DSP (Community Options/Supported Living)

About the Role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides high-quality, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in a Host Home, Supported Living, or Apartment setting. This position offers relief hours to ensure continuity of care, promoting independence, dignity, and inclusion through assistance with daily living activities, community involvement, and support of each individual’s goals and preferences.

Schedule

• Flexible hours, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts
• No set schedule; may include weekends
• Hours can range from 4 hours to 6 days per week
• Relief staff stay in the residence while a provider or guardian is away
• May include attending and supporting Host Home vacations

Responsibilities

• Support and educate individuals based on the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan
• Manage responsibilities using individual choice and agency policies, procedures, and regulations
• Maintain the individual’s home, reporting needed repairs or modifications
• Adapt teaching and interacting styles to meet individual needs
• Assist with personal needs such as transferring, toileting, eating, and grooming
• Deliver services and supports as outlined in the Person-Centered Plan
• Advocate for individuals, ensuring protection from abuse, neglect, or rights violations
• Support the development of personal relationships and independence per the Individualized Service Plan
• Complete EP!C DSP training and maintain current CPR, First Aid, Infection Control, and Medication Authorization certifications
• Attend annual training refreshers, in-service training, community outings, and agency meetings
• Administer and supervise medications as authorized by an RN
• Perform safety and emergency procedures calmly and professionally
• Communicate regularly with supervisors, QIDP, nursing, and team members regarding progress and issues
• Follow and implement agency policies, departmental protocols, and procedures
• Provide required documentation (program delivery, medication administration, financial records, etc.)
• Complete a minimum of 35 billable hours per week (full-time) or 15 billable hours per week (part-time)
• Supervise individuals in community and home settings throughout assigned shifts
• Report allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation as a mandated reporter
• Provide transportation using an EP!C vehicle or personal vehicle as required
• Act as a positive role model and provide natural learning opportunities for independent living skills
• Involve individuals in age-appropriate in-home and community leisure activities
• Maintain documentation on client programs, goals, progress notes, and medication sheets
• Retain receipts and maintain accurate financial records
• Report concerns about the home environment to ensure safety and cleanliness
• Interact professionally with individuals, staff, monitoring agencies, families, and other relevant parties
• Facilitate interdepartmental communication

Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle
• Previous experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Personal liability insurance
• Ability to perform CPR/First Aid and lift 50 lbs
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

Qualifications

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Mobility to perform duties in various environments (bending, kneeling, standing, lifting)
• Ability to assist in evacuating residents during emergencies
• Emotional stability to handle stressful situations, illness, death, and dying
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Knowledge of Person-Centered Planning and Council of Quality Leadership (CQL) principles
• Ability to operate office equipment (multi-line phone, fax, printer, copier, computer)
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as necessary

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, sitting, reaching, grasping, and standing
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Other physical activities related to an office and home environment