Direct Support Professional

**OVERVIEW**:
Direct Support Professionals will provide supervision, support and assistance to individuals in programs, community employment and/or social enterprise operations. You will use a variety of techniques to facilitate communication, rights, choice, accommodations, skills and increased independence for the participants. DSPs at Prescott are experts in person-directed programming and aim to assist our participants in realizing their full potential and become integrated and engaged in community.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- **Participant Services**_
- Support participants in identifying and achieving their goals.
- Support participants’ maximum independence in all activities and enable participant inclusion in activities of their choice.
- Support employment and independent living skills that reflect participant preferences and program plans.
- Support participants in their employment/ engagement in the community.
- Implement programs that support personal development of skills.
- Provide participants with counselling as needed.
- Know emergency procedures and basic emergency facts regarding all participants.
- Assist participants with personal care and coordinate suitable accommodations, where required.
- Facilitate participants communications to relevant parties.
- **Program Execution**_
- Deliver person-directed programs and activities keeping choice, rights, interest and goals of the participant as the main pillars.
- Assist in program design and scheduling of activities.
- Keep abreast of best practices.
- Maintain a high quality of programming by dedicating time to evaluation, discussion and input from a variety of sources.
- Assist with light housekeeping duties as required.
- Ensure a safe work environment is maintained and all proper safety procedures are followed.
- Promote a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion.
- **Administrative**_
- Maintain accurate records.
- Prepare forms as required by Finance and Supervisors.
- Promote safety in the workplace and participate in OH&S inspections as required.
- Participate in staff meetings and training sessions.
- Record weekly progress notes, outcomes reporting on a quarterly basis and submit progress reports as directed.
- Develop and present Individual Success Plans (ISP) for participants and coordinate in their execution.
- Communicate requirement of resources to ensure smooth running of programs.
- Contribute to external communication of programs and events of Prescott Group in relevant Social Groups/Media.
- Communicate participant information to parents and caregivers.
- **Community Awareness & Fundraising**_
- Assist with executing fundraising and community awareness initiatives/events.

**Perform and assist in other duties as directed by your supervisor.**

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- **Education/Experience**_

Post-secondary degree/diploma in human services or related field or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

One-three years working with persons with an intellectual disability, caregiving, health care or related field.
- **Knowledge, skills and abilities**_

Excellent communication skills (written, listening and verbal).

Demonstrates efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.

Flexible approach and positive attitude towards problem solving.

Understanding of rights and person-directed programming.

Passion and commitment to serve others.

Basic computer skills.

Basic social media skills.

Commitment to personal development, learning and professionalism.

**Direct Support Professionals should demonstrate competence in the following areas**:

- Ethics: Understanding ethical behaviour and business practices, ensure their own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
- Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally.
- Communication: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
- Focus on Participant Needs: Anticipate, understand, respect and respond to the needs of internal and external participants to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
- Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Organizational Skills: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, and monitor progress towards goals, including tracking details, data, information and activities.
- Demonstrate Growth mindset at work.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT; DAY/HOUR REQUIREMENTS**

This position may have physical requirements that include lifting of participants, pushing wheelchairs, working outdoors, and in workplace settings. Work may be conducted at Prescott, Club Inclusion or in the wider community. Frequent standing, bending, reaching is required. Standard 40 hour work week. Some ev