Senior Direct Support Professional

Newport News, VA

Position Purpose:

The Senior DSP is responsible for supporting supervisors, staff and individuals in a residence and/or habilitative activity program, which includes balancing the needs of individuals, families, and other stakeholders.  The purpose is to produce meaningful community, employment, residence and/or facility-based activities, leading to the integration of people with intellectual disabilities and related disabilities into community life.  The incumbent will coordinate the day-to-day activities and programs, while providing group leadership. Maintain individual’s confidential files for review; conduct specialized training to team members in the department and other duties as needed to assist the unit supervisor.

Primary Duties:

  • Coordinate the training of an assigned team of individuals, and their involvement in meaningful activities
  • Assist in the development of and ensure the implementation of individual service plans utilizing a person-centered approach
  • Provide input to, and implement individual behavior management plans, including staff training of the plans
  • Train staff to ensure the effective application of individual training methods, and provide professional, age-appropriate activities for individuals 
  • Schedule and conduct ISP reviews, within time periods required by funding and referral sources
  • Maintain individual confidential records and ensure program notes and other records provided by staff meet the organizations standards of quality
  • Actively observe program implementation methods and practices to ensure the active participation of individuals in the program and the provision of individual choice is followed
  • Continually communicate with families, other staff, case managers and other agency personnel to provide exceptional person-centered services
  • Maintain assigned areas to ensure health and safety risks are identified and reduced/eliminated and activities are conducted in a safe and professional manner
  • Maintain Medication Administration certification and ensures Medication administration including the medication rooms are in compliance
  • Provide direct support to individuals as needed to ensure program staffing needs are met
  • Monitor and update ISP information collected for monthly and quarterly reviews
  • Comply with federal, state, and other accreditation licensing standards for the agency/program, to include record keeping, individual rights, confidentiality, input from persons served, outcome management reports, as well as all other requested duties
  • Complete quarterly reviews of program plans
  • Compare/correct and ensure data collection supports billing of services and time entry properly tracks an individuals and staff person’s hours worked, PTO, etc.
  • Conduct time studies, task analysis and motion studies as required to support the use of Department of Labor 14c sub-minimum wage standards if applicable
  • Ability to obtain and maintain VersAbility Resources’ required training including but not limited to CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and MODAPTS if applicable
  • Responsible for interactions with various external contacts, including the successful transaction of business where applicable
  • Ability to become certified on VersAbility Resources operational equipment if applicable
  • Occasionally may need to drive vehicles including, but not limited to, large passenger vans
  • Provide support for community integration efforts and HCBS Rights Compliance
  • Serve as interim supervisor, when appropriate
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Skills Knowledge & Abilities:

•      Must have a general knowledge of implementing community based habilitation and employment service for people with cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities

•      Must have knowledge of Positive Behavioral Support techniques

•      Knowledge of activity planning, community integration, and person-centered planning desired

•      Knowledge of current training techniques, reinforcement schedules, and data sheet development for programs desired

•      Must multi-task

•      Must be able to demonstrate patience while training others that require frequent prompting

•      Must have effective oral and written communication skills

•      Must be able to train staff in programming techniques

•      Physically able to assist individuals in personal care or behavior management and training programs

•      Must be able to lift fifty (50) pounds, bend through a full range of motion and stand for extended periods of time

•      Valid Virginia Driving license required, and must be insurable under VersAbility Resources’ auto and liability insurance programs

•      May be tasked with special projects where the ability to work independently and/or while interacting with other stakeholders is necessary

 Education: 

 High school diploma or GED is required, A four- year college degree in a related field is preferred.

 Experience:

 A minimum of two years’ experience working with people with disabilities or a combination of education and experience.

VersAbility Resources Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran