DSP Direct Support Professional

Reports to: Residential Administrator

About the role

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are responsible for supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence and enhancing their quality of life. DSPs play a vital role in providing hands‑on support in daily living, community integration, and personal development, empowering the people we support to live self‑directed lives and develop the skills they deserve and desire.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and meal preparation.
• Encourage and empower the people we support to live as independently as they desire.
• Promote social skills, community involvement, and individual choice.
• Assist the people we support in gaining meaningful access to the community in the ways in which they desire.
• Utilize the Person‑Centered Support Plan (PCSP) to assess support needs and provide the level of support dictated in the PCSP.
• Transport and accompany the people we support to appointments, errands, community events, and/or recreational activities.
• Provide support in medication administration and complete appropriate documentation (if certified to do so).
• Provide guidance on a range of developmental goals, including community participation, financial budgeting, exercise, nutrition, vocational skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Advocate for the rights, dignity, and preferences of each person supported.
• Adhere to a person‑centered approach when working with the individuals we support.
• Monitor and ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment for the people we support.
• Implement any specialized plans (behavior, nutrition, etc.).
• Communicate effectively with team members, families or natural supports, other providers, and members of the person’s team.
• Collaborate with supervisors, team members, families, and other members of the person’s team to ensure the highest quality of care.
• Complete all required documentation within the required timeframes.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Reliable transportation to and from the job site.
• Valid US work authorization.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and all required registry checks.
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification from an approved entity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Patience, reliability, and a commitment to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Able to read and understand instructions, perform electronic record keeping, and write reports and daily notes as required.
• Effective reading, writing, and verbal communication in English.
• Must be able to complete electronic training required by the Department of Disability and Aging in the Relias system.
• Ability to lift 50 lb and provide physical support as required.
• Must be able to walk up and down stairs.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Training & development