DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL $16.25 -$18.80

The Direct Support Professional is an entry level direct support position. The Direct Support Professional will provide necessary supports for individuals receiving services in all aspects of their life.

All employees must have a verifiable COVID vaccination immunization card. Those who chose not to get vaccinated due to medical or religious reasons must provide verification from appropriate source and agree to weekly COVID testing at their expense.

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent is required and previous experience working with persons with MR\DD is preferred.

Essential Qualifications/Duties: The Direct Support Professional will be required to successfully complete an initial orientation. This will include CPR, First Aid, Abuse & Neglect, Certified Medication Administration, Positive Behavior Interventions, Universal Precautions in-service, lifting in-service, and other lectures on basic information regarding State and Federal law relevant to the organization's policies, procedures, rules and regulations. You will be required to update these in-services annually or as notified. Employees are expected to be reliable when reporting to work for scheduled shifts. All Direct Support Professionals who have committed felonies that are listed on the disqualification registry with the Department of Mental Health will be removed from payroll effective immediately unless a request for exception has been approved with the Department of Mental Health.

A valid Missouri Chauffeur's license MUST be obtained within the first two (2) weeks of employment for this position. Must maintain an acceptable driving status according to Procedure No. 1-8-3, Woodhaven Vehicle Use. Any exception to this requirement must be authorized by the Chief Operating Officer or the Director of Residential and Community Services. Applicant must maintain a positive relationship with the individuals they support.

Essential Physical Requirements: This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Some homes require lifting a minimum of 50 pounds. See Human Resources or your immediate supervisor for specific homes where lifting is a requirement.

EXAMPLES OF WORK DUTIES: (The listed examples include all duties and responsibilities which may be required of the position).

1. Develop Skills necessary to assure that the atmosphere is warm, caring and home-like with minimum friction among individuals and staff.

2. Monitor and/or maintain the cleanliness and safety conditions of the residence and vehicles assigned.

3. Develop skills necessary to support and teach individuals in all aspects of self care activities as they require.

4. Assist individuals in community activities, i.e. budgeting, menu planning and shopping, accessing recreational activities, etc.

5. Develop skills necessary to advocate for each individual's rights and encourage them to make good decisions.

6. Administer medications or treatments as prescribed.

7. It will be necessary for the Direct Support Professional to promote integration into the neighborhood and the community.

8. Develop skills necessary to communicate well with the individuals they support, other staff and supervisors, parents, guardians and other agencies.

9. Respond appropriately to positive and negative feedback, follow directives, and communicate effectively with supervisory staff.

10. Develop skills necessary to work closely with individuals supported, family members, consultants and other related staff in planning and implementation of Individual Plans.

11. Develop skills necessary to implement procedures and document information consistent with the expectations outlined in the Individual Plan and required household documentation.

12. Develop skills necessary to initiate/generate and supervise daily activity schedules.

13. Reflect values of the organization by use of good judgment in handling daily responsibilities.

14. Develop skills necessary to represent the agency to organizations, individuals, and government officials in a positive manner.

15. Assure confidential information is upheld in accordance with Woodhaven policies, procedures, DMH regulations, Federal and State laws.

16. Staff may be required to perform additional duties not specifically listed or implied here as situations arise or as assigned by a supervisor.

17. Supervisor’s may send staff to work sites other than their regularly assigned location as deemed necessary.

18. Woodhaven reserves the right to alter your work schedule and work location in order to accommodate individuals supported and staffing needs.