ESSENTIAL TASKS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless this causes undue hardship to the agency.

DSPs provide observations, evaluations, and reports to other team members to ensure and/or record an individual’s progress toward treatment/habilitation goals. In accordance with habilitative plans, they guide and teach individuals to develop skills required for a more independent lifestyle. Incumbents may take a lead role in one or more of the following duties within a work site. Duties may be performed in several or all of the following areas:

Personal Care

Teaches and reinforces accepted infection control and personal grooming techniques; assists in bathing, dental care, hair and nail care, personal hygiene, toileting, incontinence care, menstrual care, and grooming routines as necessary. Teaches and assists individuals in dressing, clothing selection, storage, laundering and repair of clothing and accessories; helps them to shop for clothing. Teaches and assists in proper use and care of shavers and razors, eyeglasses, hearing aids, prostheses as prescribed by appropriate medical practitioner. Administers and teaches individuals first aid treatments; administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques and performs other health-related techniques as required. Takes, records, reports temperatures, blood pressures, pulse rate, weight, and other significant symptoms/health-related occurrences; aids developmentally disabled individuals in understanding, recording, and reporting such factors. Maintains confidentiality of information. Reports unusual incidents and physical or behavioral symptoms promptly and accurately to the supervisor.

Food Preparation, Mealtimes

Assists individuals in eating who cannot feed themselves independently. Teaches individuals to eat in a family-style setting; models and teaches mealtime socialization skills. Teaches and assists individuals to plan, shop, store, prepare and serve meals using currently accepted nutritional standards; and to clean kitchen and dining areas, and dispose of leftover food safely.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or GED and ability to provide direct services to adults with developmental disabilities.  Related experience desirable.  Current clean New York State driver's license required.

 

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

 Direct Care experience with people with mental and/or physical disabilities.  AMAP, SCIP-R, CPR/SFA certified