$Recruitment Bonus Available$ FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)/CAREGIVER

GASTON RESIDENTIAL SERVICES INC•Gastonia, NC

21d

About The Position

The Program Instructor (PI) / Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing direct care, teaching daily living skills, supporting community integration, implementing individual programs and support plans, and ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served. This position requires compassion, patience, professionalism, and the ability to follow structured programs, documentation requirements, and regulatory guidelines. The PI/DSP must be able to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining a supportive, respectful, and therapeutic environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Ability to follow programs, behavior plans, medical guidelines, and safety procedures.
Ability to document services clearly and accurately.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and perform physically demanding tasks.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must achieve and maintain all required GRS and state certifications (CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration—where applicable, NCI, etc.).
Must maintain a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.
Must have reliable transportation and maintain current automobile insurance.
Requires lifting, pulling, pushing, bending, and continuous movement throughout the workday.
Must be able to lift 35–50 lbs. following GRS back-safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide support in daily living, including personal care, hygiene, bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, and grooming as needed.
Assist individuals in meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, home organization, and other home management duties.
Support individuals in learning and maintaining independent living skills.
Support individuals with community outings, recreation activities, and appointments.
Implement all Individual Support Plans (ISPs), behavior plans, teaching programs, and therapeutic protocols as trained.
Support individuals in achieving personal goals and skill development objectives.
Provide positive, encouraging, and therapeutic interactions in line with person-centered practices.
Use Gentle Teaching principles to foster safety, belonging, and trust.
Monitor health needs and promptly report changes in condition.
Support medication administration as assigned and trained (if applicable).
Follow all infection control procedures.
Respond appropriately to injuries, medical emergencies, or behavioral crises.
Maintain clean, safe, and sanitary living environments.
Complete all required documentation accurately and on time, including service notes, data collection, incident reports, and communication logs.
Communicate clearly and professionally with House Managers, QPs, nurses, and team members.
Follow all documentation standards required by GRS, state guidelines, and funding sources.
Follow all behavior plans exactly as trained.
Use approved crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques.
Report behavioral concerns, unusual incidents, or safety risks immediately.
Provide consistent structure, routine, and positive reinforcement.
Safely transport individuals to appointments, activities, and community locations.
Model appropriate social skills and support positive community interactions.
Encourage involvement in recreational, vocational, and meaningful day activities.
Follow all GRS safety procedures, lifting/back safety techniques, and infection control standards.
Comply with mandated reporting laws regarding suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Immediately report hazards, incidents, and safety concerns.
Maintains confidentiality of all personal, medical, financial, and behavioral information in accordance with HIPAA, state privacy laws, and GRS confidentiality policies.
Must be able to drive individuals to appointments, outings, and activities as required.