Direct Support Professional

About the role

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) directly assist individuals to realize their full potential and to pursue their wishes, needs, and interests. DSPs promote and advocate independence and happiness in all aspects of life such as employment, home care, personal supports, safety, healthy living, needs for social roles and supports, citizenship, recreation, and other areas of importance. DSPs are trained caregivers that demonstrate a broad range of skills across all environments for the people they serve.

Responsibilities

• Enthusiastically embraces and promotes the mission and values of the organization through all actions.
• Actively engages in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment specific to each client.
• Discovers and fosters activities that promote a meaningful day.
• Initiates effective communication with all team members.
• Completes all documentation in a professional, accurate and timely manner that meets all agency standards.

Consumer Service

• Responsible for understanding and implementing Individual Support Plans (ISP), which may include, but are not limited to teaching, assisting, facilitating, and building on individual strengths in the areas of:
  • Meal planning and food preparation
  • Shopping for groceries, clothing, personal necessities
  • Budgeting and bill payment
  • Housekeeping and laundry
  • Personal hygiene
  • Recreation
  • Socialization
  • Health and safety
  • Self-advocacy
  • Employment
• Responsible for understanding and implementing Behavior Support Plans (BSP) if applicable.
• Responsible for understanding and implementing all medical High Risk Plans (HRP) if applicable.
• Provides consumers with opportunities to make informed and thoughtful choices throughout their day.
• Teaches consumers how to appropriately advocate for themselves.
• Assists consumers in being active members of their community through participation in activities of their choice.
• Assists consumers in the development of meaningful connections by acting as a “bridge builder” to establish greater ties to the community and to support the development of friendships.
• Encourages and assists consumers as needed in maintaining communication with parents, family, and friends.
• Engages the consumer throughout the day, whether through participation in activities or in discussions regarding areas of interest, desires, or goals.
• Teaches consumers to utilize community transportation services or, if needed, provides transportation using personal and agency vehicles (must maintain drivers insurability as outlined in requirements).
• Responsible for lifting and transferring consumers as necessary (must maintain ability to perform job as outlined in physical requirements).

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Experience in a human service field and/or experience with individuals with developmental or other disabilities preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, meet agency’s driver insurability requirements, reliable vehicle, and up-to-date automobile insurance.
• If position involves driving agency vehicles, must be 21 years of age.
• Must have basic computer skills.

Training Requirements During Employment

• Must maintain CPR and first aid certification.
• Must pass Medication Administration and must stay current on all other training as defined by state, accreditation body, or agency guidelines.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires significant bending, lifting, and stooping.
• Alternating periods of sitting or standing as dictated by client needs.
• Must be able to lift/transfer individuals and physically assist clients with movement and care.
• Ability to lift up a minimum of 35 pounds.
• Repetitive physical activity.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Paid Time Off and Sick Time

Pay

$15 - $17 per hour