Direct Support Professional

CAYA Collaborative Care•Russellville, KY

5d•$16 - $16•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, support, and companionship to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), helping them live full, independent, and self-directed lives in their homes and communities. The DSP promotes dignity, choice, and person-centered practices in all aspects of care. The role includes assisting with personal care and daily living, supporting health and safety, helping individuals participate in community and social activities, implementing individual support and behavior plans, building independence skills, maintaining documentation and regulatory compliance, and communicating with families and interdisciplinary team members. Employees are expected to demonstrate the company’s core values of integrity, teamwork, trust and respect, care and compassion, and ownership and accountability.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record if transporting individuals.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Pass a background check, drug screening, and required health screenings, including a TB test.
Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification and complete state-mandated DSP training.
Patience, compassion, and a genuine commitment to person-centered care.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to remain calm and use sound judgment in emergencies or crisis situations.
Basic computer skills for documentation.
Reliability and punctuality.
Cultural competency and respect for diversity.
Ability to lift or transfer individuals, with or without assistive devices; the posting gives 50 lbs as an example rather than a specified requirement.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
Willingness to live the company’s core values: integrity, teamwork, trust and respect, care and compassion, and ownership and accountability.

Responsibilities

Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility.
Support meal planning, preparation, and feeding as needed, while accommodating special diets.
Administer medications in accordance with training and physician orders, and maintain accurate medication administration records.
Monitor and document health status, reporting changes to supervisors, nurses, or medical professionals.
Support community integration activities such as shopping, recreation, appointments, employment, and volunteering.
Facilitate social, educational, and recreational activities aligned with individuals’ interests and goals.
Provide transportation to appointments, activities, and community outings.
Implement individual support plans and behavior support plans as directed.
Teach and reinforce skills that promote independence, including budgeting, cooking, hygiene, communication, and social skills.
Support individuals in making informed choices and practicing self-advocacy.
Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy living environment.
Respond appropriately to emergencies, including administering first aid or CPR as needed.
Follow infection control, universal precautions, and safety protocols.
Recognize and report signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in accordance with mandated reporting requirements.
Maintain accurate and timely progress notes, incident reports, and data collection.
Follow HIPAA requirements, agency policies, and state and federal regulations governing IDD services.
Attend required trainings, including CPR/First Aid, medication administration, behavior support, and abuse prevention.
Communicate effectively with individuals served, families, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and care plan reviews.
Collaborate with nurses, therapists, case managers, and other professionals.