Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1)

Bridgewell • Lynn, MA

8d

About The Position

Bridgewell is a social and human services organization supporting people with disabilities and other life challenges 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 Direct Support Professional provides support to people with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities according to the needs of the assigned residential program. The role involves daily intervention, supervision, and skills training in activities of daily living at home and in the community. People supported 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. Depending on program needs, specialized certifications or training in areas such as PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare may be required.

The position is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., for 25 hours per week. It requires acceptable CORI results under Bridgewell policy. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities, subject to the needs of the people served and applicable 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 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 with movement, bathroom routines, entering and exiting a tub or shower, and transfers into and out of wheelchairs.
• Ability to provide lifting, balanced support, and physical intervention when needed, including assistance for people who may weigh more than 200 pounds.
• 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 or training in PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare may be required depending on program needs.

Responsibilities

• Support people in services with skills training in activities of daily living 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 for awake overnight shifts.
• Assist people in 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, and complete other mandated 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 in the North Shore, Lowell, and Merrimack Valley.
• 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