Direct Support Professional 2 (DSP 2)

Bridgewell • Tewksbury, MA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Bridgewell’s 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. Some people may need physical assistance or accommodation. Staff receive and must pass specialized training for enhanced supervision or interventions addressing multiple disabilities, which may include behavioral support or enhanced medical care. Depending on the program, specialized certifications, credentials, or training may be required, including PABC or ABA techniques and advanced training in autism, behavioral support, or healthcare.

The scheduled hours are Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week. The position involves assisting people with daily living, medical, clinical, and financial needs; supporting their choices, skills, and independence; helping them access community resources and activities; and completing required documentation and household tasks. Staff must maintain required training and certifications, follow applicable regulatory standards and Bridgewell policies, and may serve as a Fire Safety Officer, Safety Coordinator, or Human Rights Officer for the program.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, or at least five years of verified experience in the same position. A minimum of one year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities is preferred. Employees must have a valid U.S. driver's license and at least one year of driving experience in the United States, and be able to drive a large and/or wheelchair van. The work has significant physical demands, including assisting people with mobility and personal care, lifting or moving as needed, and climbing stairs. Reasonable accommodation may be considered, subject to the needs of the people served and safety factors. Acceptable CORI results are required under Bridgewell policy.

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 and articulate 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 served with movement and personal care, including toileting, tub or shower entry and exit, and transfers into and out of wheelchairs.
• Ability to provide lifting, balanced support, and physical intervention when needed, including assisting people who may weigh more than 200 pounds.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van.
• Acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.
• Maintain required mandatory and program-specific certifications and training.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities.
• Specialized certifications, credentials, or training such as PABC or ABA techniques, or advanced training in autism, behavioral support, or healthcare, as required by the program.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and skills training in activities of daily living during assigned shift hours.
• Create opportunities for people served 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 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 as required for 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, and any additional program-required training.
• Develop positive relationships with guardians, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the program's specific 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 off.
• 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: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED