Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1)-Department 359

Bridgewell strengthens communities by providing an unmatched range of social and human services that empower people with disabilities and other life challenges to live safe, self-directed, and productive lives. We deliver support through community housing, day programs, outpatient treatment, recovery services, education, and employment training. Our employees take pride in making every day count to its fullest, bringing energy, ideas, and a passion for service to the people we support.

About the Role

The Direct Support Professional will provide support and assistance to people with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities based on the needs of the assigned residential program. This role involves daily intervention, supervision, and skills training in activities of daily living, both within a home environment and in the community. People supported may require physical assistance or accommodation, and staff will receive specialized training to address multiple disabilities, including behavioral support or enhanced medical care.

Schedule

Monday 6:00am–3:00pm, Tuesday–Thursday 6:00am–9:00am, Friday 6:00am–3:00pm (27 hours per week).

Responsibilities

• Provide support and assist people in our services with skills training in all activities of daily living during day, evening, and/or overnight shifts.
• Create opportunities and provide support for people to make decisions, develop skills, and foster independence.
• Deliver services in accordance with DDS, DMH, MassHealth, HUD, DPH, CARF, and all applicable regulatory standards, as well as Bridgewell policies and procedures.
• Support and assist with medical, clinical, and financial needs of people in our services.
• Transport and accompany people to medical, recreational, and other community activities.
• Maintain daily progress notes, shift checklists, and other required documentation.
• Complete assigned household cleaning duties.
• Conduct steady care calls as per guidelines (applies to awake overnight shifts).
• Assist people in accessing community resources and recreational opportunities.
• Administer medications according to MAP regulations, as applicable.
• Maintain mandatory certifications such as FA/CPR, PABC, and MAP, as well as additional trainings required by the program.
• Develop positive relationships with guardians, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the program’s Fire Safety Officer, Safety Coordinator, or Human Rights Officer, and comply with Bridgewell’s Safety Checks Policy.
• Attend and participate in program staff meetings and supervision meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or at least 5+ years of verified experience in the same position.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities (preferred).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft products (Email, Word, Excel) and web-based applications used by the agency.
• Ability to drive a large and/or wheelchair-accessible van; valid U.S. driver’s license with a minimum of one year of driving experience in the United States.

Physical Demands

The role requires physical ability to assist people with varying care needs, including lifting, balancing, and providing physical intervention. Essential functions include:

• Climbing stairs and physically assisting people, often weighing more than 200 pounds, with movement, bathroom routines, and transfers in/out of wheelchairs.
• Providing physical, behavioral, and medical interventions as needed.
• Driving a 12-passenger van.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, subject to safety considerations for the people served.

Benefits

• Excellent health benefits: medical, dental, and vision.
• Generous paid time off, including your birthday off.
• Collaborative work environment that values new insights and personal contributions.
• Opportunities for training, development, and professional growth across over 100 programs.
• Additional compensation for on-call rotations.

Requires acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.