Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional Lead

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) Lead provides direct care, support, supervision, and skill development services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. This position assists individuals with activities of daily living, community integration, personal growth, and achievement of individualized goals while promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life.

In addition to providing direct support services, the DSP Lead serves as a mentor and resource to Direct Support Professionals by providing coaching, training, and guidance to ensure compliance with organizational policies, licensing standards, and regulatory requirements.

The DSP Lead collaborates closely with the Residential Manager to maintain a safe, therapeutic, and person-centered environment while ensuring services are delivered in accordance with the organization's mission, values, ethical standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

This position requires professionalism, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to work independently while serving as a positive role model for staff and individuals receiving services.

Direct Support Services

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and medication support as permitted by policy.
• Promote independence and self-determination by encouraging individuals to participate in daily activities and decision-making.
• Support individuals in developing social skills, maintaining relationships, and participating in community activities.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and skill-building opportunities that enhance personal growth and independence.
• Monitor individuals' physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being and report concerns to appropriate staff.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations following agency policies, procedures, and approved intervention techniques.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold all HIPAA requirements and ethical standards.
• Document services, observations, incidents, and outcomes accurately and within required timeframes.

Leadership and Staff Support

• Serve as a lead resource and role model for residential staff.
• Assist with onboarding, mentoring, coaching, and training Direct Support Professionals.
• Support compliance with organizational policies, licensing standards, and program requirements.
• Provide guidance and feedback to staff regarding service delivery, documentation, and consumer care.
• Partner with the Residential Manager to address operational, staffing, and quality concerns.

Consumer Care and Program Oversight

• Assist in implementing individualized service plans, treatment plans, and behavioral support plans.
• Ensure individuals receive appropriate medical, behavioral health, and community-based services.
• Support and monitor medication administration practices in accordance with agency policies and state regulations.
• Promote a safe, home-like environment that fosters dignity, choice, and community inclusion.
• Ensure consumers have access to adequate clothing, personal care items, recreational opportunities, and community engagement activities.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all licensing requirements, safety standards, agency policies, and regulatory expectations.
• Conduct and document required safety inspections, emergency drills, and environmental reviews.
• Report safety concerns, maintenance needs, vehicle issues, incidents, and regulatory concerns promptly.
• Utilize safe driving practices when transporting individuals.
• Cooperate fully with audits, inspections, investigations, and quality assurance activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or mental health conditions required.
• Prior leadership, supervisory, or mentoring experience preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and other required certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of person-centered supports and trauma-informed care principles.
• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to mentor, train, and support staff.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Flexible scheduling availability, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed.

Recommended Improvements

I would also recommend:

1. Reducing the document from 8-10 pages to 4-5 pages.

   • Many duties are repeated multiple times (documentation, communication, medication oversight, consumer support, safety, and training).

2. Creating clear sections:

   • Position Summary
   • Essential Functions
   • Leadership Responsibilities
   • Qualifications
   • Physical Requirements
   • Work Environment
   • Compliance Requirements

3. Moving agency policy statements (drug testing, CARI checks, background checks, DDS requirements) into a separate "Employment Requirements" section.

4. Adding a Physical Requirements section, since DSP positions often require:

   • Standing, walking, lifting, bending, transferring individuals, operating mobility equipment, etc.

5. Replacing subjective language such as:

   • "Highest esteem"
   • "Set examples through commitment"
   • "Reflect dedication to the company"
   • with measurable job-related expectations that are easier to defend and evaluate consistently.

This would result in a much cleaner, legally sound, and candidate-friendly job description while preserving all essential duties of the role.