DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a member of the clinical and residential support team who provides compassionate, person-centered care to individuals with intellectual, developmental, behavioral health, and other support needs. The DSP promotes independence, dignity, wellness, and community inclusion while supporting the health and safety of individuals served. Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, the DSP helps individuals achieve personal goals, develop life skills, and improve quality of life. The role supports a culture of compassion, hope, respect, service, and collaboration. Duties include providing daily living support; administering medications and monitoring health; transporting individuals and supporting community participation; completing accurate documentation and maintaining confidentiality; reporting suspected abuse or neglect; and collaborating with colleagues, families, and service providers. The DSP also attends required training and meetings, assists with licensing and regulatory compliance, and may perform additional duties as assigned. The position is based in residential homes, community settings, and administrative office environments. Evening, overnight, holiday, and weekend shifts may be required, schedules may vary according to individual and program needs, and on-call responsibilities may be required. The role has physical requirements including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and assisting or supervising individuals safely. The organization provides equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
Requirements
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- At least six months to one year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or in a related human services field.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass required background checks and drug screening.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with individuals served, families, and team members.
- Knowledge of person-centered practices and trauma-informed care.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic documentation systems.
- Ability to remain calm and professional during crisis situations.
- Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills.
- Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, lift, and climb stairs as needed.
- Ability to safely assist and supervise individuals receiving services.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to drive and transport individuals safely and respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.
Nice To Haves
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field.
- Previous experience in residential, community-based, or direct support services.
Responsibilities
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, and laundry.
- Support individuals in developing and maintaining independent living skills, self-advocacy, personal growth, and individual goal achievement.
- Promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment and monitor individuals’ health, wellness, and safety.
- Provide supervision and guidance in accordance with individual support plans (ISPs) and behavior support plans (BSPs).
- Assist individuals in building relationships and participating in community activities.
- Administer medications and maintain accurate medication records in accordance with agency policies and state regulations.
- Monitor changes in health status and report concerns promptly; respond appropriately to medical emergencies and crisis situations.
- Maintain current certifications and training requirements, including CPR and First Aid.
- Transport individuals to appointments, programs, employment, recreational and religious activities, family visits, and community events; operate agency vehicles safely and follow transportation policies.
- Complete timely documentation, including progress notes, medication records, goal tracking and ISP documentation, incident reports, behavioral documentation, safety and emergency logs, consumer funds documentation, and vehicle and transportation records.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
- Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
- Collaborate with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, clinicians, families, and other service providers.
- Participate in ISP development, implementation, and outcome tracking.
- Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development activities.
- Assist with residential licensing and regulatory compliance activities.
- Follow agency policies, procedures, and ethical standards; comply with OSHA, HIPAA, fire safety, and workplace safety requirements.
- Complete required documentation, trainings, and certifications by established deadlines and accurately record time worked through the agency timekeeping system.
- Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment; support special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
