Position Title: Direct Support Professional
Program: Supported Living
Position Type: Relief
Reports to: Team Supervisor
Rate of Pay: $26.27-$27.66
Work Hours: 0-35 hours bi-weekly
Work Schedule: Days, afternoons, some weekends

JOB SUMMARY

The direct support professional (DSP), under the direction of the team supervisor and manager, will primarily be responsible for facilitating independence and improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities. On a day-to-day basis, our direct support professional staff provide person-centred support to inspire the people in our care to lead independent, productive and fulfilling lives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• College Diploma (Social Service Worker Diploma, Developmental Services Worker Diploma, Educational Assistant Diploma, Community and Developmental Service Worker Diploma) or university degree (Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Social Services or related degree)
• Minimum one year working with individuals with developmental disabilities or minimum one year working in a related field
• Must be available to work one weekend per pay period
• Must be available to work a minimum of 24 hours per pay period
• Must have a valid G Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle Must have access to your own reliable vehicle while working with the expectation to transport people
• Must have auto insurance with $1,000,000 liability coverage and permission to carry non-paying passengers
• Must have a police clearance (with vulnerable sector screening)
• Must have a valid First Aid/ CPR Certification
• Be able to lift up to 30 lbs. Unassisted
• Training in Person Centred Thinking is an asset
• Training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention is an asset
• Bi-lingual in both French and English is an asset

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct care and support to those with developmental differences
• Foster positive relationships with individuals supported and their families
• Remind and assist people supported with self-administration of medications (with proper training)
• Performs personal care tasks, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, and ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks
• Assists with toileting, including bedpans, urinals, and commode chairs as necessary
• Encourages self-help activities
• Facilitate open communication and foster positive relationships with people supported, their families, and community partners
• Ensure person-centered planning and goal planning meetings are completed, and assist with follow through
• Reports changes in client’s condition or family situation to administrators and supervisors
• Documents services provided
• Performs home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, and cleaning
• Plans meals, shopping for groceries, preparing and serving food/meals, feeding and clean-up
• Accompanies clients to scheduled appointments and transports clients or running errands for clients
• Household management duties include but are not limited to:
• Light housekeeping (dishes, sweeping, moping, vacuuming, change bedding, laundry etc.)
• Landscaping (grass cutting, raking, snow shoveling, de-icing etc.)
• Groceries and meal preparation
• Other duties as assigned

ROLE EXPECTATIONS

• Respect and adhere to Mainstream’s policies surrounding confidentiality
• The DSP exercises autonomy in the planning and implementation of the daily activities and appointments for the people we support. When challenges develop, it is the responsibility of the DSP to reach out to Team supervisor or Team Manager for additional support as needed
• Be familiar with Mainstream policies and procedures, always conduct yourself in a manner consistent with Mainstream philosophies
• Be an active part of the team whose primary goal is that of promoting Mainstream philosophies in ways that positively impact people supported, fellow staff members and the community
• By manner of communication, show respect and consideration for fellow co-workers, a positive attitude and strong work ethic towards responsibilities
• Use effective time management strategies in completing tasks and planning daily activities
• Contribute to team meetings, projects, and initiatives
• Recognize that relationships developed with people supported are always subject to professional codes of conduct
• Communicate and collaborate professionally with others within the team, the organization, families and community partners
• Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices