Direct Support Professional

Merakey • Pittsburgh, PA

5d

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional provides individualized care, active treatment, and support to residents under professional direction. The role assists residents with activities of daily living and supports their individual development, safety, and participation in structured and unstructured activities. The employee documents care, progress, and program effectiveness, and works collaboratively with the residents’ interdisciplinary team and other personnel.

The position includes planning and guiding social, recreational, work, community, and study activities; supporting residents’ personal belongings and living spaces; and transporting or accompanying residents to community activities. The employee may work in other areas or accompany residents on hospital trips when directed by a supervisor. Related duties are performed as required.

Requirements

• Ability to conduct and implement functional assessments.
• Ability to read and write.
• Ability to prepare reports and record residents’ program progress.
• Ability to plan and supervise social, recreational, work, and study activities for residents in an assigned living area.
• Ability to cope with day-to-day problems and record and report observations.
• Ability to maintain an understanding attitude toward residents.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.
• Ability to lift, transfer, and position residents using prescribed techniques.
• Ability to follow established procedures for care and the use of equipment and food preparation.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including using sign language with staff and communicating with verbal and non-verbal residents.
• Ability to implement appropriate resident supervision practices and techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and initiative and follow instructions.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Related experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, instruct, or assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, and personal hygiene.
• Provide individualized care, active treatment, and appropriate documentation under professional direction.
• Interact with clients in age-appropriate ways during structured and unstructured activities that address their identified needs.
• Participate in in-service training, staff meetings, and training programs provided by disciplines involved in the resident program.
• Participate in housekeeping in residents’ living quarters, including caring for personal effects and spot-cleaning as needed.
• Plan and guide social, recreational, work, community, and study activities.
• Address residents’ day-to-day problems and feelings, observe individual behavior, and report observations.
• Work as an integral member of the residents’ interdisciplinary team and cooperate with personnel involved in active treatment.
• Transport or accompany residents to community activities.
• Work in other areas or accompany residents on hospital trips when coverage requires it and a supervisor directs it.
• Request maintenance and housekeeping services as needed.
• Promote residents’ positive self-image and individualized development, and maintain a safe living environment.
• Prepare written reports on residents’ progress and program effectiveness.
• Devise, implement, and document goal plans focused on skill development and aligned with assessed needs and specified services, including Behavior Management Plans and other required documentation.
• Request clothing and inventory residents’ personal belongings.
• Perform related work as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) employee contribution options.
• DailyPay access to earned pay.
• On the Goga well-being platform with self-care tools and resources.
• Access to Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Free online personal development classes through Pryor Online Learning.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed