1. Compassion and Empathy:
   • Ability to understand and share the feelings of the children and young adults you support.
   • Patience and kindness in all interactions.
2. Communication Skills:
   • Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills to interact effectively with children, young adults, their families, and the healthcare team.
   • Ability to listen actively and provide clear instructions and feedback.
3. Problem-Solving Skills:
   • Ability to quickly and effectively resolve issues that arise in daily activities.
   • Critical thinking to anticipate needs and respond to emergencies.
4. Organizational Skills:
   • Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently.
   • Time management skills to ensure timely completion of daily responsibilities.
5. Interpersonal Skills:
   • Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with children, young adults, families, and team members.
   • Teamwork and collaboration with supervisors, therapists, and nursing staff.
6. Physical Stamina and Strength:
   • Physical ability to assist with personal care tasks, such as lifting, transferring, and supporting individuals.
   • Endurance to perform tasks for extended periods, especially during shifts like 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, and 11pm-7am.
7. Adaptability:
   • Flexibility to work various shifts and adjust to the needs of the individuals supported.
   • Ability to remain calm and composed in changing or challenging situations.
8. Basic Life Skills Training:
   • Knowledge of techniques and strategies to teach and support personal care, meal preparation, household chores, and other daily living skills.
   • Experience with community involvement and exposure activities.
9. Professionalism:
   • Maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy of individuals and their families.
   • Adhering to ethical guidelines and professional standards in all interactions.
10. Safety Awareness:
    • Understanding and implementation of safety protocols to ensure the well-being of individuals.
    • Ability to recognize and respond to potential hazards.
11. Technical Skills:
    • Basic computer skills for documentation and communication purposes.
    • Ability to learn and use any required assistive technologies or equipment.

These skills ensure that a Direct Support Professional can provide high-quality, compassionate care and support to children and young adults, promoting their independence and well-being.

  Job description- As a Direct Support Professional, you will be responsible for supporting the children and young adults with daily living and encouraging their independence. Direct Support Professionals work with the supervisor, therapists, nursing staff, and families in program development and implementation. Examples include assisting the children and young adults with becoming as independent as possible in personal cares, preparing meals, caring for household, community exposure/involvement, and other life skills areas ( hours 7am-3pm- 3pm-11pm- 11pm-7am)