Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1) - Department 354

Bridgewell • Chelmsford, MA

9d • $21 - $21

About The Position

Bridgewell is hiring 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, while supporting people in their homes and in the community. People served may need physical assistance or accommodations. Staff receive and must pass specialized training for enhanced supervision or interventions, which may address multiple disabilities, behavioral support, or enhanced medical care. Program-specific certifications, credentials, or advanced training may also be required.

The position is scheduled Sunday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., Friday 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., and Saturday 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., for 30 hours per week. The role involves supporting people’s independence and decision-making, providing assistance with medical, clinical, and financial needs, maintaining required records and certifications, and helping with household and community activities. Employees may need to provide physical assistance, including lifting, balanced support, 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. The organization emphasizes staff training, development, and opportunities to positively impact the people it serves. Employment requires acceptable CORI results under Bridgewell policy. Reasonable accommodations may be made, subject to the needs of the people served and program safety considerations.

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 climb stairs and physically assist people served, including people weighing over 200 pounds, with movement, toileting, bathing, transfers to and from wheelchairs, and physical, behavioral, or medical interventions.
• Ability to perform additional lifting or moving required for activities of daily living.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van.
• Obtain acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide support and skills training in activities of daily living during assigned day, evening, or overnight hours.
• Create opportunities for people served to make decisions, develop skills, and foster independence.
• Deliver services in accordance with applicable regulatory standards and Bridgewell policies and procedures.
• Assist people served with medical, clinical, and financial needs.
• Transport and accompany people served 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 awake overnight shifts.
• Assist people served with accessing community resources and recreational opportunities.
• Administer medications according to MAP regulations, as applicable.
• Maintain mandatory training certifications, including applicable FA/CPR, PABC, and MAP certifications, along with other required program and agency 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 and supervision meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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