LO-Direct Support Professional

Qualifications: They should be at least 18 years of age, with a minimum of 4 years personal driving experience. They must have a high school diploma or GED, Missouri Class E Chauffeurs license and ability to pass a Missouri DOT physical. A minimum of fifty (50) hours of training shall be completed within first 90 days of employment. Experience with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is preferred.

Licenses and Certificates necessary to perform job: 

• CPR/First Aid
• Nonviolent Crisis Interventions
• Level 1 Medication Aid Certification
• Tools of Choice
• MO Class E Chauffer’s license
• MO DOT Physical

Physical Requirements: (reasonable accommodation will be made if necessary)

• Ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach for extended periods throughout the workday
• Capability to lift, transfer, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds independently, and assist with heavier loads using proper equipment or team lifting techniques.
• Physical ability to safely assist individuals with mobility needs, including transfers to/from wheelchairs, vehicles, beds, and seating
• Ability to navigate stairs, uneven terrain, and other environmental barriers while supporting individuals as needed
• Sufficient strength, coordination, and stamina to perform personal care tasks (e.g., bathing, dressing, toileting assistance).
• Demonstrates fine and gross motor skills necessary for daily caregiving duties, documentation, and safe operation of equipment. Including, but not limited to the use of a telephone, iPad and/or laptop
• Ability to enter and exit vehicles frequently and assist passengers safely in various environments
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely for extended periods, including maintaining alertness and proper posture while driving
• Physical capability to perform CPR and emergency response procedures as required
• Ability to perform light maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and washing vehicles
• Adequate vision (with or without correction) to safely drive, monitor surroundings, and recognize changes in client condition.
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively, respond to alarms or signals, and ensure client safety
• Ability to communicate clearly (verbally and in writing) for documentation and coordination of care
• Physical and mental ability to respond quickly in emergency or high-stress situations
• Ability to pass and comply with random drug and alcohol testing requirements to ensure safety-sensitive job performance

Hours: Flexible. Hours shall be scheduled at times needed to ensure proper supervision at

service sites and/or when individuals need assistance. An on-call rotation is required of all staff to ensure adequate transportation to/from program is available for all participants. All employees shall abide by ABiLITY policies as a condition of employment. This job description is not an employment contract. Employment is at will and may be terminated at any time by either party. ABiLITY reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities at any time. 

Summary of Duties: The Direct Support Professional role supports individuals with developmental disabilities while promoting independence through daily living skills. The semi-skilled direct care work includes observing and accurately recording data to support ongoing assessment. Success in this role requires strong interpersonal skills, motivation to help individuals achieve their personal goals, and the ability to remain calm, confident, and responsive during stressful situations to ensure a safe, least-restricted environment. Daily safety and maintenance inspection of vehicles and compliance with all vehicle operation rules and regulations are necessary for transportation duties.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Establish and maintain respectful relationships with individuals served, families, and coworkers during all interactions.
• Maintains professional behavior and appropriate boundaries at all times.
• Protects confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements by safeguarding all personal and health information with zero unauthorized disclosures.
• Uses at least one activity or approach each shift to engage individuals served.
• Follow supervisor directives by completing assigned tasks accurately and within designated timeframes during each scheduled shift.
• Works collaboratively with co-workers, responding to team needs, and participating in shift responsibilities during all scheduled work hours.
• Shares important information with supervisors or team members on time (within the same shift when needed).
• Reports schedule changes to supervisor before the shift or as soon as possible.
• Accepts and completes additional duties as assigned

Job Skills:

• Reports to all scheduled shifts on time and ready to perform duties to ensure continuous supervision and safety of individuals.
• Attends 100% of scheduled staff meetings and required trainings (or reviews approved make-up materials) to ensure consistent service delivery and compliance.
• Keeps all certifications current prior to expiration (e.g., CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, Missouri Class E Chauffer’s license) to meet regulatory, safety, and program requirements.

• Demonstrates flexibility by adjusting schedule, assignments, or duties as needed, within role scope, to ensure continuity of care and program operations.

• Transports individuals to and from community activities and program locations as scheduled, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and timelines.
• Seeks and applies job-related knowledge and training on an ongoing basis to improve service outcomes and support individual goals.
• Follows individualized plans and goals during 100% of assigned shifts to promote independence, skill-building, and quality of life.
• Continuously monitors individuals throughout the shift, identifying and responding promptly to safety risks or behavioral concerns.

• Implements prescribed diets, medication administration, and health supports with 100% accuracy per shift to maintain health and compliance.
• Actively supports individuals’ participation in community activities to promote social engagement and independence.
• Completes general event reports (GER) in Therap: completed before the end of the shift in which the event occurs
• Writes clear, objective and accurate documentation and reports within established timeframes (e.g., by the end of each shift) to support effective communication and meet policy requirements. 
• Apply positive behavior support strategies during all interactions with individuals served and team members to promote appropriate behaviors, enhance participation, and maintain a respectful, safe environment