DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Department: Residential Services (IDD)
Location: Florida
Reports To: Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt PART TIME

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for the safety and supervision of our consumers with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities to facilitate healthy and socially acceptable behaviors while living in community-based sites. This position will coordinate with clinical staff, implement residentially based interventions, and assist the clients in achieving their clinical assignments. The DSP is responsible for fulfilling the obligations as outlined in the client's Individualized Service Plan. The DSP will prompt or assist, as necessary, to ensure the clients participate in the activities of daily living, in both the home and the community. A commitment to the RHD values should be demonstrated as job duties are performed.

Essential Responsibilities

Assists with daily living activities, including but not limited to planning and preparing meals, housekeeping, and assisting with personal hygiene, cleaning.
• Supports the independence of persons served by providing the assistance necessary to maximize their quality of life.
• Assistance with all home management chores-cleaning, doing laundry, cooking
• Transport to and supervise/support/assure safety at community activities and events client chooses to attend. (i.e.: local festivals, eating out, movies, etc.)
• Supports persons served in developing relationships and becoming involved in their communities.
• Assure overall safety in the home with supervision/support, physical assistance, verbal prompts, and staff completion of home management tasks if client cannot or will not complete.
• Assist with critical thinking/judgement/and decision making in the home and community for overall personal health and safety. Handling any home or personal emergency that arises while service is being provided as directed by RHD guidelines in the On-Call Procedure.
• Provides supervision and guidance to the person served to build skills and competence.
• Documents interactions and activities per policies and procedures
• Monitors and responds to crisis situations or potential crisis situations consistent with best practice, policies, and procedures
• Communicate effectively with clients, Supervisors, and Supported Living Coaches consistently to assure client health and safety and follow up on any instructions given regarding personal or home management needs and/or tasks for client.
• Reports suspected incidents of neglect, abuse, or mistreatment consistent with the organization's policies and procedures
• Follow incident management reporting procedures.
• Maintains client confidentiality and adheres to the organization's values.
• Assists in maintaining the well-being and safety of persons served.
• Supervise medication administration, Complete MARS, service logs, data collection, and Electronic Health Records as required.
• Performs other duties as requested or assigned, verbally or in writing.
• Provide care that's trauma informed.

Qualifications

Required

• REQUIRED:
  A minimum of 1 year experience working in the medical, psychiatric, nursing or childcare setting or in working with persons who have a developmental/intellectual disability.
  
  
  (College, vocational, or technical training equal to 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or 720 classroom hours can substitute for the required experience.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred
• Basic computer and internet literacy with the ability to utilize applications like emails, time recording and other programs to enter and retrieve data as necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Proficiency in reading, writing, and documenting in English is required
  • Prior experience in the human services field preferred.
  • Knowledge of and ability to work with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Valid driver's license
  • Compliance with state and federal background screening

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with individuals served, families, and team members.
• Understanding of person-centered practices and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral support principles.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to remain calm and respond effectively during crises or high-stress situations.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practices, and professional standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, move, or assist with transferring individuals and objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more, with or without accommodations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, twist, climb stairs, and perform physical support activities throughout the workday.
• Ability to drive agency or personal vehicles for extended periods as needed.
• Ability to work in residential homes and community-based settings.

Work Schedule

• Must be available to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and emergency coverage as needed.
• Schedule and work location may change based on business and program needs.

Why Join Us?

As a Direct Support Professional, you will make a meaningful impact by helping individuals live more independent, fulfilling lives. You'll be part of a compassionate team dedicated to promoting dignity, choice, inclusion, and personal growth for every individual served.

About Advancing Opportunities & Apis Services

Advancing Opportunities, Inc. , an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc. , is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services and supports that empower people with disabilities and their families to live independently. Recognized as one of New Jersey's leading disability service providers, Advancing Opportunities is committed to delivering innovative, person-centered services throughout the community.

Apis Services, Inc. , a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc. , provides administrative and shared services to a network of more than 30 nonprofit and for-profit organizations across the United States. With over 3,500 employees nationwide, Apis Services supports organizations focused on improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Advancing Opportunities, Inc., Apis Services, Inc., and their affiliates are proud Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.