DSP (Community Day Services)

About the Role

This Direct Support Professional (DSP) position supports individuals in a classroom setting with a set schedule every week (Monday-Friday, 1st shift). The role focuses on providing natural learning opportunities, assisting with leisure activities, and offering additional support for an aging population. Responsibilities include engaging individuals in meaningful activities to cultivate social, life, and sensory skills, as well as assisting with daily living and personal care.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal assistance, instruction, assessment, and supervision of individuals in assigned training areas (e.g., personal care, vocational development, social skills, leisure activities, educational curriculum, and community-based learning).
• Assist in developing individualized outcomes, preparing training materials, documenting progress and attendance, and recording behavioral program information in Therap.
• Implement recommendations in accordance with Individualized Service Plans and confer with the SSD regarding individual progress.
• Follow regulatory guidelines including Rule 50, Dept. of Human Services Rule 115, Rule 116, Rule 119, Rule 120, and other relevant regulations.
• Support the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan through professional conduct and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Assist individuals with personal care such as transferring, toileting, eating, and grooming.
• Provide natural learning opportunities to encourage independence in work, community, recreation, leisure, and educational activities.
• Serve as a positive role model and supervise lunch, break periods, arrivals, departures, and other assigned areas.
• Utilize job/task analyses and behavior management techniques to train individuals on assigned tasks.
• Implement recommendations from the Interdisciplinary Team in accordance with Individualized Service Plans.
• Assist in developing training materials, including task analyses and instructional guides.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment conducive to instruction and training.
• Develop and maintain an inventory of supplies, equipment, and training materials.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings as requested.
• Assist Support Services personnel (e.g., occupational and physical therapists, nurses, social workers, speech therapists) in implementing programs.
• Provide or implement instruction/training for speech/language, occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT) goals if applicable.
• Participate in in-service training and continuing education programs to improve job-related skills.
• Record production data, progress notes, daily attendance, and behavioral program information using Therap.
• Report specific needs or potential health/safety hazards to the SSD.
• Perform other duties as assigned and act as a mandated reporter for allegations of abuse or neglect.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with persons with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Ability to perform CPR/First Aid.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to transport clients in own vehicle if applicable (driver’s license not required for this position).

Skills

• Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively.
• Professional interpersonal skills.
• Strong business acumen and ethical conduct.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, sitting, reaching, grasping, and standing.
• Ability to perform physical activities related to an office, classroom, or community environment.
• Operate general office equipment (e.g., multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, personal computer).

Work Environment

Work may occur in various settings, including home, office, classroom, site, group homes, or the community. The role requires teamwork, a positive attitude, and professionalism toward individuals supported, peers, staff, and outside contacts.

Benefits

• Full-time benefits.
• Paid training.
• Wellness program.
• Employee recognition initiatives.
• Internal growth opportunities.