DSP - Pennsylvania

Beacon Specialized Living•Hainesport, NJ

4d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) helps individuals achieve personal goals, increase independence, and participate fully in their communities while ensuring their health, safety, and well-being. The role provides residential and community-based support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, severe mental illness, autism, and high-acuity behaviors. All work must comply with company policies and procedures, accreditation standards, state and federal licensing requirements, HCBS guidelines, and contractual requirements of community mental health agencies and other regulatory bodies. Team members are expected to support Beacon’s mission and I CARE values: Integrity, Compassion, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. The position works in homes and community settings. Duties include supporting individuals’ person-centered and behavior plans, helping them work toward goals, providing a safe and respectful environment, preparing meals, assisting with household routines and personal care, transporting individuals, administering medications as needed, and completing shift documentation. The employee must remain awake and immediately accessible in homes requiring 24/7 care, communicate handoffs to the next shift, and cooperate with regulatory inspections or inquiries. Duties may change, and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or GED preferred; required in certain states.
Must pass criminal background checks and applicable central registry and child abuse registry checks.
Must complete and pass a drug test in applicable states.
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English.
Must be approved by state, federal, and government entities to work within BSLS programs.
Ability to use office equipment and BSLS information technology systems.
Ability to work physically and emotionally with individuals who have mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
Ability to communicate and function in an interdisciplinary team.
Strong computer skills using various software programs and applications.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to create professional employee communication materials.
Ability to work well with all organizational levels and maintain a professional demeanor.
Demonstrated ability to multitask and work with little daily supervision.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including moving about the home or community, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and assisting with transfers of individuals requiring support.
Ability to routinely work around exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED (preferred, although required in certain states).

Responsibilities

Comply with company and regulatory policies, procedures, accreditation standards, licensing requirements, HCBS guidelines, and applicable contractual requirements.
Model positive behavior and adhere to each individual’s person-centered plans, behavior plans, rights, and house guidelines.
Provide daily opportunities that help individuals meet personal goals and participate in activities and their communities.
Maintain quality of care and a safe, healthy, trusting environment; protect individuals from abuse and neglect and promptly report occurrences.
Maintain the confidentiality and security of individuals’ information and records.
Prepare meals according to individuals’ food specifications, diets, food exchanges, and documentation; understand food supply and storage processes.
Transport individuals, attend appointments with them, advocate for them, and obtain necessary documentation when needed.
Use individual funds as applicable to assist with budgeting.
Complete required shift documentation before the end of the shift, including progress notes, support logs, event and incident reports, leave-of-absence forms, and inventories.
Supervise or assist individuals with laundry and bedroom cleanliness as assigned, and maintain the home according to the assignment chart.
Remain awake and immediately accessible in homes that require 24/7 care.
Administer medications as needed.
Communicate relevant information to the next shift staff member.
Cooperate with Beacon, Department of Human Services staff, and other regulatory bodies during inspections, investigations, or inquiries.
Promote Beacon positively, model its core values, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and help maintain a safe, productive workplace.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.