DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Job Posting Title

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Job Description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for supporting individuals served in achieving their personal goals and desired outcomes as identified in their Individual Support Plan (ISP). Under the supervision of the Residential Manager or Home Coordinator, the DSP provides person-centered, trauma-informed support that promotes independence, safety, dignity, community inclusion, and quality of life. The DSP works collaboratively with individuals served, families, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure that individuals receive the support necessary to live as independently as possible while maintaining their health, wellness, and personal choice.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Direct Duties

• Participates in the individual's Circle of Support and assists in the development and implementation of person-centered outcomes and goals.
• Supports individuals in achieving goals outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP) and Behavior Support Plan (BSP).
• Documents progress toward individual outcomes and goals using approved agency documentation systems.
• Completes all required agency, regulatory, and state-mandated training and applies learned skills in daily practice.
• Provides support and supervision necessary to ensure the safety, well-being, and independence of individuals served.
• Assists individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, grooming, laundry, housekeeping, meal preparation, and other personal care needs.
• Prepares and supports individuals in maintaining nutritionally balanced meals according to approved meal plans.
• Implements and documents behavioral support interventions in accordance with established behavior support plans.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including but not limited to:
  • Daily participation logs
  • ISP progress notes
  • Medication Administration Records (MARs)
  • Incident reports
  • Behavioral data collection
  • Financial documentation
  • Transportation logs
  • Required regulatory records
• Assists individuals in participating in community, recreational, educational, vocational, religious, and social activities.
• Transports individuals safely to appointments, community activities, family visits, vacations, and other approved destinations.
• Maintains a current driver's license and meets all agency driving requirements.
• Ensures vehicle safety, cleanliness, maintenance documentation, and compliance with transportation policies.
• Administers medications as authorized and trained in accordance with agency policy and applicable regulations.
• Completes and reports incidents, accidents, injuries, suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or reportable misconduct within required timeframes.
• Ensures all individuals utilize safety equipment, including seat belts, during transportation.
• Maintains accountability for individual funds, medications, personal belongings, and household supplies.
• Assists individuals in preparing for travel, vacations, home visits, and overnight stays.
• Assists with quality assurance inspections and regulatory compliance activities.
• Reports to work on time and accurately records hours worked through approved timekeeping systems.
• Participates in on-call and emergency response activities as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Other Responsibilities

• Promotes a safe, clean, welcoming, and supportive home environment.
• Encourages independence, dignity, choice, and self-advocacy.
• Supports individuals in developing life skills and increasing community participation.
• Assists individuals in maintaining personal cleanliness and safe living environments.
• Supports agency compliance during licensing reviews, audits, and regulatory inspections.
• Maintains professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Demonstrates respect toward individuals served, families, coworkers, community members, and stakeholders.
• Serves on committees and participates in special projects when assigned.
• Adheres to all infection control policies and universal precautions.
• Supports implementation of therapy services and behavioral interventions as directed.
• Works collaboratively with Program Specialists, QIDPs, Home Coordinators, Residential Managers, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Maintains confidentiality of all client and agency information.
• Participates in ongoing professional development and training activities.
• Other duties as needed to support program operations.

ADHERE TO AND FOLLOW

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual, developmental, behavioral health, or physical disabilities preferred.
• Previous experience in residential services, direct care, healthcare, or human services preferred.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
• Ability to meet all regulatory, licensing, and agency screening requirements.
• Ability to complete required training and certification programs.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to effectively support individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and interdisciplinary professionals.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive working relationships.
• Ability to utilize electronic documentation systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during emergencies and crisis situations.

Job Competencies

Person-Centered Support

Provides services and supports that promote individual choice, dignity, independence, and self-determination.

Communication

Communicates professionally and effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, supervisors, and external stakeholders.

Community Inclusion

Supports meaningful participation in community activities and development of natural support systems.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant records consistent with agency, licensing, and regulatory requirements.

Trauma-Informed Care

Provides services using trauma-informed and person-centered practices that promote safety, trust, and empowerment.

Safety Awareness

Promotes health, wellness, risk reduction, and emergency preparedness while maintaining safe environments.

Behavioral Support

Implements behavior support strategies and interventions in accordance with approved plans.

Organization & Time Management

Effectively prioritizes tasks, manages responsibilities, and completes assignments within required timeframes.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Identifies concerns, evaluates options, and takes appropriate action to support positive outcomes.

Professionalism & Ethics

Demonstrates integrity, accountability, ethical practice, and respect for individuals served.

Network Functions

Vehicle Requirements

• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Current vehicle registration and proof of insurance when utilizing personal vehicles for agency business.
• Ability to operate agency vehicles safely.
• Ability to safely transport individuals served.

Equipment/Machines

Equipment Operations

• Telephone
• Cellular phone
• Computer
• Copier
• Fax machine
• Calculator
• Agency vehicles
• Adaptive equipment and residential support equipment

Computer Software Applications

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
• Electronic documentation platforms
• Agency-specific software applications

Physical Demands

Physical Requirements

• Ability to assist individuals with personal care and mobility needs.
• Ability to lift, transfer, push, pull, bend, stoop, twist, reach, and climb stairs.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods.
• Ability to safely assist individuals during emergencies.
• Ability to drive vehicles and accompany individuals in community activities.

Lifting Requirements

• Ability to safely lift and move individuals or objects as required by program needs and applicable safety guidelines.

Working Conditions

• Community living arrangements.
• Residential homes and community-based settings.
• Various community locations, recreational settings, healthcare facilities, and employment sites.
• Indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Evening, weekend, holiday, overnight, and flexible scheduling requirements may apply.

ACCIDENT, HEALTH HAZARD AND SECURITY KNOWLEDGE

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-To-Know
• HIPAA
• Security Procedures
• Fire and Safety Regulations
• Infection Control Procedures

General Requirements

• Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
• Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintain confidentiality.
• Complete and return all Human Resources documentation as required.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, and recertification programs.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment in all employment duties.
• Document time worked accurately.

Drug-Free Workplace Statement

Apis Services maintains a drug-free workplace. As a general policy, pre-employment drug testing is not required for employment with Apis Services.

However, drug and alcohol testing may be required under specific circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Following a work-related vehicle accident, in accordance with applicable policy and legal requirements.
• Following a workplace incident or injury where post-incident or workers' compensation drug testing is appropriate or required.
• Certain affiliates may be subject to federal, state, licensing, regulatory, contractual, or funding agency requirements that mandate pre-employment or ongoing drug testing for specific positions or programs. In those cases, the affiliate-specific policy will govern those positions.

The statements on these pages reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified. These statements shall not be considered as the detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position. We rely on good judgment, common sense, professionalism, and teamwork.

From time to time, you may be requested to perform other duties essential to the effective operation of the affiliate. Although these duties may not be be specifically identified in this job description, you will be required to perform such duties provided appropriate training has been given.

Schedule Flexibility

Please note that work schedules are subject to change based on business needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and various work locations may be required.

The more you know and the more areas in which you can work within the affiliate will add value to you as a professional and contribute to the continued success of Apis Services, Inc. and the Inperium Family of Services.

About Company

Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its constellation of affiliate companies. Apis Services and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. This commitment to equal opportunity extends to all phases of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.