Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1)

Bridgewell • Wakefield, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Bridgewell seeks a Direct Support Professional to support people with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities according to the needs of the assigned residential program. The role provides daily intervention, supervision, and skills training in activities of daily living in home and community settings. People supported may need physical assistance or accommodations. Staff receive specialized training and must pass it when providing enhanced supervision or interventions for multiple disabilities, which may include behavioral support or enhanced medical care. Depending on the program, staff may need specialized certifications or credentials, training in PABC or ABA techniques, or advanced training in autism, behavioral support, or healthcare.

The schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, or at least five years of verified experience in the same position. At least one year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities is preferred. The role requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and at least one year of U.S. driving experience, along with the ability to drive a large and/or wheelchair van. Physical demands include climbing stairs and assisting people with movement and personal care, including lifting and physical interventions in some situations.

Bridgewell provides social and human services through community housing, day programs, outpatient treatment, recovery services, education, and employment training. Its mission is to inspire hope and empower people experiencing life challenges to achieve their fullest potential.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or at least five years of verified experience in the same position.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for clear and articulate documentation.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft products such as email, Word, and Excel, and agency web-based applications.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience in the United States.
• Ability to drive a large and/or wheelchair van, including a 12-passenger van.
• Ability to climb stairs and physically assist people with movement and personal care, including bathroom routines and getting into or out of a tub, shower, or wheelchair.
• Ability to maneuver people of varying weights and provide lifting, balanced support, and physical intervention when needed.
• Acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities.
• Specialized certifications, credentials, or training in areas such as PABC or ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare, as relevant to the program.

Responsibilities

• Support people with skills training in activities of daily living during assigned shifts.
• Create opportunities for people supported to make decisions, develop skills, and foster independence.
• Provide services in accordance with applicable regulatory standards and Bridgewell policies and procedures.
• Assist with medical, clinical, and financial needs.
• Transport or accompany people to medical, recreational, and other activities outside the program as needed.
• Maintain daily progress notes, shift checklists, shift assignments, and other required documentation.
• Complete assigned household cleaning duties.
• Conduct steady care calls according to guidelines on applicable awake overnight shifts.
• Help people access community resources and recreational opportunities.
• Administer medications according to MAP regulations, as applicable.
• Maintain mandatory and program-required training certifications, including applicable FA/CPR, PABC, and MAP certifications.
• Develop positive relationships with guardians, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the program’s designated Fire Safety Officer, Safety Coordinator, or Human Rights Officer.
• Comply with Bridgewell’s Safety Checks Policy.
• Attend and participate in program staff meetings and supervision meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including the employee’s birthday.
• Collaborative work environment that values new insight and personal contributions.
• Training and development opportunities across Bridgewell programs.
• Additional compensation for on-call rotations.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED