The role of the Direct Support Professional is to support individuals within Alternative Residential Care to be connected to others by modeling healthy relationships, engaging in effective communication, and supporting independence. This will be achieved through improving skills, promoting self-determination, encouraging personally satisfying lifestyles, and fostering growth to the greatest extent possible.

The DSP will be responsible for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for individuals while ensuring that individuals are treated with dignity and respect. The DSP will support the interest culture and needs of the people we serve and to promote respectful interaction with all individuals.

The DSP will work successfully within a team as well as professionally represent Alternative Residential Care in the community supporting individuals, parents, and guardians and within each individual’s residence or program. The DSP will exemplify professional values, ethics, responsibility, and confidentiality.

Qualifications and Professional Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED
• Must become DSP, CRMA and safety care certified as a primary responsibility of the DSP position
• Must have a valid driver license from state of residence in a clean driving record.
• Must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
• Must have or gain through training the information technology skills to enter time and attendance, documentation of service, manage and complete trainings, and communicate with supervisor and coworkers.

Essential Functions

1. Develop a report with the residents and cultivate a safe and supportive relationship.
2. Provide support and guidance for individuals during skill building activities.
3. Implement individual treatment plans and positive support plans for individuals.
4. Encourage self-help skill building by supporting individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including preparing meals, maintaining a clean and healthy environment, and assisting with personal hygiene.
5. Mentor healthy eating choices, activities that enhance or maintain physical fitness and overall health and wellness choices.
6. Transport residence in approved vehicles to activities and/or medical appointments as required. 
7. Exercise sound judgment to ensure the safety and welfare of individuals at all times. Notify Program Manager of any situation developing or occurring in the home which could have a negative impact on the home’s operation or individual’s welfare and safety.
8. Respect each member’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
9. Ensure that all medications are passed in a safe and timely manner.
10. Manage individual funds by accurately recording expenditures.
11. Understand and comply with licensing requirements, MaineCare requirements, person centered planning requirements and all of Alternative Residential Care’s policies and procedures.
12. Collect accurate and timely data including updates to individual ISP progress notes, treatment plans, and positive support plans daily as outlined in the plan and as required to track progress towards established goals, objectives, and outcomes.
13. Follow work schedule, demonstrate consistent attendance, adhere to core hours, and accurately record hours worked.
14. Follow mandated Reporter guidelines regarding reportable events.
15. Manage agency funds by accurately recording expenditures as required.
16. Conduct self in a professional, collaborative, and positive manner at all times. Develop and maintain cooperative in collegial relationships with all staff while demonstrating a willingness to resolve conflicts quickly and completely.
17. Operate as part of a team, maintaining a willingness to accept direction, constructive feedback and information from the Program Manager and team.
18. Maintain all required certifications for the Direct Support Professional position.
19. Attend and participate in all required staff meetings and trainings.
20. Maintain a highly consistent and punctual employee work record, avoiding absenteeism and tardiness.
21. Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to assist in all residential settings as needed.
22. Actively promote safety and safe practices. Ensure a clean and orderly residence or program site while implementing all cleaning routines and checklists. Independently initiate household needs maintenance and upkeep as necessary
23. Follow all agency safety standards and procedures.
24. Alert program manager to safely and/or maintenance needs by following the internal protocols regarding program operations.
25. Follow all transportation policies including identifying any maintenance concerns with agency vehicles.