DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

About the role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in residential and community-based settings. The DSP plays a critical role in promoting independence, health, safety, dignity, and quality of life by assisting individuals with daily living activities, implementing individualized support plans, and fostering meaningful community participation.

Responsibilities

• Direct Support & Daily Living Assistance
• Affords assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Supports individuals in achieving greater independence and maximizing quality of life
• Encourages personal growth, self-determination, and development of independent living skills
• Fosters meaningful relationships, social engagement, and community inclusion
• Assists individuals in participating in recreational, educational, employment, and community activities
• Creates and maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment
• Provides supervision and guidance consistent with individual support plans and program requirements
• Models positive behaviors and promotes individual dignity and respect
• Health, Safety & Wellness Support
• Maintains the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served
• Observes and reports changes in physical, emotional, behavioral, or medical conditions
• Supports implementation of healthcare and wellness plans
• Administers medications and completes medication documentation in accordance with state regulations and organizational standards
• Monitors for potential crisis situations and responds appropriately using approved intervention strategies
• Reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment according to agency policy and regulatory requirements
• Follows all incident management and reporting procedures
• Provides trauma-informed care and support
• Individualized Service & Skill Development
• Assists with implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs)
• Supports individuals in achieving personal goals and measurable outcomes
• Teaches life skills, daily living skills, and community participation skills
• Implements positive behavior support strategies and individualized programming
• Aids in developing: Self-care skills Household management skills Social skills Community integration skills Independent living skills
• Collaborates with Lead DSPs, Residential Managers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality care and support
• Community Participation & Transportation
• Provides transportation and support for: Medical appointments Day programs Employment activities School programs Recreational outings Religious services Family visits Community events
• Aids in accessing resources and opportunities within the community
• Promotes community integration and meaningful participation
• Documentation & Compliance
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including: Daily logs Medication Administration Records (MARs) Goal tracking documentation Incident reports Sleep/awake charts Weight monitoring records Seizure logs Behavior support documentation Vehicle logs Consumer funds documentation Fire drill documentation
• Completes required documentation in accordance with agency, licensing, and regulatory requirements
• Documents time worked accurately through the HRIS system
• Participates in audits, inspections, investigations, and quality assurance activities as required
• Other Responsibilities
• Completes all required orientation, annual, competency-based, CPR, First Aid, and in-service trainings
• Attends staff meetings, supervision sessions, and program meetings
• Assists Residential Managers and Lead DSPs with program activities and special projects
• Supports emergency and on-call activities as needed
• Cooperates with licensing representatives, regulatory agencies, and organizational leadership
• Maintains confidentiality of individual and organizational information
• Performs additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Minimum twenty-one (21) years of age
• Valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record
• Ability to read, write, and document effectively in English
• Preferred Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Behavioral Health, or related field
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or within human services
• Experience in residential, behavioral health, or community-based service settings
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
• Medication Administration certification as required by state regulations
• Successful completion of: Criminal background investigations CARI screenings Drug screenings

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles
• Ability to effectively support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Basic computer proficiency including: Microsoft Office Email systems Electronic documentation systems HRIS platforms

Benefits

Not specified

Pay

Not specified

Schedule

Flexibility