Description 

The Direct Service Professional provides direct services designed to promote community inclusion and independence to individuals residing in agency group homes or participating in day programs. Works with family members, other caregivers, other staff, and natural community resources as indicated in the Individual Service Plans (ISPs) to ensure appropriate services are delivered in a safe and efficient manner. 

Part Time Hourly Starting Rate: $15.38, Full Time Starting Rate: $17.43, $3.00 Shift Differential Offered for Overnight/Weekend Hours.

Responsibility 

Seeks input from individuals served regarding their choices for services and provides safe and professional direct services as specified in the ISP. Activities may include direct training in and/or supports with all activities of daily living, work, socialization, recreation, menu planning, housekeeping, laundry, money management, transportation, medication administration, and behavioral supports.  Ensures all safety, health, and universal precautions are properly addressed and monitored. Completes NRVCS Incident Report forms by the end of the shift for any observed or suspected incidents that involve individuals served or staff welfare and/or safety.  Correctly administers medications to individuals supported as prescribed and in accordance with all medication administration regulations. Provides assistance with other medical procedures (i.e.: blood sugar levels, wound care, etc.) as ordered by a physician and approved by supervisor. Completes a Medication Administration Incident Report Form by the end of shift for any problems that involve medications. Note: Part Time/Relief staff will be trained to administer medication based on program needs. Staff not formally trained and certified by NRVCS may not administer any form of prescribed or over the counter medications.  Works with team to ensure nutritional and dietary needs of individuals served are met including proper food preparation and following dietary plans and menus. Role models healthy nutritional choices when providing services.  Assists with crisis resolution and general problem-solving. Ensures services are provided with respect to the dignity of the individuals served as outlined in the State and NRVCS Human Rights Plans. Advocates for services on behalf of individuals served and their families/care givers as needed. Documents and reports suspected violations of Human Rights according to NRVCS policies.  Participates with the team in developing and implementing ISPs. If an individual’s needs are clearly not being met, ensures this information is shared with the supervisor through progress notes and/or incident reports which document the specific issues/problems as needed.  Promotes positive communication and collaboration among team members and other community resources needed to provide quality services. Conducts self in a professional manner at all times. Participates in team meetings unless absence is excused, completes proper written communication and relays other helpful information as necessary by voice mail and/or e-mail. Serves on designated teams, committees and work groups.  Maintains all communications, both written and verbal, with respect and confidentiality and complies with HIPAA and 42-CFR Part 2 standards and regulations.  Performs at the expected levels of individual and team productivity. Ensures all client records are in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements including guidelines as they pertain to DBHDS Licensure Regulations, Waiver, State Plan and Clinic Options Medicaid.  Works as scheduled to ensure adequate staffing is available to support program needs. Arrives at work on time and provides back-up as needed. Remains at work site until coverage has arrived for the next shift. If working in Central Scheduling, helps secure relief, maintains current record of schedule, and assists with scheduling staff for training and meetings. Provides on-site orientation for new staff, students and volunteers as assigned by supervisor.  Stays informed and up to date on operating policies and programmatic procedures which promote quality services and recommends changes when needed.  Travels to other locations as required and provides safe transportation according to NRVCS policies and guidelines as needed to perform job duties.  Strives to promote continuous quality improvement of services through the timely completion of QA activities (i.e. Level II reviews, satisfaction surveys, outcome measurement reports, etc.). Works with team to ensure all services are provided at the expected levels of quality and are in compliance with all applicable agency policies as well as any local, state, and federal requirements including guidelines as they pertain to Medicaid reimbursement.  Ensures all required certifications and/or licensure are kept up to date. Attends/provides other training as required to meet personal professional development and/or program needs.  Cooperatively performs other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Program Manager, Program Director and/or Senior Director. 

Qualifications 

Basic knowledge of human care-giving practices, and activities and resources available in the community which can used to support individuals with disabilities in a community setting.  Basic knowledge of Medicaid guidelines as they pertain to individuals this position supports.  Ability to follow a menu, basic food preparation skills, and maintain a safe, clean and sanitary household/workspace.  Ability to work independently and part of a team and work effectively with other community resources.  Must possess a valid driver’s license (state of Virginia, unless otherwise approved by agency) with an acceptable driving record. Must maintain acceptable record throughout employment.  Must have an acceptable criminal history background and child protective services check upon hire and maintained throughout employment;  Must have acceptable drug screen results upon hire. 

Education/Experience Required: 

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent is required.  Experience working with individuals in a care-giving role is preferred.