Direct Support Professional 2 (DSP 2) - Department 372

Bridgewell • Wakefield, MA

3d • $22 - $22

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional provides support and assistance to people with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities, based on 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 and must pass specialized training for enhanced supervision or interventions addressing multiple disabilities, including behavioral support or enhanced medical care. Depending on program needs, staff may need specialized certifications, credentials, or training in areas such as PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare.

The schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., for 38 hours per week. The position includes supporting daily living and independence, assisting with medical, clinical, and financial needs, transportation, documentation, household tasks, medication administration when applicable, and maintaining required certifications and training. Staff also collaborate with families and other stakeholders and may serve in designated safety or human-rights roles.

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 describes its work environment as compassionate and collaborative and offers opportunities for training, development, and growth. Employment requires acceptable CORI results under Bridgewell policy. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions, subject to the needs of people served and 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 clear, articulate documentation.
• Strong 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 meet the physical demands of the role, including climbing stairs, assisting people with movement and personal care, lifting or moving as needed, and providing physical intervention in some situations.
• 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 in areas such as PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare may be required depending on program needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide skills training and assistance with activities of daily living during assigned hours.
• Create opportunities for people receiving services to make decisions, develop skills, and foster independence.
• Deliver services in accordance with DDS, DMH, MassHealth, HUD, DPH, CARF, other applicable regulatory 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 working an awake overnight shift.
• Help people access community resources and recreational opportunities.
• Administer medications according to MAP regulations, as applicable.
• Maintain mandatory certifications and training, including applicable FA/CPR, PABC, and MAP requirements, as well as other program- or agency-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 meetings 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.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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