Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1)

Bridgewell • Lynn, MA

15d

About The Position

Bridgewell is seeking a Direct Support Professional to support people with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities in a residential program. The role provides daily intervention, supervision, and skills training in activities of daily living, both at home and in the community. People supported may need physical assistance or accommodations. Depending on program needs, staff may receive specialized training to provide enhanced supervision or interventions addressing multiple disabilities, including behavioral support or enhanced medical care. Specialized certifications or training may be required, including PABC or ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare training.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week. The Direct Support Professional supports individuals’ independence and decision-making, assists with medical, clinical, and financial needs, and helps people access community resources and activities. The role includes documentation, household duties, transportation, medication administration where applicable, maintaining required training and certifications, and compliance with regulatory standards and Bridgewell policies. Staff may also be assigned a program safety or human rights role.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, or at least five years of verified experience in the same position. One year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities is preferred. Employees must meet physical requirements that may include assisting people who weigh more than 200 pounds, climbing stairs, supporting personal care and transfers, and driving a 12-passenger van. Reasonable accommodations may be considered, subject to the needs and safety requirements of the program. Acceptable CORI results are required under Bridgewell policy.

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.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy, including proficient use of 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 toileting, tub or shower entry and exit, and transfers into and out of wheelchairs.
• Ability to maneuver and assist people of varying weights, often over 200 pounds, and provide balanced support and physical intervention when required.
• 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 or training such as PABC or ABA techniques, or advanced training in autism, behavioral support, or healthcare.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and 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 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 to medical, recreational, and other activities outside the program as needed.
• Maintain progress notes, shift checklists, shift assignments, and other required documentation.
• Complete assigned household cleaning duties.
• Conduct steady care calls according to guidelines for awake overnight shifts.
• Assist people supported with 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 Fire Safety Officer, Safety Coordinator, or Human Rights Officer, as assigned.
• Comply with Bridgewell's Safety Checks Policy.
• Attend and participate in program staff and supervision meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including the employee's birthday off.
• Collaborative work environment that values new insight and personal contributions.
• Training and development opportunities.
• 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