Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1)

Bridgewell • Chelmsford, MA

15d

About The Position

Bridgewell is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide support to people with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities in a residential program. The role supports people who may need daily intervention, supervision, and skills training with activities of daily living at home and in the community. People served may require physical assistance or accommodations. Staff receive and must pass specialized training for enhanced supervision or interventions, which may address multiple disabilities, behavioral support, or enhanced medical care. Depending on the program, the role may require specialized certifications, credentials, or training in areas such as PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare.

The schedule is Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., for 24 hours per week. The Direct Support Professional assists with daily living skills, health and financial needs, community participation, transportation, documentation, medication administration when applicable, and household tasks. The role also requires maintaining mandated certifications, developing relationships with families and other stakeholders, attending meetings, and fulfilling assigned program safety or rights-related duties.

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 proficiency with 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, including with movement, toileting, bathing, transfers into and out of wheelchairs, and physical, behavioral, or medical interventions.
• Ability to lift, move, and provide balanced support to people served, including people weighing more than 200 pounds.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van.
• Acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities is preferred.
• Specialized certifications, credentials, or training in areas such as PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare may be required depending on the program.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and skills training in activities of daily living during assigned day, evening, or overnight hours.
• Create opportunities for people served to make decisions, develop skills, and foster independence.
• Provide services in accordance with applicable regulatory 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 progress notes, shift checklists, shift assignments, and other required documentation.
• Complete assigned household cleaning duties.
• Conduct steady care calls according to guidelines on applicable awake overnight shifts.
• Assist people served with accessing community resources and recreational opportunities.
• Administer medications in accordance with MAP regulations, when applicable.
• Maintain mandatory training certifications, including applicable FA/CPR, PABC, and MAP certifications.
• Maintain additional certifications and training required by the program and Bridgewell policies and procedures.
• Develop positive relationships with guardians, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the program's designated Fire Safety Officer, Safety Coordinator, or Human Rights Officer, as assigned.
• Comply with Bridgewell's Safety Checks Policy.
• Attend and participate in program staff 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 Bridgewell's programs.
• Additional compensation for on-call rotations.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED