Position Description:

Under the direction and guidance of the Administrators/House Managers, the Direct Support Professional-Floater (DSP-Floater) is responsible for ensuring support is provided to individuals in a residential facility.  The primary purpose of the DSP-Floater is to fill in shifts at various residential facilities that are open including those that are open due to illnesses, vacations, leaves of absence, unfilled regular positions, etc. DSP-Floaters will have set schedules but the expectation is that they will be flexible given notice and the needs of the agency.

  The DSP-Floater shall ensure implementation of skill-based training based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavioral Supports to teach individuals how to deal with issues that may result in behavioral episodes as outlined in the residents’ Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and behavior plans.  Such training shall take place in both the home and in various community settings.  

The Direct Support Professional is also responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, comfortable, attractive, and clean home for the residents and to support them in a dignified and respectful manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be flexible with scheduling.

• Be flexible in working in various residential environments and under the direction of various Administrators/House Managers.

• Ensure the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities at all times.

• Ensure the health and safety of residents at all times.  May not leave residents unattended and must remain on shift until relief staff reports on site.

• Support and assist residents in developing skills for daily care, living, personal hygiene, and developing coping skills necessary to reduce behavioral episodes.

• Protect and advocate for unmet resident needs and assure confidentiality of resident information.

• Utilize and implement behavioral principles and positive behavioral supports to encourage appropriate behaviors for various settings (both in the home and in the community) while promoting an atmosphere of choice, dignity and respect.

  • Follow Individual Service Plans (ISPs)

  • Follow Behavior Support Plans (BSPs)

  • Provide input to the administrator, behaviorist, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to monitor and modify plans as needed

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Educational background in psychology and behaviorism is preferred
• Experience working in a residential setting with individuals who are developmentally disabled is preferred
• Ability to meet required state and agency standards and in-service training and education
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to understand written and verbal directives
• Competence in the use of computers and software (MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Outlook)
• Current and valid First Aid/CPR Certification
• Personal vehicle for transportation of individuals served (as needed), current and valid California driver’s license, and a driving record that meets agency standards
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and perform a two-person transport position and the team control position for individuals exhibiting behavioral episodes that threaten the safety and welfare of self or others.
• Adhere to personnel requirements and agency policies and procedures