DSP (Community Living Services)

About the Role

This Direct Support Professional (DSP) position supports individuals in a group home setting, providing natural learning opportunities and assistance with daily living and personal care. The role involves engaging individuals in meaningful activities, escorting them on outings, and maintaining their home according to established standards. The position follows regulatory guidelines, including Rule 50, Dept. of Human Services Rule 115, Rule 116, Rule 119, and Rule 120.

This is a set-schedule position that may require working 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift, depending on availability, and includes working every other weekend. A high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and a reliable/insured vehicle are required.

Responsibilities

• Provide services and supports according to each person-centered plan, recognizing natural learning opportunities to teach independent living skills.
• Assist individuals with daily living and personal care, including bathing, cooking, eating, and cleaning.
• Engage individuals in leisure activities such as exercise, reading, and community outings (appointments, events, church, or EP!C activities).
• Support an aging population with additional needs and cultivate social, life, and sensory skills.
• Maintain the individual’s home within health, safety, and fiscal guidelines, reporting needed repairs or modifications.
• Follow regulatory guidelines, including Rule 50, Dept. of Human Services Rule 115, Rule 116, Rule 119, and Rule 120.
• Advocate for individuals, ensuring protection from abuse, neglect, or rights violations, and report allegations as a mandated reporter.
• Assist with personal needs such as transferring, toileting, eating, and grooming when necessary.
• Supervise individuals in community and home settings throughout the assigned shift, acting as a positive role model.
• Provide natural learning opportunities to teach independent living skills in accordance with normalization principles.
• Involve individuals in age-appropriate in-home and community leisure activities.
• Complete annual training refreshers, in-service meetings, House meetings, and Discovery meetings as required.
• Administer and supervise medications if authorized, following EP!C policy and state regulations.
• Perform safety and emergency procedures calmly and professionally.
• Communicate regularly with the Community Living Manager, QIDP, nursing, and other team members regarding progress, health, and safety.
• Follow agency policies, departmental protocols, and procedures, and provide required documentation (program delivery, medication administration, financial records, etc.).
• Provide transportation to individuals using an EP!C vehicle or personal vehicle as required.
• Maintain documentation on client programs, goals, progress notes, financial records, and other required forms.
• Practice safety procedures, maintain personal hygiene standards, and report concerns about the home environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including acting as a mandated reporter for abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Successfully complete and maintain certifications in CPR, First Aid, Infection Control, and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training.
• Complete DSP training in accordance with state regulations and maintain acceptable status on the Health Care Worker’s Registry under the Healthcare Worker’s Background Check Act.
• Obtain and maintain standing as an Authorized Direct Support Person for medication administration.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance, with access to a reliable vehicle.
• Have access to a telephone.
• Pass a criminal background check.

Skills

• Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively.
• Professional interpersonal skills and strong ethical conduct.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to perform and maintain certifications in CPR, First Aid, CPI, Diet and Nutrition, and Medication authorization.
• Emotional stability to handle stressful situations regularly.
• Working knowledge of Person-Centered Planning principles and the Council of Quality Leadership (CQL).

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, sitting, reaching, grasping, and standing.
• Ability to assist in the evacuation of residents in emergencies.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Operate general office equipment, including multi-line phones, fax machines, printers, copiers, and personal computers.
• Work in various settings, including offices, classrooms, group homes, or the community.

Benefits

EP!C offers full-time benefits, paid training, a Wellness program, employee recognition, and internal growth opportunities. The organization is dedicated to empowering and inspiring both the individuals it supports and its employees.