Direct Support Professional II

About the role

The DSP 2 is a fully trained direct-support professional who delivers safe, dependable, person-centered services with less day‑to‑day supervision. The role models strong client engagement, documentation, judgment, and response to routine and urgent needs. DSP 2 is not a supervisor or shift manager.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality direct support with personal care, daily living, health and safety, transportation, community access, and goal implementation.
• Follow ISPs, behavior support plans, medication procedures, emergency protocols, and all required documentation standards.
• Create and implement engaging activities based on client interests, choices, abilities, and community opportunities.
• Recognize changes in health, behavior, or safety; take appropriate immediate action and complete required notifications and incident reports.
• Demonstrate accurate, timely documentation and assist peers by modeling approved procedures and professional conduct.
• Provide coverage for difficult-to-fill shifts and emergency needs when assigned and available.
• Maintain respectful relationships with clients, families, coworkers, and community partners while protecting confidentiality and rights.
• Role boundaries: DSP 2 does not independently assign staff duties, manage schedules, approve documentation, conduct discipline, or replace a Team Lead or House Manager. Any informal peer assistance must remain within approved training and be referred to a supervisor when performance, safety, or policy concerns arise.

Requirements

• Minimum qualifications: high school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated direct‑support competence and successful completion of required training.
• Current CPR/First Aid and behavior‑support training; medication certification when assigned to Residential.
• Acceptable attendance, documentation, driving, and safety record.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current insurance when required for assigned community duties.
• Ability to provide hands‑on support, respond to emergencies, travel in the community, and perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Regular exposure to varied homes, program sites, vehicles, and community settings.
• Advancement from DSP 1 to DSP 2: internal candidates generally considered after at least 90 days when all training is current, attendance and documentation are strong, judgment is consistently sound, no unresolved corrective actions remain, and the manager recommends advancement; performance reviewed at least every six months.

Skills

• Independent judgment within policy
• Compassion, patience, and professionalism
• Accurate documentation and incident response
• Active client engagement and creative activity planning
• Dependability and calm emergency response

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Schedule

• Varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency coverage, and community hours