Direct Support Professional (Residential Services) Hessmer, LA

ARC OF ACADIANA INC • Hessmer, LA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Arc of Acadiana, you will support individuals living in Community Group Homes, where residents generally live together in a home-like setting with up to 15 individuals. The role promotes residents’ safety, dignity, independence, and quality of life through support with daily routines, personal care, skill development, and community involvement. This is hands-on work requiring reliability, compassion, teamwork, and the ability to remain alert throughout assigned shifts. Training and ongoing support are provided.

DSPs may be assigned to different residential homes to meet staffing and operational needs. The position may require transportation support, including operating agency vehicles and vans. Full-time and part-time positions are available for day, evening, and night shifts.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Dependable, caring, and able to work as part of a team.
• Able to follow instructions and use good judgment.
• Good communication skills.
• A valid driver’s license is required when assigned to homes requiring transportation support.
• Able to stand, walk, bend, lift, and assist residents with mobility and daily activities.
• Able to remain awake and alert during assigned shifts and respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies.
• Availability to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience providing direct support, caregiving, or similar work is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, mobility, and personal hygiene.
• Encourage residents’ independence, choice, and participation while providing appropriate supervision and support.
• Support residents in developing daily living, social, and functional skills based on individual plans.
• Remain with residents while on duty and remain awake and alert during all assigned shifts, including overnight shifts.
• Take prompt and appropriate action in response to injury, illness, fire, or other emergencies.
• Follow safety procedures, emergency protocols, and evacuation procedures, and promote residents’ health, safety, and welfare.
• Assist with medication administration after completing required training and certification.
• Observe residents for changes in health, behavior, or condition and promptly report concerns.
• Follow infection control procedures and universal precautions as trained.
• Assist with meal preparation according to approved menus and diet orders; prepare and serve food using appropriate utensils and portioning tools.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in kitchens, food preparation areas, bathrooms, and common spaces; handle, store, and dispose of food as instructed.
• Assist with cleaning and laundry and help maintain a safe, orderly home environment.
• Complete required documentation accurately and on time, including progress notes, objectives, logs, shift reports, and incident reports.
• Communicate important information during shift changes and promptly report incidents, injuries, medical concerns, or unusual occurrences to the Manager On-Call or Home Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident and agency information.
• Support residents’ participation in community activities, appointments, and outings as assigned.
• Operate Arc of Acadiana vehicles, including vans, to transport residents as required and in accordance with agency policy.
• Collaborate with Home Managers, supervisors, and fellow DSPs; attend required staff meetings, trainings, and in-service education.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with residents, families, coworkers, and community partners.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and stable scheduling.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• Paid time off and sick time.
• Retirement plan options for eligible employees.
• Employee assistance and wellness resources.
• Ongoing training and opportunities for growth.
• Required safety and residential training.
• Certified Medication Administration (CMA) training within six months of hire and state testing support.
• Ongoing guidance and support from Home Managers and leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED