Floating Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Community Living provides compassionate, person-centered support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential settings. The role promotes choice, dignity, inclusion, independence, skill development, community integration, and meaningful engagement while helping maintain a safe, supportive, respectful home environment. Some homes may require additional behavioral or medical support related to individuals’ health care, mobility, or behavioral needs. The DSP supports individuals’ participation in community life, relationships, local resources, programs, and recreational activities based on their interests and Individual Support Plans. The role also helps develop life skills and supports people in making choices, exploring new environments, and contributing to their communities. In the home, the DSP provides physical and emotional support and assists with daily living, housekeeping, meals, laundry, bed-making, mobility, transfers, and use of adaptive devices. Health-related duties include administering prescribed medications, documenting care, safely providing tube feedings, assisting with personal care, and supporting medical appointments and follow-up. Staff must follow agency and state guidelines, safety protocols, and emergency procedures; participate in required training and team meetings; and maintain professional, ethical, respectful communication and conduct. This position is part-time and requires at least 20 hours per week. The shift varies.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Reliable, licensed, and insured vehicle.
- Ability to satisfactorily complete mandatory paid training, including CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration (Med Aide), and Universal Precautions, including CPR/First Aid and Level 1 Med-Aide.
- Ability to work at least 20 hours per week.
- Ability to position, lift, or transfer more than 50 pounds regularly, including safely assisting an adult to the ground to perform CPR.
- Ability to kneel continuously on hard or other surfaces for extended periods as required for CPR.
- Ability to push and pull 100–125 pounds of pressure consistently over extended periods as required for CPR.
- Ability to lift, carry, squat, bend, move, push, pull, sit, and stand repetitively and for long intermittent periods.
- Ability to type on a keyboard for extended periods and view a computer or other electronic screen for intermittent periods.
- Ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods.
- Ability to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities; reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Responsibilities
- Promote community integration and support individuals’ participation in community programs, activities, events, and use of local resources in accordance with their interests and Individual Support Plans.
- Support individuals in building and maintaining relationships and developing skills that promote independence, social interaction, and personal growth.
- Foster inclusion, choice, empowerment, safety, and self-direction in residential settings.
- Provide personalized physical and emotional support and maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and person-centered home environment.
- Prepare nutritious meals, complete laundry and bed-making, and maintain cleanliness and household equipment.
- Assist with mobility and transfers using appropriate assistive technology, proper lifting techniques, and safety protocols.
- Support individuals’ use of adaptive devices and participation in daily routines and activities.
- Administer prescribed medications according to physician orders and complete medication administration records, daily logs, incident reports, and other required documentation accurately and on time.
- Safely administer tube feedings and assist with personal care, including bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and mobility.
- Prepare and serve meals according to individuals’ dietary needs.
- Support medical appointments by scheduling, providing transportation, attending visits, assisting with communication, and supporting follow-up care as needed.
- Follow agency and state guidelines, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
- Attend mandatory training and team meetings, maintain reliable attendance, and adhere to agency policies and procedures.
- Communicate courteously and professionally, treat individuals and coworkers with kindness and patience, and promote advocacy, encouragement, and a respectful work culture.
Benefits
- Paid mandatory training courses.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
