Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Bear Creek Services • Rochester, MN

7d • $19 - $20

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct support and serves as an advocate, guide, teacher, and companion to adults with disabilities. The role supports individuals in living as independently and safely as possible in the community, in accordance with Person-Centered Plans and CSSP Addendums.

The position is offered in two program settings. In the Independent Living Program, staff support adults in their own homes through short, scheduled visits offered seven days a week between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Visits typically last 1.5 to 3 hours and may be scheduled at varying times, across multiple days, and without being back-to-back. This program is described as suitable for flexible, part-time or supplemental work. In the Residential Program, staff support adults living together in a group home. Shifts are scheduled weekly and require every other Saturday and Sunday. Listed shifts are 8:00 AM–2:00 PM, 2:00 PM–10:00 PM, 4:00 PM–9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM–8:00 AM (awake overnight).

The role includes personal care, medication administration, support with individual goals and chosen activities, transportation, documentation, household tasks, and following health care and behavior plans. DSPs also participate in required meetings and training and may serve as trainers, coaches, and mentors to other staff.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Willingness to work with both males and females.
• Willingness to work weekends and flexible hours.
• Successfully pass a Bear Creek Services medication administration course.
• Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with people with developmental disabilities, cognitive or intellectual disabilities, or brain injury.

Responsibilities

• Implement each individual’s program plan, including personal care such as vital signs, activities of daily living, end-of-life care, medication administration, ostomy care, and urinary catheter care.
• Implement behavior programs and document relevant information.
• Work with individuals on their objectives and personal goals.
• Support individuals’ chosen activities at home, in the community, and out of town, including activities such as swimming, attending church, shopping, and driving.
• Transport individuals to appointments and in the community while following safe transportation policies.
• Provide information, opportunities, and support to help individuals develop interests and relationships.
• Communicate necessary information about individuals to appropriate teams and complete required documentation.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment by following cleaning duties and safety procedures.
• Assist with inventory, organizing, ordering, and putting away supplies and groceries.
• Prepare and provide food according to meal plans, dietary needs, and individual preferences.
• Communicate maintenance or household needs to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
• Read relevant charts, logs, and reports at the start of each shift; record updates at the end of the shift and relay necessary information to other staff.
• Follow each individual’s health care plan, administer scheduled medication, apply prescribed treatments, and complete charts accurately and on time.
• Perform in-depth personal care, blood glucose monitoring, catheter care, additional lifting and pulling, and end-of-life care.
• Perform medication checks at the start and end of each shift.
• Accurately record hours worked.
• Attend and participate in required meetings and training.
• Maintain a professional and safe work environment and follow organizational and department policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Complete tasks correctly and on time.
• Serve as a trainer, coach, and mentor to other staff members.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures and actively support the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Support affirmative action, respect diversity, promote belonging, and demonstrate consideration for people’s rights, feelings, and individuality.

What This Job Offers

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