DSP - Pennsylvania

Beacon Specialized Living•Hainesport, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) helps individuals achieve personal goals, increase independence, and participate fully in their communities while supporting their health, safety, and well-being. The role provides residential and community-based support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, severe mental illness, autism, high-acuity behaviors, and related needs. Work must comply with company policies, accreditation standards, applicable licensing requirements, HCBS guidelines, and contractual and regulatory requirements. Team members are expected to uphold Beacon’s I CARE values: Integrity, Compassion, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. The employee works in a typical home setting and in community locations such as stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The role may involve interacting with individuals who have psychosocial or chronic and acute health needs, and may include stressful situations related to individual behavior. The position requires hands-on support with daily living, personal care, meals, medication, transportation, household tasks, and documentation. Duties may change, and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.
Pass required criminal background checks and, where applicable, central registry and child abuse registry checks.
Complete and pass a drug test where applicable.
Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Speak, read, and write English proficiently.
Be approved by applicable state, federal, and government entities to work within BSLS programs.
Be able to use office equipment and BSLS information technology systems.
Be able to work physically and emotionally with individuals who have mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
Communicate and function effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
Have strong computer skills using various software programs and applications.
Have excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to create professional employee communication materials.
Work effectively with all levels of the organization, maintain a professional demeanor, multitask, and work with little daily supervision.
Meet the physical demands of the role, including moving around the home or community, bending, squatting, standing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, walking, reaching, and remaining stationary for periods of time.
Lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds for short distances; assist with transfers of individuals requiring the strength to help lift up to a 200-pound individual.
Perform household and community tasks including meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, and carrying items up and down stairs.
Have the visual, hearing, dexterity, reasoning, analytical, and communication abilities needed for the listed duties, including medication distribution and safety observations.
Be able to routinely work with potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred; required in certain states.

Responsibilities

Comply with company and regulatory policies and procedures, person-centered plans, behavior plans, house guidelines, and applicable standards.
Set a positive example and support individuals in pursuing personal goals, increasing independence, and participating in activities and the community.
Provide quality care in a safe, healthy environment; uphold individual rights; build trust; and protect individuals from abuse and neglect, reporting concerns immediately.
Maintain the confidentiality and security of individual 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 on their behalf, and obtain necessary documentation when needed.
Assist individuals with budgeting and the use of their funds when applicable.
Complete required documentation before the end of each 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 site according to the assignment chart so it is inspection-ready.
Remain awake and immediately accessible in homes requiring 24/7 care.
Administer medications as needed and communicate relevant information to staff on the next shift.
Cooperate with Beacon, Department of Human Services staff, and other regulatory bodies during inspections, investigations, or inquiries.
Maintain a safe community and workplace, model Beacon’s values, and promote a positive and respectful work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.