Direct Support Professional

Position Summary
Promotes the community inclusion and support of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities by
directly working with individuals in their homes and communities.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Support individuals as needed in daily living activities such as personal and health management, communication, self-advocacy, realizing personal and educational goals, meal planning and
   preparation, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, basic home maintenance and safety, recreation, home management, financial management and decision making.
2. Participate in the development of Individual Support Plans (ISP) and Planning Team meetings as needed.
3. Complete all required paperwork accurately including, but not limited to, critical logs, ISP data, etc
4. Comply with Archway Programs’ policies and DDD/DHS licensing standards.
5. Cooperates fully with Archway Programs, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Families staff in any and all licensing, inspections and/ or investigations.
6. Promote and demonstrate ethical and professional conduct at all times.
7. Work towards advancing the mission and values of Archway Programs.
8. Ensure that all necessary program resources are used to meet the needs of the clients.
9. Participate in quality improvement projects.
10. Assist with the implementation of high quality individual support plans.
11. Promote and participate in Archway Programs Risk Management and Performance Improvement goals addressing the health and safety of customers and employees.
12. Promote inclusion for clients through meaningful and high quality community activities.
13. Support clients as needed in developing friendships and establishing desired relationships with peers.
14. Complete household chores to the extent necessary to maintain high standards of health, sanitation, safety and building maintenance at all times.
15. Assist clients in receiving needed medical, dental and counseling services.
16. Communicate with client’s families and day and employment program personnel as assigned by supervisor.
17. Assist in maintaining records of medical/dental services, petty cash funds and client funds entrusted to the company as assigned by supervisor.
18. Serve as shift supervisor as assigned by supervisor.
19. Administer medication to clients who need support taking medication.
20. Attend staff meetings and all required training programs as assigned by the supervisor.
21. Transport clients in company vehicles as required.
22. Perform other such duties as may be assigned for providing excellent customer service and for the most effective operation of the company.

Essential Functions

1. Ability to read, write and speak English; American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as
   acceptable forms of communication.
2. Ability to use excellent oral and written communication skills.
3. Ability to use telephone, voice mail, copier, facsimile machine, computer and calculator.
4. Attend meetings and conferences, and visit the workplaces, schools, recreational sites and homes of friends of
   individuals supported by the company as required.
5. Physically assist clients in routine daily living and household activities which can include lifting, carrying,
   bending, pushing, turning and manipulating objects.
6. Ability to frequently lift a minimum of fifty pounds (50 lbs.)
7. Must pass and maintain certification in mandated trainings including but not limited to Crisis Management, Medication, CPR and First Aid.
8. Operate vehicles in accordance with applicable laws, insurance company requirements and Archway Programs
   policies.
9. Must be cleared for employment under the Criminal History Background Checks (CHRI)
10. Clearance from the State of N.J. Department of Human Services Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (N.J.A.C. 10:44D) is required.
11. Must be able to successfully complete any other training(s) as assigned or deemed necessary by Archway
    Programs, DDD/ DCF, and/ or the specific program element.
12. Must pass a drug screen pre-employment and participate in random drug screens as assigned.
13. Be cleared through the Child Abuse Registry Check, (CARI)

Physical requirements while performing the job functions
Sitting, Standing, Bending, Walking, Kneeling, Pushing / Pulling X
Reaching, Lifting or Carrying, Under 50 lbs, Over 50 lbs, Transferring Clients
Other Skills: Reading, Writing, Math,

Position Qualifications
High school diploma or G.E.D., a driver’s license valid in their current state of residence and one (1) year
of experience in a responsible, paid position. Experience working with individuals with developmental
disabilities or the elderly preferred.