Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1) - Department 353

Bridgewell • Chelmsford, MA

17d • $21 - $21

About The Position

Bridgewell’s Direct Support Professional provides support and assistance to people with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities according to the needs of the assigned residential program. The role helps people who need daily intervention, supervision, and skills training with activities of daily living at home and in the community. People supported may require physical assistance or accommodation. Staff must complete and pass specialized training for enhanced supervision or interventions addressing multiple disabilities, which may include behavioral support or enhanced medical care. Depending on program needs, staff may need specialized certifications or credentials, training in areas such as PABC or ABA techniques, or advanced training in autism, behavioral support, and healthcare.

The schedule is 28 hours per week: Saturday and Sunday, 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.; Monday, 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.; and Friday, 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. The role requires an acceptable CORI result under Bridgewell policy. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, subject to the needs of people served and safety considerations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or at least five years of verified experience in the same position.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write clear and articulate required documentation.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft products such as email, Word, and Excel, and agency web-based applications.
• Ability to drive a large and/or wheelchair van.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience in the United States.
• Ability to climb stairs and physically assist people served, including people who may weigh more than 200 pounds, with movement, toileting, bathing, transfers into and out of wheelchairs, and physical, behavioral, or medical interventions.
• Ability to perform additional lifting or moving as required in daily living activities.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van.
• Obtain acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.
• Maintain mandatory certifications and training required by the role and program.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities is preferred.
• Specialized certifications or credentials, training in PABC or ABA techniques, or advanced training in autism, behavioral support, or healthcare may be required depending on the program.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and skills training in activities of daily living during assigned day, evening, or overnight hours.
• Create opportunities for people served to make decisions, develop skills, and foster independence.
• Deliver services in accordance with applicable DDS, DMH, MassHealth, HUD, DPH, and CARF standards, as well as Bridgewell policies and procedures.
• Assist people served with medical, clinical, and financial needs.
• Transport and accompany people served to and from medical, recreational, and other activities outside the program as needed.
• Maintain daily progress notes, shift checklists, shift assignments, and other required documentation according to applicable standards and Bridgewell policies and procedures.
• Complete assigned household cleaning duties.
• Conduct steady care calls according to guidelines on awake overnight shifts.
• Help people served access community resources and recreational opportunities.
• Administer medications according to MAP regulations, as applicable.
• Maintain mandatory training certifications, including applicable FA/CPR, PABC, and MAP certifications, and other program- or agency-required training.
• Develop positive relationships with guardians, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the program’s designated Fire Safety Officer, Safety Coordinator, or Human Rights Officer.
• Comply with Bridgewell’s Safety Checks Policy.
• Attend and participate in program staff and supervision meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including the employee’s birthday.
• Additional compensation for on-call rotations.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Collaborative work environment that values new insight and personal contributions.

What This Job Offers

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