DSP OPWDD - Housing Services
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) works alongside people supported by FREE to help them achieve personal outcomes. The role supports people in developing daily living, professional, and informed decision-making skills while promoting their overall health and safety. It requires English proficiency sufficient to complete training, understand and follow support plans, communicate with care teams and providers, document services and patient information accurately, and comply with health and safety standards. In a residential setting, the DSP may provide personal care and hygiene assistance, companionship and support during periods of incapacitation or life changes, perform household tasks, and help plan, shop for, or prepare nutritious meals. The role is performed in person, and agency-vehicle travel is required for employees who drive. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for physical requirements when they do not cause undue hardship.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Functional proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Valid driver's license and ability to meet agency criteria for drivers.
- Ability to sit, walk, and stand for prolonged periods of time, at least 8 hours.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to reach with hands and arms.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or stand on a stool as needed.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds at a time.
Nice To Haves
- Experience performing related job duties is preferred.
- Proficient computer skills are preferred.
Responsibilities
- Help people supported identify and pursue personal life goals.
- Advocate for people supported in a variety of situations.
- Teach people supported new life skills.
- Partner with people supported to promote health and safety.
- Help people supported overcome barriers to building and maintaining relationships and valued social roles.
- Work with people supported and the interdisciplinary team to develop service plans that support personal goals.
- Provide positive behavior support as needed.
- Prevent, recognize, and report abuse toward people supported.
- Accurately document services, daily notes, and other required information.
- Promote and support community involvement.
- Transport clients outside the home, such as to medical appointments or outings, using a motor vehicle.
- Perform healthcare-related tasks as needed and other duties as assigned.
- Complete and process required paper and electronic documentation accurately, promptly, and in compliance with quality requirements.
- In residential settings, provide bedside or personal care and hygiene assistance as needed.
- Provide companionship, personal care, or help adjusting to new lifestyles during incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence.
- Perform housekeeping tasks, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, dishes, or errands.
- Plan, shop for, or prepare nutritious meals, or assist individuals with these activities.
- Communicate respectfully with people supported, supervisors, team members, and community members.
- Protect confidential information in accordance with FREE policies.
- Complete safety training, follow safety policies, report unsafe conditions, and help prevent accidents and health or safety risks.
- Meet job requirements for participating in or delivering training and follow the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct, applicable laws, and regulations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
