Direct Support Professional

Essential Job Functions

Mission and Core Values

Serves as an ambassador of the mission and purpose of The Arc of the Ozarks

Knowledge and understanding of The Arc mission statement and will uphold in their daily work.

Supports The Arc knowing that any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which could be included in the position of this class. 

Care and Support of Individuals

Provides support to persons served in dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, house cleaning, laundry, and other activities of daily living.

Assists with the purchasing of groceries and supplies; supports persons served in preparing their own meals.

Assists in providing basic health care for persons served; takes temperature, pulse, blood   pressure, respiration, and applies simple dressings when necessary.

Administers oral, rectal, vaginal, optic, ophthalmic, nasal, and topical medications, after    certification by The Arc of the Ozarks and Missouri State officials.

Takes appropriate action in case of fire and/or disaster or other urgent / emergency. 

Assists in maintaining an inventory of supplies in the home and ordering / notifying appropriate parties of needed items so clients homes always have necessary items.

Documentation and Quality Supports

Implements outcomes and strategies of individual personal plans under the supervision of the Team Manager, the Program Supervisor, or other staff members; provides supports as identified in the personal plans; attends review meetings when assigned.

Provides support to persons served in maintaining a safe and clean environment in their home. 

Observes, reports, and assists in recording changes in the physical, emotional, behavioral status of persons served and documents progress on the outcomes listed in personal plans.

Assists in the orientation and training of new employees.

Encourages the development and maintenance of a safe environment for persons served in a residential setting including developing plans for evacuation assistance in case of emergency, using the on-call pager; and training in securing emergency services such as the police, the fire department, and an ambulance.

Assists persons served in securing and effectively managing funds; ensuring the Individuals’ choices of how these funds are spent, budgeting, etc.

Community Involvement

Provides support to persons served in becoming active participants in their communities.

Supports persons served in participating in varied meaningful vocational, domestic, and leisure activities in the community of their choosing.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion.

Ability to work varied and flexible hours, accept and adapt to changes in assignments, methods, policies, etc.

Ability to work with and respect persons with disabilities and advocate for their rights.

Ability to learn and apply crisis intervention and behavior support techniques.

Ability to administer oral, rectal, vaginal, optic, ophthalmic, nasal, topical medications and insulin injections after certification by The Arc of the Ozarks and Missouri State officials.

Ability to teach basic skills and model adaptive behaviors at home and in the community.

Ability to maintain a safe, clean and agreeable environment for the persons served.

Ability to accurately report and record observations.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Ability to stand, stoop, lift up to 50 lbs, and pull and push items.

Ability to pass with satisfactory performance CPR, First Aid, and Behavior Intervention training.

Ability to maintain a record of punctuality and attendance.

A licensed and insured driver.

 Ability to obtain a class E drivers license if driving persons served in an Arc vehicle.

Minimum Experience and Training Qualifications

Be a minimum of eighteen years of age and possession of a diploma from an accredited High School or the equivalent

• Successfully complete a course in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid
• Successfully complete a 16 hours course in Medication Administration.
• Successfully complete a 10 course in MANDT System Workshop
• Successfully complete a course in OSHA regulations on Health and Safety.
• Successfully complete a course in Abuse & Neglect
• Successfully complete a course in Electronic Documentation
• Other trainings per department or per home location may be required, refer to policy 8.106 for specific requirements.

Traits and Characteristics Desired

The Direct Support Professional will be a person who is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and increasing their independence as a valued member of the community.  A sincere dedication to the mission and the people served by The Arc of the Ozarks is crucial.

The Direct Support Professional must demonstrate the ability to establish rapport, effectively communicates, and cultivates a positive work culture with not only their team, but staff from other departments, guardians, individuals served, internal and external stakeholders.

The Direct Support Professional should be open to feedback, possess a growth mindset, and a willingness for learning opportunities in order to better themselves and The Arc of the Ozarks.