Sponsored Direct Support Professional

The Sponsored Residential DSP provides services to adults with developmental disabilities in the sponsor DSP’s home. The Sponsored Residential DSP ensures that they, their home, and their backup staff maintain compliance with the office of licensing and human rights under the Department for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDS), DMAS, and others as required.  

Additionally, the role is expected to ensure that services are aligned with Heart Havens’ mission and values. The Sponsored Residential DSP is expected to demonstrate person-centered skills, values, and attitudes in their communication, documentation, and support provided to the residents. Passion for and the desire to work with people with developmental disabilities is key to success in this position.

**This is an independent contractor position.**

Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED preferred. 6 months previous direct support experience required.

Required Skills:  

• Ability to understand and follow service requirements  
• Ability to manage time to successfully complete job duties  
• Ability to interact and communicate with individuals exhibiting a variety of characteristics  
• Ability to perform First-Aid, behavior management interventions, and medication management  
• Ability to support residents with Activities of Daily Living  
• Ability to observe, record and report residents’ behavior, attitude and physical condition  
• Ability to write objective and accurate daily notes that capture support offered and given to residents  
• Ability to safely operate and maintain adaptive equipment and assistive technology  
• Ability to carry out the physical requirements of assisting and lifting individuals, as necessary  
• Must understand and respect residents Human Rights and be able treat them with dignity at all times   
• Must be able to follow the policies and procedures of Heart Havens to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations  
• Must be able to demonstrate abilities that improve or maintain the health and wellness of those they support.  
• Must have verbal and written communication skills to maintain effective working relationships with residents, coworkers, and family members  
• Must model Heart Havens’ mission and values in daily actions  
• Must have proficient typing and computer skills  
• Must be able to safely drive individuals where they want to go  
• Must maintain required certifications: Therapeutic Options (TOVA), Medication Administration, and First Aid/CPR/AED  

Essential Functions:  

-Provides support to residents as outlined in their ISPs, Residential Plan for Supports, and other relevant support  

plans (e.g. Behavior support plan)  

-Understands and supports residents according to their health protocols and health related support instructions  

-Provides residents with appropriate supervision when working in the program and never leaves resident alone in  

the home or in the community unless written in their individualized support plan  

-Supports residents with their Activities of Daily Living to the level needed for their success  

-Encourages residents to engage with others, increase independence, and participate in meaningful activities at  

home and in the community  

-Encourages and support residents’ individual choice in their day-to-day lives and respects their choices  

-Administers medications according to organizational procedures and the 6 Rights of Medication Administration  

-Uses customer service skills when interacting with residents, families, case managers, medical professionals, etc.  

-Completes accurate and timely daily documentation to include but not limited to ISP Notes and T-Logs  

-Maintains information in the individual's records, ensures individuals are treated respectfully and maintains  

confidentiality regarding personal and health information  

-Identifies and responds to changing health conditions of the residents by obtaining immediate care and  

submitting documentation that reflects that care  

-Notifies program leadership of incidents, behavioral changes, medical updates, and important messages (e.g.  

phone messages)  

-Completes incident reports (General Event Reports) in a timely manner and seeks guidance as needed  

-Follows dietary recommendations, food preparation orders during meal preparation, and  

documents any menu changes  

-Documents individual choice and preferences in documentation  

- Ensures inclusion occurs within the community   

-Supports residents with making purchases  

-Participates in routine emergency drills  

-Adheres to Heart Havens policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook, and Policies and  

Procedures Manual 

-Responds to emergency situations according to policy and procedure  

-Performs other job-related duties as assigned