Direct Support Professional - HCBS

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Mainstream Living provides services designed to enhance opportunities, create success and fulfill dreams.  The purpose of this position is to provide services and supports in residential community settings to persons with intellectual disabilities and brain injuries.  All personnel are expected to promote a safe and welcoming, home-like environment that inspires hope and supports members with their individual goals and aspirations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education:  Prefer High School Diploma or Equivalency/HiSet/GED, not required

Experience:  Human Service Experience is preferred but not required.

Driving:  This position requires possession of valid Driver’s License, legal driving privileges and 

ability in the State of Iowa and qualification with Mainstream Living’s underwriter as an insurable

driver. Exceptions to this may be made for select shifts, e.g., overnight shifts.

Other Certification:  n/a

Computer:  Basic data entry skills required.

Post hire:  Must demonstrate competencies to complete internal training, including training to

pass medication.

General:  All employees must work diligently to incorporate the spirit and intent of the

Mainstream Living's mission, vision and values.  This includes respectful communication to all

others at all times.  Employees must be able to establish a rapport and develop positive

relationships with others while conducting themselves in line with the Mainstream Living's Code

of Ethics.  Employees must also: demonstrate consistent professional conduct and establish

and maintain appropriate boundaries with others; take accountability for own work while

demonstrating a willingness to accept responsibility and offer constructive recommendations;

demonstrate dependability and flexibility when shift times or duties of the day change; apply

common sense to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; and ensure that the

best interest of the members is a top priority at all times.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is considered an essential health care worker position and in the event of an emergency may be required to work one-on-one with members to ensure their safety.

• Provide an appropriate level of supervision to members as outlined in their plan of services.
• Engage members in tasks of daily living, promoting the highest level of independence in all areas of life.
• Assist in identifying, developing and facilitating opportunities that reflect the members’ skills, needs, and interests.
• Incorporate members’ service plan into daily routine by providing support, supervision and encouragement according to their established supports and individualized goals.
• Facilitate and conduct activities in the community for members’ leisure, medical and other needs, including assisting with shopping.
• Identify, monitor, educate and correct physical or environmental barriers and hazards in members’ environment.
• Monitor and address member well being and health needs. 
• Monitor side effects and effectiveness of medications; report concerns and/or  exacerbation in member symptoms immediately.
• Notify supervisory and nursing personnel when a member is injured or a health change or decline is observed. 
• Respectfully communicate with members and their family, guardians, Case Managers, and other stakeholders in a manner appropriate to each individual.
• Honor members’ rights, including but not limited to choice, privacy and confidentiality.
• Allow and facilitate situations for members to make choices about their day to day life activities.  
• Complete member service documentation in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner required to meet billing and productivity requirements. 
• Maintain a clean environment by facilitating and completing tasks required to maintain a clean and safe living environment, including deep cleaning, home upkeep, and light maintenance tasks.
• Meet member nutritional needs as outlined in member supervision plan, including facilitating or completion of following menu, food portion and meal preparation.
• Contribute to a non judgemental, value neutral culture where each individual, member or coworker, are treated with respect and active inclusion. 

We are pleased to provide eligible employees with fantastic benefits which include: 

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with match
• Paid time off including vacation, holidays and sick time
• Regular wage increase evaluation
• Training and development opportunities
• Education grants
• Life insurance, cancer coverage, and flexible spending accounts
• Opportunities for bonuses/incentives and internal recognition programs

We can’t say enough about the amazing things our staff do each and every day to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.  They’re able to carry out instructions, take responsibility for their work, and find creative ways to empower members to reach goals and enjoy life. They always keep the best interest of our members a top priority, and they work to develop positive relationships. If you possess a strong work ethic, good values, and common sense, we can teach how to do the job!