Direct Support Professional

Description

CFS has been providing services to individuals with intellectual disabilities in New Jersey for over twenty years. We currently have nineteen Group Homes, one Support Apartment, and three- Day Programs throughout the state.

The ideal job candidate will be highly dependable and have a passion for helping those with physical and / or intellectual disabilities live a more fulfilled and rewarding life.

The Center for Family Support (CFS) mission is to provide support and assistance to individuals with developmental and related disabilities.

We have accreditation with the Council on Quality and Leadership Certification (CQL). By achieving this certification, it shows our commitment and dedication to creating services that enhance and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Must fill all the requirements of the Direct Support Professional position including, but not limited to, working at developing independent living skills, administering medications, promoting opportunities for choice, participating in recreation activities, and any other tasks required to ensure the safety and well-being of the consumers.

Help the people we support to have meaningful lives. Listen to their dreams and help them learn skills to live the lives they choose.

• Help each individual to tell us what is important to them and important for them. Involve them in activities that match their interests, gifts and plans.
• Help individuals we support learn how to form and continue positive relationships with people in their community.
• Respect the rights of the people we support and teach them to speak up for themselves.
• Use the person-centered philosophy throughout the day. Use each moment as a teachable moment.
• Get to know the individual by listening to him or her. Read the record and share your observations with other members of the team.
• Do not share information about the people we support with anyone other than members of the team.
• Show a positive attitude toward work and others.
• Protect the health of the people you support. This may include giving medication, following doctor's orders, going on medical appointments and / or seeking emergency medical care when necessary.
• Join with other team members in the development of the service plan and carry out all parts for which you are responsible.
• Protect the safety of the people you support by providing the level of supervision described in the person's service plan and by reporting to your supervisor any potentially dangerous situations.
• Communicate important information to your supervisor and other members of the team.
• Record all information required for the job duties in an accurate and timely fashion.
• Follow all agency procedures regarding incident reporting and reporting possible abuse. Cooperate with Agency and Division staff during any investigations and inspections.
• Be polite and professional when talking to all others.
• Follow all agency policies, procedures and rules of conduct.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled trainings and meetings as requested by supervisor.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by your supervisor (s).

Education and Experience Requirements

Minimum high school diploma or GED equivalent

Valid driver's license - No provisional license

Prior experience in this field is preferred, but If you have some background in healthcare or human services is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Integrity and Responsibility
• Confidentiality
• Respect
• Relationship management
• Advocacy
• Ability to promote physical and emotional well-being
• Ability to promote the person-centered philosophy

Work Environment and Physical Requirements :

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

• Regularly required to speak clearly and hear the spoken word well.
• Regularly required to utilize near vision ability to read data and documents, including spreadsheets and reports, in printed form and on computer screens.
• Regularly required to provide physical care for clients and individuals, which may include, but is not limited to bathing, feeding, changing clothes or diapers and pushing wheelchairs.
• Ability to physically restrain challenging behaviors that include aggression, self-injurious, and destructive behaviors.
• Ability to apply proper lifting techniques.
• ability to lift and move individuals (if necessary) 100+ lbs., ability to lift boxes, furniture, and equipment up to 30 lbs.

Qualifications

Education

Associates (preferred)

High School (preferred)