DSP (Direct Support Professional) - Developmental Disabilities
About The Position
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) works directly with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) to foster independence and support fulfilling, self-directed lives. Unlike a traditional caregiver who may simply perform tasks for a client, a DSP focuses on teaching the individual how to perform daily activities themselves. Their responsibilities are multifaceted and often categorized by the specific type of support provided: Daily Living & Personal Care Skill Development: Teaching life skills such as cooking, laundry, housecleaning, and personal hygiene Personal Assistance: Ensure individual performs daily grooming and hygiene Health & Safety Management Medical Support: Administering or monitoring medication, tracking health concerns, and coordinating with healthcare providers. Nutrition: Planning menus and preparing meals that meet specific dietary requirements. Emergency Response: Maintaining certifications in CPR and First Aid to handle unforeseen medical or safety situations. Safety Monitoring: Ensuring a safe living environment free from health hazards and reporting any suspected abuse or neglect. Community & Social Integration Community Participation: Facilitating involvement in social networks, recreational activities, workshops, or clubs to build social connections. Transportation: Driving individuals to doctor appointments, social outings, or work assignments. Advocacy: Acting as an advocate to ensure the individual's rights are respected and their voice is heard in the community. Administrative & Professional Duties Documentation: Keeping accurate daily logs of care, medication administration, mood changes, and progress toward personal goals. Individual Support Plans (ISP): Adhering to and implementing personalized behavior and care plans developed by healthcare teams. Team Collaboration: Communicating regularly with family members, case managers, and other medical professionals to ensure consistent care.
Responsibilities
- Teaching life skills such as cooking, laundry, housecleaning, and personal hygiene
- Ensure individual performs daily grooming and hygiene
- Administering or monitoring medication, tracking health concerns, and coordinating with healthcare providers.
- Planning menus and preparing meals that meet specific dietary requirements.
- Maintaining certifications in CPR and First Aid to handle unforeseen medical or safety situations.
- Ensuring a safe living environment free from health hazards and reporting any suspected abuse or neglect.
- Facilitating involvement in social networks, recreational activities, workshops, or clubs to build social connections.
- Driving individuals to doctor appointments, social outings, or work assignments.
- Acting as an advocate to ensure the individual's rights are respected and their voice is heard in the community.
- Keeping accurate daily logs of care, medication administration, mood changes, and progress toward personal goals.
- Adhering to and implementing personalized behavior and care plans developed by healthcare teams.
- Communicating regularly with family members, case managers, and other medical professionals to ensure consistent care.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Flexible schedule
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
