting (20-50 lbs.) on an infrequent basis.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements or tasks on a frequent basis.
• Ability to apply physical holds (as per Oregon Intervention System OIS instruction) and other duties as needed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Skills
(Functional skills are transferable skills an employee can use in various work environments or situations)

Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to write, edit and proofread communications and documentation.
• Communicate appropriately with supervisor, co-workers, supported individuals, family members, and the public treating all people with dignity and respect.
• Respond to internal and external team members in a timely and proactive manner, understanding that the team members include individuals who are our supported individuals, family members, employees, volunteers, business partners, members of the community etc.

Organizational skills

• Manage time and prioritize duties effectively.
• Meet deadlines with documentation and workload adequately.
• Ability to accurately maintain a schedule and attend all scheduled appointments and meetings.
• Ability to support multiple supported individuals’ needs.

Problem solving skills

• Ability to utilize conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to respond to supervision by using feedback constructively, heeding directives and meeting expectations related to job performance.
• Ability to calmly manage situations with a positive approach to find solutions.

Coping skills

• Ability to cope under stressful situations, ability to respond to emergencies when services are being delivered and ability to cope with changes.
• Communicate with manager(s) to utilize stress management resources as needed.

Relational skills and teamwork

• Demonstrate an ability to establish good working relationships with administrators, program directors, fellow staff, volunteers and supported individuals.
• Demonstrate an ability to establish clear and appropriate boundaries in relationships with staff and supported individuals.

Professionalism

• Demonstrate an active commitment to the mission statement and values of Home Life.
• Motivation to grow and learn the existing systems of Home Life.
• Represent Home Life professionally at all times, conduct one’s self in a manner as a Home Life representative to co-workers, supported individuals, family members, business partners and the community at large.
• Act as a role model by maintaining personal hygiene, wear work appropriate attire and maintain work appropriate language and personal boundaries.
• Act as a role model by treating all people with warmth, empathy and genuineness with respect and sensitivity for their privacy, rights, culture, ethnic, religious, and lifestyle differences.
• Demonstrate the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

Responsibilities
(Job responsibilities are specific duties or tasks an employee is expected to perform)

General Expectations:

• Report directly to the Assistant or Program Manager (per your assigned position); adhere to all policies, rules, and procedures of Home Life, Oregon Developmental Disability Services, DHS and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR).
• Ensure that working hours are accurately documented by clocking in and out in the payroll system and submitting Timecard Change forms if changes to your timecard are needed.
• Understand requirements of maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding individual information.
• Work as a team with the other support staff in the program to ensure the best quality of services are provided to our supported individuals.
• Assure that all pertinent information regarding supported individuals, major issues, or the program is communicated to other staff or supervisors as needed.
• Assure that all supported individuals’ households are safe and communicate any maintenance needs of their home to a Supported Living Manager as applicable.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings unless excused by the Manager and attend all required training as assigned by the management or Training Coordinator.
• Complete initial core competency training standards and at least 12 hours of in-service every year of employment.
• Read all pertinent Therap and other documentation each shift and communicate with staff appropriately.
• Carry the on-call cell phone (as scheduled) and respond appropriately.
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by Management.

Health and Safety:

• Follow the Individual Support Plan(s) and protocols of supported individuals as outlined by the ISP team.
• Complete General Event Reports (GER) and Therap progress notes (Tlogs) in accordance with directives and training in a timely manner and consistent with the OAR guidelines.
• Ensure that GERs are reported to the appropriate people within the incident reporting timelines.
• Assure that the supported individuals’ medical needs are met according to their ISP and support needs.
• Respond appropriately to the posted Emergency Preparedness Plan and On Call best practices.
• Document and update supported individuals’ medical records, e.g. Medical updates, medical orders, immunizations, weights, on-going medical records, and MARs if used by individual.
• Make and attend appointments and record information accurately and completely.
• If applicable, become delegated to perform medical tasks by a licensed, contracted Registered Nurse.
• If applicable, become trained in individual positive behavior supports and follow the plan including using safeguarding techniques and protective physical intervention as necessary.

Finances:

• Follow supported individuals Financial Plan as described in their Individual Support Plan (ISP).
• Ensure that the supported individuals’ personal bills are paid appropriately and on time.
• Assure supported individuals Financial Books are ready and available for audits performed by Management or Service Coordinators.
• Make sure that supported individuals’ liquid assets are less than $2000/$5000 per month, based on Social Security rules.
• If supported individuals have a Petty Cash record, keep itemized receipts and tally expenditures accurately so that records balance with amounts in petty cash.
• Ensure the safeguarding of finances and that individual funds are maintained in a safe, secure space.

Advocacy:

• Read, assure understanding, and continually follow supported individuals’ ISP and all other support plans as applicable (nursing or positive behavior support).
• Assist supported individuals in meeting goals and objectives listed in their ISP.
• Use the least intrusive supportive services to assist and encourage supported individuals to live as independently as possible within a safe, healthy environment that fosters growth with the understanding that they have many capabilities, are valuable, and contribute to the community.
• Assure supported individuals’ routines are adhered to e.g. work routine, day supports, appointments, and all other activities.
• Advocate for supported individuals and attend assigned meetings and appointments.
• Assist supported individuals in exploring options and safeguard their personal choices.
• Assist supported individuals in understanding their rights, responsibilities and freedoms to facilitate individual independence.
• Assist supported individuals in developing and maintaining good favor in the community; model and teach safety and appropriate social behavioral etiquette.
• Assist supported individuals’ relationships to maintain and grow with friends and families and in coordinating, confirming and following through with family.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by Assistant Manager, Program Manager or Program Director.
• Duties are subject to change based on the supported individuals needs and state requirements.