Direct Support Professional (Level 1)

Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Program Director Assigned, the DSP will follow the Independent Living philosophy to provide pre-employment training services, job-site based support, supervision and instruction to participants with developmental disabilities. They also write Individual Support Plans. direct placement services

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide employment support, supervision and instruction to participants at training & job sites.
2. Meet the standards specific to independent employment sites, including dress code and work quality requirements, as deemed necessary by Program Director.
3. Attend all required meetings and in-services.
4. Provide motivation to participants.
5. Ensure participants receive annual employee evaluations from employers.
6. Model ethical behavior at all times.
7. Complete all required documentation and reports per agency procedures.
8. Assist in maintaining participants’ files and records.
9. Write ISP objectives, and in cooperation with other ES Program Staff, collect applicable supporting documentation.
10. Refer participant to IL Services so that participants’ wages are reported to Social Security Administration, if applicable.

Performance Standards

• Provides effective instruction to participants in order to achieve their ISP goals and objectives. 
• Timely, accurate and complete documentation of progress reports and ISPs. 
• Complies with safety practices as detailed in the Job Coach Manual while supervising participants. 
• Provides instruction to participants at worksites in the manner most effective to the participants, including: demonstration, verbal and non-verbal cues, and visual aids. 
• Meets all safety standards established by SCRS, including safety drills and procedures with wheelchairs. 
• Meets employer dress code standards. 
• Engages actively with participants at worksites to ensure that the participants are sufficiently supported so as to meet work quality requirements. 
• Attends all mandatory meetings, including: staff meetings, all staff meetings, scheduled trainings, and meetings with managers.
• Maintains professional boundaries with participants and co workers. 
• Collects and records data daily on progress toward achievement of participant goals and objectives. 
• Records all other relevant information in progress notes. 
• Maintains participant confidentiality with parents, caregivers and employees. 
• Shares participant information with other SCRS staff in a professional manner.
• Maintains professional relationship with parents & caregivers. 
• Follows SCRS policies and procedures on employee attendance and tardiness. 
• Accurate and timely Social Security wage reporting when applicable. 
• Maintains participant files and records, according to agency procedures. 
• Provides appropriate level of administrative support to Program Director.

Qualifications

• AA degree in human/social services or related degree or 2 years of relevant experience in retail, sales, marketing, social services or a combination of experience and education 
• Two years direct (hands-on) experience with individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Willingness to accept work direction from others.
• Professional English writing ability, including usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Proficient use of basic office equipment, Microsoft Office.
• Ability to keep and file records.
• Ability to be flexible; work schedule may change on a weekly basis.
• Immediate access to a vehicle with working seat belts, and proof of current driver’s license and car insurance

Essential Physical Requirements

• Able to sit for long periods of time, reach, bend, handle, twist; digital dexterity; file documents and retrieve them from filing cabinets; carry/lift a maximum of 15 pounds.

Disclaimer
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked to perform other duties. You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. SCRS-IL has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment.

Status of Position
All positions subject to funding availability. S