Summary:  The Direct Support Professional is responsible for supporting the mission of SpArc Services by providing support, coaching and supervision to individuals with intellectual disabilities in accordance with their Individual Services Plans (ISP)and the SpArc Services program plan goals in an effort to maximize participant independence, choice and enhance their quality of life

 

Position Responsibilities  

• Support implementation of ISP and Behavior Management Plan for each individual served.  Provide feedback on participant progress including recommendations for program support and goals. Participates in program planning and development working closely with Program Specialists and other team members to ensure a well-integrated approach. 
• Encourage participant participation in development activities such as Cultural Center activities, Job Club, or Literacy Class.
• Know and follow regulations and agency policy in all areas including confidentiality, attendance, unusual incidents/incidents, documentation, abuse, restrictive procedures, and all matters pertaining to medication administration and documentation and medical issues.  Promptly ask supervisor to clarify any areas of concern. 
• Provide training and supervision in Activities of Daily Living, dressing, eating, personal hygiene, cleaning, etc, and promote participation and independence in all these areas.  Provide personal care to participants as needed. 
• Serve as a mentor and coach to individuals. Provide guidance and direction while being a positive role model to the individual. Encourages high level engagement, appropriate socialization. 
• Ensure the safety and well-being of the individual at all times. Transport individuals adhering to all safety policies and laws.
• Willing to become CPR and First Aid certified.
• Ensure all interactions reflect understanding of people with disabilities, maximize participant choice and treat all participants with personal dignity.
• Anticipate possible problems or challenges that may arise, and work to prevent unnecessary conflict. Problem-solve issues regarding participant situations, with or without assistance.
• Provide crisis intervention as necessary to support participants.  Use the least restrictive emergency procedure when necessary to protect the individual from injuring self or others.  Follow intervention policies and regulations.  Follow organizations unusual incident management policy and procedures.
• Immediately brings to the attention of supervisor and program specialist any concerns about participant.
• Ensure all documents and participant records are accurate and submitted timely as per agency policy and procedures, and state regulations. Accurately completes time cards according to regulatory and program standards. Conducts time studies according to protocol.
• Positively and professionally represent SpArc Philadelphia at all times.
• Develop trusting professional relationships with families and support staff while maintaining professional boundaries between families, other support staff and individuals served.
• Participate in skill development and professional growth opportunities. 

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.  Minimum of three years of experience, or training certification in working with people with disabilities in a health care or social service setting.
• Clear criminal and child abuse history, medical and drug screen.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record and ability to drive a van (preferred).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills including communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and varied abilities. 
• Understand the needs of participants and adjust behavior accordingly.  Ability to demonstrate compassion, empathy, and positive attitude while supporting independence. Ability to model and train appropriate workplace behavior, including skill development. 
• Ability to provide crisis intervention including de-escalation of behavior.
• Initiative to utilize materials and information to plan and implement productive activities to engage participants
• Demonstrates the organization’s core competencies and solid customer service skills.
• Effective word processing skills using Microsoft applications.  Ability to translate regulations into practice.  Know the importance of effective record keeping. 
• Ability to form effective partnerships with all stakeholders including family and caregivers and funders.
• Effectively problem solve with the ability to proactively address issues preventing escalation.
• Ability to obtain Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) medication administration certification.

Physical Environment/Working Conditions

Various setting including work training center, classroom art spaces, and community settings within the greater Philadelphia region. Required to lift and/or physically support program participants independently. May be exposed to outside weather conditions when in the community with individuals.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

 

How to apply:

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resumé to HR@sparcphilly.org, using "Direct Support Professional" as the subject line.

Please NO PHONE CALLS.