Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1)

Bridgewell • Salem, MA

9d • Onsite

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, while helping people manage their home environment and participate in the community. People supported may need physical assistance or accommodations. Depending on program needs, staff may receive specialized training and be required to obtain certifications or credentials in areas such as PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare.

The schedule is Saturday 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and Sunday 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., totaling 12 hours per week. Staff provide support with daily living, decision-making, independence, medical, clinical, and financial needs; transport people to activities; maintain required records; and follow applicable regulatory standards and Bridgewell policies. The role also includes household duties, medication administration when applicable, maintaining required training and certifications, and working with guardians, families, and other stakeholders.

Bridgewell provides social and human services through community housing, day programs, outpatient treatment, recovery services, education, and employment training. The organization describes its mission as inspiring hope and empowering 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, articulate 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 climb stairs and physically assist people, including people weighing more than 200 pounds, with movement, bathroom routines, tub or shower entry and exit, wheelchair transfers, and physical, behavioral, or medical interventions.
• Ability to perform additional lifting or moving as required for people’s daily living activities.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van.
• Acceptable CORI results under Bridgewell policy.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support and assist people in activities-of-daily-living skills training during assigned day, evening, or overnight hours.
• Create opportunities for people 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 with medical, clinical, and financial needs.
• Transport and 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 when working an awake overnight shift.
• Assist people with accessing community resources and recreational opportunities.
• Administer medications according to MAP regulations when applicable.
• Maintain mandatory training certifications, including applicable FA/CPR, PABC, and MAP certifications, and other required program trainings.
• 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 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 across more than one hundred programs.
• Additional compensation for on-call rotations.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

What This Job Offers

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