Kdsp (Direct Support Worker)

**OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY**:
The Key Direct Support Professional (KDSP) performs all of the duties of a DSP with the added responsibility for ensuring that individuals have maximum control over all aspects of daily life by providing unique and comprehensive care and support. The KDSP is an advocate for people supported and is responsible to provide input, advice, and share information related to the care of people supported to the Facility Manager, other Key DSPs, and DSPs as required.

**Qualifications**:
1. Must demonstrate commitment to VOI’s values: We are open and respectful, We are transparent, We value people's strengths abilities and knowledge, We think outside the box, We value people's experiences and perspectives.

2. Minimum of two years’ experience working with people with disabilities.

3. Valid Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

4. Understanding of Person Centered Planning

**SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Advocacy**:
Advocacy is the most important responsibility and should be the main focus and concern of the KDSP. Advocating for a persons rights, wants and choices in their every day life is a vital part of the position and reflects the Core Values of the organization. Below we list some specific areas where advocacy will be required.
- Appointments_

Accompany people supported to appointments outside the home, and provide transportation. Ensure their voices are heard at appointments and their concerns, questions and needs are met. Ensure that all information is shared with the Facility Manager.
- Health and Wellness_

A KDSP is to work directly with one person supported. This means the KDSP should know them best. It is expected that the KDSP bring any concerns regarding a person’s health and wellness up with the FM immediately, and ensure it is addressed accordingly. In addition, the KDSP should provide support in every day tasks that impact their health and wellness such as personal hygiene.
- Meals and Nutrition_

Ensure people supported create their weekly meal plans, assist and provide suggestions if needed. Provide guidance and education regarding nutritious meals and snacks that follow Canada’s Food Guide and meet their dietary needs. Ensure that all groceries and ingredients needed are available in the home. When grocery shopping with people supported, provide education on foods, food preparation and even coupons and comparison shopping.
- Activities:_

Encourage and assist people supported to plan and participate in activities both inside and outside of the home. The KDSP should ask questions and provide ideas in an effort to discover the person’s likes and interests, and help them in the planning of doing these things.

**Relationships**:
Relationships are key in the success of a KDSP. A KDSP should create and maintain a relationship with people supported based on trust. Encourage them to be a voice for themselves, and ensure they feel comfortable asking you for help when they feel they cannot.

KDSP should also maintain positive and effective communication with people supported families, supervisors, agencies, co-workers, and the community at large.

**Person Centered Planning** **& My Support Plan**:
Understand and follow each individual’s “care plan”.

Contribute to annual reviews of IPP’s and the development of new services.

**Personal outcome measures**:
Upholding the five factors of My Human Security, My Community, My Relationships, My Choices, and My Goals and working to ensure that the people supported have exposure, experience and education in order that they know what they want within each of these factors.

**Safety**:
Ensure that the property and equipment are maintained and used safely. Ensure that all Universal Safety precautions are followed in relation to personal care, working alone, storage of medications, handling of food, hazardous materials, and the storage and disposal of garbage. Ensure the facility is clean and orderly for the comfort and safety of the Individuals. When issues arise in the home contact the Health and Safety Committee for assistance and direction.

**Documentation**:
Complete necessary records and documentation in accordance with VOI agency policy and procedures. This includes individual logs, medication sheets, Incident Reports, communication logs, receipts and task charts.

**Community Involvement**:
Play and active role in providing opportunities for relationships with families, neighbours, and the community.

**Financial Management**:
Assist Individuals with the day-to-day management of their personal funds; assist in managing facility funds, including recording purchases and providing receipts.

**Training & Development**:
Attend and participate in required and assigned training and development; including new staff orientation, staff meetings, external training and others as needed.

Assist in the orientation and training for new staff in regards to Individuals. Contribute to staff meetings and establi