Direct Support Professional in Training (DSP)

JOB SUMMARY:

• Under the general supervision of a nurse, the DSP in training provides residents with activities and services as directed, in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations to ensure the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times. DSPs in training will not perform any duties for which they have not been trained and found to be proficient by an instructor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a state-approved DSP paid training program.
• Must pass the DSP Competency Examination and be listed on the Healthcare Worker Registry within 120 days of date of hire (class provided at facility).
• Be at least 16 years of age, of temperate habits and good moral character, honest, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Must possess current CPR certificate or become certified within two weeks of employment.
• Demonstrates interest and/or knowledge in caring for the ill, disabled, and elderly. Must be able to deal tactfully with customers, family members, visitors, personnel etc.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must be personable, enthusiastic, and personable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of the position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, visitors, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, young, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people.
• May be required to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of fifty (50) pounds throughout the day.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including potential exposure to COVID-19.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with the provision of care and services related to activities of daily living and/or as directed by the staff nurse.
• Assists in developing a written plan of care for each customer that identifies the problems/needs of the customer.
• Attends and actively participates in resident care plan conference, and Resident Council and/or Family Council when invited.
• Reports all concerns, complaints made by the customer or their family to the Administrator.
• Makes rounds to assure customers are safe and comfortable.
• Maintains an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department.
• Participates in In-service Education Programs.
• Assists in implementing and maintaining an effective orientation program that orients the new Ladies and Gentlemen of Alden to the facility, his/her department, and its policies and procedures.
• Recommends to the Director of Nursing the equipment and supply needs of the department.
• Inventories and stores the new customer's personal possessions.
• Assists customers with packing personal possessions when they are transferred to a new room or when being discharged.
• Participates in and receives the nursing report upon reporting for duty.
• Maintains intake and output records as instructed. Checks and reports bowel movements and character of stools.
• Makes occupied and unoccupied beds, changes bed linens, and straightens rooms, closet, and drawers. Notifies housekeeping if mattress in need of cleaning or replacement.
• Answers call lights promptly, answer telephone calls as needed and run errands as requested.
• Obtains blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, heights, and weights as needed.
• Does complete check of skin condition when dressing, undressing, turning/repositioning, etc. Reports any skin abnormalities to the Staff Nurse.
• Observes customer's physical condition, attitude, reactions, appetite, etc., and reports any changes and/or unusual findings to the Nurse/RCC so care plan can be updated.
• Performs personal services for customer's (i.e., reading, writing letters, etc.) as time allows.
• Encourages customers to help themselves and promotes self-care in aiding rehabilitation.
• Assists with care of dying and expired customers.
• Records resident food/fluid intake. Completes meal monitor form as indicated. Reports changes in resident's eating habits to the Staff Nurse.
• Keeps customers water pitchers clean and filled with fresh water on each shift unless contraindicated.
• Serves between meals and bedtime snacks.
• Wears transfer belt at all times and utilizes as needed.
• Keeps the nurses' call system within easy reach of the resident.
• Reports all hazardous equipment and conditions to the Staff Nurse immediately.
• Participates in the development, maintenance, and implementation of the facility's Quality Assurance program for the Nursing Department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.