Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1) - Department 324

Bridgewell • Salem, MA

9d • $21 - $21

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional provides support and assistance to people with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities based on the needs of the assigned residential program. The role supports people who need daily intervention, supervision, and skills training in activities of daily living, both in a home environment and in the community. People supported may require physical assistance or accommodations. Staff receive and must pass specialized training for enhanced supervision or interventions addressing multiple disabilities, which may include behavioral support or enhanced medical care. Depending on program needs, staff may need specialized certifications, credentials, or training such as PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare.

The schedule is Sunday 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., totaling 12 hours per week. The position includes assisting people with daily living, medical, clinical, and financial needs; supporting informed choices and independence; documenting services; helping people access community resources and activities; and carrying out applicable regulatory requirements and Bridgewell policies. The role may involve transporting people in a 12-passenger or wheelchair van and providing physical assistance, including lifting, balanced support, and physical intervention in some situations.

Candidates need a high school diploma or GED, or at least five years of verified experience in the same position. A minimum of one year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities is preferred. A valid U.S. driver’s license and at least one year of U.S. driving experience are required. Acceptable CORI results are also required.

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 producing clear and articulate required documentation.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft products such as Email, Word, and Excel, and agency web-based applications.
• Ability to drive a large and/or wheelchair van.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience in the United States.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including climbing stairs, assisting people with movement and personal care, and lifting, moving, or providing balanced support to people of varying weights, including people over 200 pounds.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van.
• Acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.
• Maintain and pass required training and certifications for assigned duties.

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, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare, as applicable to program needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide skills training and assistance with activities of daily living during assigned shifts.
• Create opportunities for people supported to make decisions, develop skills, and foster independence.
• Deliver services in accordance with applicable DDS, DMH, MassHealth, HUD, DPH, and CARF standards and Bridgewell policies and procedures.
• Assist people supported with medical, clinical, and financial needs.
• Transport and accompany people supported 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.
• Assist people supported in accessing community resources and recreational opportunities.
• Administer medications in accordance with MAP regulations, as applicable.
• Maintain mandatory training certifications, including applicable FA/CPR, PABC, and MAP certifications, and other program-required training.
• 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: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED