Direct Support Professional / Deep Gap
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities, helping them engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve personal goals. The role involves helping individuals identify and express their needs, implementing services aligned with person-centered plans, and fostering independence and self-advocacy. DSPs seek to understand each individual's history, social and family networks, and aspirations, and provide support with compassion and respect. The position operates under supervision and follows established guidelines to ensure high-quality care and advocacy. This position supports individuals in waiver homes and has no supervisory responsibilities. Duties may include personal care, transportation, medication assistance, community participation, and maintaining service documentation. Employees must meet pre-employment screening requirements. Driving documentation is required when driving is needed to provide transportation.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must complete all pre-employment screening, including criminal background checks, registry checks, drug testing, education verification, and other credentialing based on position requirements.
- Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person-centered support.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
- Knowledge of disability rights, self-advocacy, and community integration principles.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.
- For Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs only, fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required.
- For positions requiring driving, proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle is required if needed to provide transportation.
Responsibilities
- Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
- Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
- Encourage self-advocacy and empower individuals to make their own choices.
- Accompany individuals to work, recreational activities, social events, appointments, errands, and other community activities.
- Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
- Foster social connections and relationship-building within the community.
- Support informed decisions about living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
- Assist with hygiene, bathing, dressing, laundry, cleaning, decorating, and other personal care or household tasks.
- Maintain accurate documentation of services and support provided.
- Understand challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and use effective advocacy strategies.
- Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
- Encourage effective communication in ways adapted to individual needs and preferences.
- Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.
Benefits
- $3,000 sign-on bonus.
- Payactiv early access to earned wages before payday.
- Employee perks and discount program.
- Paid time off for full-time employees.
- Health/insurance benefits for full-time employees.
- 401(k) retirement savings program.
- Physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing programs.
- Chronic disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes for qualifying employees.
- Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
