Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and/or behavioral health needs. The DSP helps individuals build independence and daily living skills, participate in community activities, and maintain their health and safety at home and in the community. The role calls for compassion, professionalism, and a strong commitment to person-centered support. The DSP assists with personal care, mobility, meals, housekeeping, and daily routines; supports community participation, transportation, and skill-building; monitors health and safety; completes documentation and communicates with families, guardians, supervisors, and healthcare providers; and implements behavior support plans, positive reinforcement, and de-escalation strategies as trained.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Must be able to pass a background check, driving record check, and drug screening.
- Ability to lift, transfer, or assist individuals weighing up to 50 lbs, with or without accommodations.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Compassion, patience, and dependability.
- Ability to follow care plans and agency policies.
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Professionalism and respect for individuals’ dignity and rights.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience working with individuals with IDD, autism, mental health needs, or elderly populations.
- CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it.
- Medication Aide certification, if applicable.
- Experience with behavior plans and person-centered services.
Responsibilities
- Assist individuals with personal hygiene, bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting as needed.
- Support mobility, transfers, and safe ambulation.
- Assist with meals and feeding, and follow dietary guidelines.
- Help with housekeeping, including laundry, cleaning, and organizing living spaces.
- Support daily routines and structured schedules.
- Assist individuals in participating in community outings and activities.
- Provide transportation to appointments, shopping, recreational events, and social activities.
- Support skill-building in money management, communication, and social skills.
- Promote independence while ensuring safety and supervision.
- Monitor changes in behavior, mood, physical condition, or overall health.
- Follow individual safety plans and risk management protocols.
- Provide medication reminders or administer medication if trained and authorized.
- Respond to emergencies and follow agency procedures.
- Maintain a safe environment and report hazards immediately.
- Complete daily progress notes, shift summaries, and required documentation accurately and on time.
- Promptly report incidents, injuries, and unusual events to supervisors.
- Communicate professionally with families, guardians, supervisors, and healthcare providers.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow HIPAA guidelines.
- Implement behavior support plans as trained and use positive reinforcement strategies.
- Assist with de-escalation and maintain safety during challenging behaviors.
- Provide supervision to prevent elopement, self-harm, or other unsafe actions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
