Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1)

Bridgewell • Billerica, MA

15d

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional provides support and assistance to people with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities according to the needs of the assigned residential program. The role supports people who need daily intervention, supervision, and skills training in activities of daily living at home and in the community. People receiving services may need physical assistance or accommodations. Staff receive specialized training and may need to pass it to provide enhanced supervision or interventions for multiple disabilities, including behavioral support or enhanced medical care. Depending on the program, staff may need specialized certifications or credentials, or training in PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare.

This position is scheduled Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week. The role includes assisting with daily living and personal care, medical, clinical, and financial needs; supporting decision-making, skills development, and independence; accompanying and transporting people to activities; maintaining documentation and household cleanliness; and following applicable regulatory standards and Bridgewell policies. Employees maintain required training and certifications, build positive relationships with stakeholders, participate in meetings and supervision, and may serve in designated safety or human-rights roles.

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 preparing clear and articulate required 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.
• 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 receiving services, 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 required as part of daily living activities.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van.
• 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.
• Specialized certifications, credentials, or training such as PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare may be required depending on program needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and skills training in activities of daily living during assigned day, evening, or overnight hours.
• Create opportunities for people receiving services 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 receiving services 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 assigned to an awake overnight shift.
• Assist people receiving services 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 complete other required program 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.
• 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.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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