Job Information
Empower--(formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy ) Direct Support Professional in Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls. Empower. Direct Support Professional. PT & FT Available. $15/hour.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB Direct Support Professionals assist individuals living in ICFs, promoting their productivity, independence, individuality, and inclusion in the community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Acquire a working knowledge of information contained in individuals' records.
* Implement Individual Program Plans according to prescribed methods, and provide support and assistance to individuals whenever needed.
* Support individuals as strive for independence in activities of daily living (including bathing, tooth brushing, using the bathroom, etc).
* Based on knowledge of individuals and their plans, provide them assistance autonomously, with minimal direction from a supervisor.
* Provide constructive direction/guidance to individuals in the development of leisure and recreational skills.
* Provide accurate and detailed documentation, paying particular attention to the individual's response.
* Report to the ICF management team any relevant changes noted in individuals' performance, and make recommendations for revisions to goal plans and methodologies.
* Contribute to the smooth operation of the residence and to harmonious relations among all staff.
* Adhere to all Agency Policies and Procedures.
* Obtain the knowledge and training needed to perform all Direct Support Professionals responsibilities; utilizing the proper chain of command when needed.
* Participate in ITT meetings and ICF Staff meetings.
* Attend in-service training as scheduled, and apply acquired knowledge daily while executing job duties.
* Work closely with co-workers, and communicate information accurately.
* Is responsible for all routine aspects of running a household including, but not limited to:
- Ensuring a living environment that is safe and clean.
- House cleaning and obtaining all related, necessary materials;
- Grocery shopping
- Cooking
- Laundry, etc.
* Direct Support Professionals take individuals on medical appointments, as well as on other, typical household errands such as grocery shopping, clothes shopping, recreation outings, etc.
- Depending on the site, Direct Support Professionals may be required to drive converted wheelchair vans.
* Complete assigned tasks.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Support Professionals w/ Medication Certification have additional responsibilities:
* Administer medication or supervise individual's self-administration, ensuring consumption in accordance with physician's orders.
* Provides G-tube feeds to individuals in accordance with physician's orders.
* Implement programs for individuals with self-administration of medication goals.
* Chart all medications.
* Provide an accurate accounting of all medications at shift change.
* Provide basic first aid.
* Follow emergency plan as needed.
* Monitor individuals carefully and bring to the attention of the LPN or the RN any pertinent observations/concerns about individuals' health care needs. Follow up on LPN or RN instructions/recommendations promptly.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS * High School Diploma * New York State Driver's License is required.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT
* Direct Support Professionals are scheduled according to their Full Time (FT) or Regularly Scheduled Part Time (RSPT) Position.
* Part Time (PT) employees are scheduled based on their availability. They must be available to work a minimum of sixteen hours per week, including one 8 hour weekend shift.
* Direct Support Professionals, FT and RSPT schedules may be temporarily changed by the CSS to meet the needs of the program.
* Direct Support Professionals may be temporarily re-assigned to alternate sites by the Director Community Housing.
* Direct Support Professionals may be mandated to work shifts so that the needs of the ICF are properly met.
To apply, forward cover letter and resume to: psciandra@empower-wny.org