Direct Support Professional Lead

Description

Job Summary:
The Direct Support Professional Lead (DSP-Lead) supports individuals with developmental disabilities or related conditions by promoting independence, dignity, and community inclusion. In addition to providing direct care, the DSP-Lead serves as a house or apartment lead responsible for household operations, such as managing supplies, overseeing finances, and ensuring the home runs smoothly. The ideal candidate is empathetic, supportive, and organized, with strong leadership skills and a commitment to person-centered care.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide direct care support to individuals, including assistance with hygiene, grooming, feeding, ambulation, and health-related needs as specified in individualized plans.
• Promote independence, choice, and self-advocacy by teaching daily living skills and encouraging community participation and family involvement.
• Demonstrate respect for each individual's dignity, privacy, and right to individualized attention in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment.
• Implement and document individualized programs, goals, and behavioral support plans in a respectful, person-centered manner.
• Serve as a trained medication assistant: administer and document medications, monitor side effects, follow health care plans, and report errors.
• Maintain the household: perform cleaning, laundry, bed making, grocery shopping, and monitor supplies.
• Oversee administrative tasks such as:
• • Ordering medications and medical supplies
  • Balancing checkbooks for people supported
  • Managing petty cash and end-of-month balances
  • Coordinating and accompanying individuals to medical appointments
• Monitor clothing and personal items to ensure appropriateness and condition.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with team members, supervisors, families, and external professionals.
• Provide input on program effectiveness and progress and assist in developing support plans.
• Uphold agency policies, participate in ongoing training, and ensure documentation is accurate and timely.
• Advocate on behalf of each individual by understanding their history, strengths, needs, and risks.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience working collaboratively in a team setting.
• Ability to actively listen with sensitivity to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Basic computer and math skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Honesty, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.

Preferred:

• Previous experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience in a similar setting.

Training Requirements:

• Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
• First Aid Certification
• Trained Medication Administration (TMA)
• Completion of required annual training and refresher courses

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a temperature-controlled residential environment. The setting is home-like, and staff are expected to contribute to the cleanliness, safety, and overall comfort of the environment.

Travel Requirements:

Local travel is required as needed, such as for grocery shopping or accompanying people supported to appointments.

Physical Requirements and Demands:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to hear, walk, use arms and hands, reach forward.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds; may be required to lift up to 100 pounds using proper techniques and assistive devices.
• Must have the ability to exert muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry individuals.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, stretch, twist, sit, and reach frequently.
• Requires physical endurance to use abdominal and lower back muscles for extended periods.
• Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Personal Characteristics:

• Dependable, punctual, and flexible with assigned shifts and locations.
• Demonstrates empathy, a service mindset, and a strong ethical foundation.
• Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor appropriate to caregiving tasks.
• Respects cultural, religious, and personal differences.
• A strong and respectful communicator who listens well and fosters a positive work environment.
• Balances team contributions with independent responsibilities.
• Approaches challenges with a problem-solving mindset and maintains professionalism.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Must be approved as a driver for the agency.
• CNA certification not required, but welcomed.

Disclaimer:

This job description outlines the general nature and responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. ABLE, Inc. reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and schedules to meet the needs of the individuals supported and the organization.