Floating Direct Support Professional

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Community Living is vital in advancing the organization's mission by delivering compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. This position empowers individuals to achieve their highest level of independence by promoting choice, dignity, and inclusion in all aspects of daily life. The DSP fosters skill development, community integration, and meaningful engagement by providing high-quality, individualized support services while ensuring a safe, supportive, and respectful home environment. In some homes, the DSP may be required to provide additional behavioral or medical support, assisting individuals with specific needs related to health care, mobility, or behavioral challenges. This role is foundational in helping individuals live fulfilling, self-directed lives as active and valued members of their communities.

Responsibilities

• Integrate Individuals – Promote meaningful community integration for individuals residing in residential ISL settings by encouraging and facilitating active participation in community life. Support individuals in building and maintaining relationships, accessing local resources, and engaging in community-based programs, recreational activities, and events that reflect their personal interests and preferences as outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP). Assist in developing essential life skills through goal-oriented activities that promote independence, social interaction, and personal growth. Foster inclusion by creating opportunities for individuals to make choices, explore new environments, and contribute to their communities in a purposeful and fulfilling way. Emphasize person-centered support that balances safety with empowerment, ensuring each individual is fully supported in a self-directed and connected life within their residential setting.
• Empower Individuals – Provide personalized physical and emotional support to individuals in a residential ISL setting, fostering a safe, clean, and person-centered home environment. Ensure daily living needs are met by performing essential housekeeping tasks such as preparing nutritious meals, doing laundry, making beds, and maintaining cleanliness and care of household equipment. Assist individuals with mobility and transfer needs, utilizing appropriate assistive technology and safety protocols to promote comfort, independence, and dignity. Encourage and support individuals in using adaptive devices and participation in daily routines, reinforcing skills that enhance autonomy and quality of life within their home.
• Aid Individuals – Provide compassionate physical and emotional support and foster a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment. Perform routine housekeeping responsibilities such as meal preparation, laundry, bed-making, and maintaining household equipment to promote overall well-being and dignity. Assist individuals with mobility and transfer needs, utilizing proper lifting techniques and assistive technology to ensure safety and independence. Support the effective use of adaptive devices and equipment, encouraging individuals to engage in daily activities with confidence and autonomy.
• Support the Health of Individuals – Assist individuals by administering prescribed medications following physician orders, completing thorough and timely documentation such as medication administration records, daily logs, and incident reports. Safely administer tube feedings and provide personal care, including bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and mobility assistance to support the individual's dignity and well-being. Prepare and serve meals according to dietary needs. Provide support at medical appointments, including scheduling, transportation, attending visits, and assisting with communication and follow-up care as needed.
• Ensure regulatory compliance – Accurately complete all required documentation—including medical, behavioral, and daily logs—within established timeframes and following agency and state guidelines. Maintain high professionalism and accountability through consistent attendance, active participation in mandatory training and team meetings, and adherence to agency policies and procedures. Demonstrate reliability and commitment to quality care by following all safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the health and well-being of individuals supported. Serve as a role model in upholding ethical standards and promoting a safe, respectful, and person-centered environment.
• Strengthen positive work culture – Participate in effective, courteous, and professional communication; show kindness and patience to individuals and co-workers; demonstrate respect and responsibility in daily work; and practice advocacy and encouragement in all aspects of employment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, preferred
• Valid driver's license
• Reliable, licensed, and insured vehicle
• Ability to satisfactorily complete mandatory (paid) training courses, including (but not limited to) CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration (Med Aide), and Universal Precautions to include CPR/First Aid and Level 1 Med-Aide

Skills and Abilities

• Accountability
• Attention to detail
• Compassion and kindness
• Courtesy and friendliness
• Ethical behavior and decision making
• Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility supportive
• Initiative
• Organizational skills
• Positivity with a collaborative attitude
• Professional and courteous communication
• Stress management
• Time management with ability to meet documentation expectations and deadlines
• Welcoming attitude

Physical Requirements

• Ability and strength to position/lift/transfer greater than 50 lbs. (an adult human being) regularly, including the ability to safely assist an adult human being to the ground to perform CPR
• Continuous ability to kneel on hard or other surfaces for extended periods, as per requirements of performing CPR
• Continuous ability to push and pull 100-125 lbs. of pressure consistently over extended periods as per requirements of performing CPR, as defined by the American Heart Association
• Lift, carry, squat, bend, move, push, or pull, sit, or stand repetitively and for long intermittent periods
• Type on a keyboard for extended periods, and view a computer or other electronic screen for intermittent periods
• Walk and/or stand for extended periods

Schedule

Required to work at least 20 hours per week.