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 with an interdisciplinary team, the DSP helps individuals pursue personal goals, develop life skills, and improve their quality of life. The role supports a culture of compassion, hope, respect, service, and collaboration. The DSP provides daily living and health support, administers medications, assists with community participation and transportation, completes required documentation, and collaborates with colleagues, families, and service providers. Work takes place in residential homes, community settings, and administrative offices. Schedules may vary based on individual and program needs and may include evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts, as well as on-call responsibilities.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- 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 documentation accuracy.
- 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 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 progress toward personal goals.
- Promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment and help individuals build relationships and participate in community activities.
- Monitor individuals’ health, wellness, and safety, and provide supervision and guidance according to individual support and behavior support plans.
- 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 required certifications and training, including CPR and First Aid.
- Transport individuals to appointments, programs, employment, recreation, religious services, family visits, and community events; operate agency vehicles safely and follow transportation policies.
- Complete accurate, timely documentation, including progress notes, medication records, goal tracking, ISP documentation, incident reports, behavioral documentation, safety and emergency logs, consumer funds documentation, and vehicle records.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
- Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment according to 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, ethical standards, OSHA, fire safety, and workplace safety requirements; complete required documentation, trainings, and certifications by deadlines.
- Accurately record time worked through the agency timekeeping system and maintain a professional demeanor and sound judgment.
- Support special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
