129-16 Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) advocates for and supports adults age 22 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to be as active as possible in their own lives. This position is in a highly behavioral residential home setting and supports individuals with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and dental hygiene. The DSP may also assist with medical appointments, banking, community participation and outings, medication administration, and following Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans, goals, and medical guidelines. DSPs receive paid new employee orientation and paid CPR/First Aid, PABC, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program (MAP) training, along with program-specific and person-specific training in the individuals’ home. The DSP must be able to safely evacuate individuals in an emergency, maintain certifications, perform job duties in compliance with agency policies, and follow DDS regulations and policies. The posted schedule is Sunday through Tuesday, 11 p.m. to 9 a.m., for 30 hours per week. The position is located in Southbridge, Massachusetts, and pays $19.50–$21.00 per hour. A sign-on bonus is offered: $500 for part-time employees or $1,000 for full-time employees.
Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Experience working in a residential setting with highly behavioral individuals.
- Commitment to helping people with varying disabilities participate fully in their community and their own lives.
- Varied interests and personal connections in the local community.
- A proven record of conscientious, responsible behavior through work, volunteer, or school history.
- Ability to work as a creative, engaged, and dedicated team member.
- Fluent English speaking, reading, and writing abilities.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, potentially including holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
- Ability to safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.
Responsibilities
- Advocate for and support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to participate actively in their lives.
- Assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing.
- Assist individuals with medical appointments, banking, community participation, and outings as needed.
- Administer medications and follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans, individual goals, and medical guidelines.
- Safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.
- Maintain required certifications and perform job duties in compliance with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.
- Work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the program and individuals supported, which may include holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
Benefits
- Sign-on bonus ($500 for part-time employees; $1,000 for full-time employees).
- Company-paid life insurance for full-time employees.
- Health insurance.
- Dental and vision insurance.
- Earned paid time off and 40 hours of sick time.
- Employee referral bonus program.
- Tuition remission.
- Paid new employee orientation and paid CPR/First Aid, PABC, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program training.
- Program-specific and person-specific training.
- Supportive and encouraging working environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
