Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live meaningful, independent, and community-integrated lives. DSPs are responsible for providing compassionate care, teaching life skills, ensuring health and safety, and fostering dignity and respect in all interactions. This position requires a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to empowering individuals served.

Seeking PRN overnights, evenings, weekends, and day shifts

Key Responsibilities

Individual Support & Engagement

• Provide person-centered supports that respect individual preferences, goals, and rights.
• Engage individuals in daily living activities, recreational outings, social events, and community participation.
• Support individuals with personal care needs such as hygiene, grooming, dressing, and meals as needed.
• Encourage independence by teaching and modeling life skills (cooking, cleaning, money management, communication, etc.).
• Build meaningful and professional relationships that promote trust, dignity, and quality of life.
• Assists people with maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly home by following safety and infection control procedures; educates people about upkeep and general maintenance of the home.
• Reports and/or documents routine and unusual events including completing daily logs, incident reports, outcome data sheets, etc. in a concise, understandable, and legible manner.
• Assists people with fiscal management while safeguarding their funds. This may include completing ledgers, reconciling accounts, and assisting people with spending choices.
• Ensures that people exercise their rights and that rights are not restricted without due process, ensures people are treated with dignity and respect.
• Ensures that all home, vehicle, and personal property maintenance needs are addressed in a timely manner
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or by any other member of Leadership team.

Health & Safety

• Monitor, recognize, and respond to medical, behavioral, or environmental concerns promptly.
• Administer medications and treatments accurately in accordance with physician orders and organizational policy (if certified).
• Schedules and attends, as needed, medical, health, and dental appointments to ensure best possible health and safety.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment in all service settings.
• Follow all emergency procedures and safety plans.
• Communicate with Physicians, the pharmacy, the Nursing Team, or any other member of an individual's medical team to assist in facilitating continuity of care. This includes but is not limited to scheduling appointments, reordering medications through the pharmacy and reaching out to a doctor's office with a question/concern.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete documentation promptly, accurately, and thoroughly, including daily notes, progress reports, incident reports, and medication logs.
• Completes all standard and required paperwork thoroughly, correctly and on a timely basis.
• Maintain confidentiality of all individual records and information.
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, families, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care.
• Participate in meetings, training sessions, and individual planning conferences as required.

Professionalism & Teamwork

• Demonstrate a positive attitude, patience, and adaptability in all interactions.
• Maintain a professional demeanor when working with individuals, families, staff, and the community.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure consistent and high-quality supports.
• Exhibit strong work ethic by being reliable, punctual, and committed to job responsibilities.
• Participate in training and professional development to continuously improve skills and knowledge.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age, or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent (required); some college coursework in human services preferred.
• Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, or healthcare (preferred).
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in stressful or crisis situations.
• Must demonstrate compassion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to empowering individuals.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record (if transportation is required).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and provide physical support as needed, including bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking for periods of time.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all trainings and certifications as required by Federal and State Licensure requirements

Core Competencies

• Positive Attitude: Maintains an encouraging, optimistic, and respectful approach.
• Strong Work Ethic: Dependable, punctual, and committed to delivering quality care and support.
• Engagement: Actively participates with individuals to foster meaningful interactions and experiences.
• Documentation: Provides accurate, timely, and complete records of all care and services provided.
• Team Collaboration: Works effectively with staff, supervisors, and external partners.
• Adaptability: Responds constructively to changes, challenges, and diverse needs.
• Quality Decisions: Leverages data to think critically and involves the expertise of others to make timely decisions centered around the PWS and our employees.
• Action Orientated: Takes on new opportunities and challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm and adjusts quickly.
• Drives Results: Consistently achieves results, even under new, ambiguous, or tough circumstances.
• Instills Trust: Gains the confidence of others through honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Drives Engagement: Creates an environment where people are motivated to do their best. Cultivates Innovation Encourages creating new and better ways to do our work

Work Schedule & Environment

• Shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays depending on program needs.
• Work may occur in residential homes, day programs, or community settings.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance