Sign-on Bonus:

As an incentive to join Michael Dunn Center as a DSP, we are offering a sign-on bonus of $1,000!  $500 paid out after 6 months and $500 paid on your one year anniversary!  In addition, we also offer a $250 employee referral bonus. 

General Characteristic of Duties:

In general, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) will provide meaningful, functional training opportunities and activities in an atmosphere that is conducive to progress and performance and which results in enhanced self-esteem of individuals.

 Job Responsibilities:

• Minimize the service recipients’ risk of harm. The DSP must provide appropriate supervision and anticipate things that could be harmful, following all precautions and restrictions listed in the individual’s service plan (IEP, ISP, etc.). DSPs will report witnessed or suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation in accordance with Michael Dunn Center (MDC) protocols and DIDS/DOH/DOE regulations. Will conduct appropriate checks to maintain a safe environment for individuals who receive services.
• Provide assistance with personal care. This may include changing adult or children’s briefs, assisting service recipients in the restroom including transfers to toilet, personal hygiene, bathing or showering, grooming, dressing and feeding.  Responsibilities may also include cleaning after individuals that are sick.  Assistance may be in the form of monitoring service recipients as they perform these tasks for themselves, giving verbal prompts, or providing partial physical assistance or total care depending on the needs of the individuals served.
• Gain knowledge of the Individual Support Plan (ISP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP), Training Specifics to the Needs of the Individual (TSNI), Behavior Support Plan (BSP), individual programs, and therapy plans of the assigned service recipients.  Follow all programs daily and report progress on outcomes and actions. Participate in ISP, Circle of Support (COS), and staff meetings to give input on effectiveness of programs for your service recipients.
• Maintain all necessary documentation. This includes but is not limited to – daily notes, attendance records, service fee records, sleeping charts, incident reports, accident reports, mileage sheets, seizure records, financial records, and Medication Administration Records (MARs). Some computer skills are required for completion of training and routine documentation, as a significant amount of information must be entered daily (daily notes, email, incident reports, mandatory trainings and clocking in and out).
• Attend all scheduled, required training and updates and complete all training successfully in a timely manner as per government grant requirements. Training will be provided in the classroom as well as electronically through the College of Direct Support (CDS).
• Provide service recipients with a meaningful day.  Direct Support Professionals are not intended to be “babysitters” or to “hang out”, watch TV, videos or “drive around” with service recipients. It is a professional position intended to help service recipients reach their fullest potential.  A DSP is expected to:
  • Help individuals develop or maintain skills to be as independent as possible.
  • Provide positive attention and interactions with respect and sensitivity.
  • Allow service recipients to make their own decisions and do as much for themselves as possible.
• Work hours are dependent upon job location and staffing needs. The Michael Dunn Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Employees may be expected to work on holidays and may also be assigned to other work locations (for example residential homes, in the community, at the Center, or on customer job sites) as well as community activities such as taking service recipients to the church of their choice, special events, etc.
• The Expectations of Employment of all employees at the Michael Dunn Center includes ensuring that all service recipients are well cared for and treated with respect at all times, respecting the property and work time of MDC, maintaining professional attitude and relationship with supported individuals and their families, co-workers, and personnel from the state, other agencies and businesses, and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information regarding service recipients.
• Physical requirements for the position may include, but are not limited to – lifting and pivot transfers of an adult bearing 50 lbs of weight, walking up and down steps, pushing up to 20 lbs., kneeling to assist with personal care and cleaning, squatting and bending while reaching and stretching when loading service recipients onto lift vans, reaching above head for stored items, standing for extended periods of time, and sometimes using chemicals or other equipment.
• (Only for DSPs who drive) Transporting service recipients is required. Drivers must maintain an acceptable driving record and obtain an F-endorsement. Drivers must follow company policy for transporting service recipients.
• Employees are expected to complete other duties as assigned by their supervisors.
• Position is hourly paid, Non-Exempt.

 Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Special consideration will be given to individuals with experience working with people who have disabilities.

  Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to assist adults with intimate personal care.
• Perform physical aspects listed in the job description.
• Must possess basic computer skills or have the ability to learn, including Microsoft Office and/or Timas. Must be able to complete documentation and read and respond to email communication.
• Must be able to communicate in English both orally and in written form.
• Caring people with a desire to advocate for our service recipients.