ADS Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To

DSPs formally report to the assigned Coordinator or designated supervisor based on service area. DSPs may receive day-to-day direction from a Hub Lead, Lead DSP, or other designated lead staff.

Lead staff may assist with daily routines, supplies, vehicle concerns, activity coordination, communication updates, and immediate program needs, but formal supervision, performance management, scheduling authority, and corrective action remain with the assigned supervisor unless otherwise designated by leadership.

Reports To - By Service Area

• ADS Inclusion DSPs report to the ADS Inclusion Coordinator or assigned Coordinator.
• ADS Onsite DSPs report to the Campus Coordinator or assigned Coordinator.

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional provides person-centered support to individuals served by Creative Options. DSPs assist individuals with daily activities, skill-building, personal care, community participation, safety, supervision, and service goals based on the individual’s needs and assigned service area.

DSPs are the foundation of service quality at Creative Options. This role requires reliability, patience, strong communication, attention to safety, respect for individual choice, and the ability to follow plans, procedures, and documentation expectations consistently.

Because DSP responsibilities vary by program, this core job description applies to all DSPs, with service-specific addendums for ADS Inclusion, ADS Onsite, and Homemaker Personal Care, known as HPC.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support to individuals served.
• Assist individuals with daily routines, activities, community participation, and personal goals.
• Support independence, choice-making, social interaction, and skill development.
• Follow each individual’s service plan, behavior support plan, health and safety needs, and activity expectations.
• Maintain active supervision and awareness of individuals’ location, needs, safety risks, and engagement level.
• Support individuals during campus-based activities, community outings, inclusion experiences, transportation, or HPC routines depending on assignment.
• Assist with personal care needs when required by the individual’s plan and program setting.
• Help create a positive, calm, respectful, and structured environment.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral, medical, environmental, or safety concerns.
• Report concerns promptly to the appropriate supervisor or coordinator.
• Follow Creative Options policies, procedures, and professional conduct expectations.

Leadership / Supervision Responsibilities

This is not typically a formal supervisory position. However, DSPs are expected to demonstrate leadership through reliability, professionalism, teamwork, positive attitude, and strong role modeling.

Experienced DSPs may be asked to help orient new staff, model routines, assist with activity setup, or provide peer support under the direction of a Coordinator or Lead.

Documentation / Compliance Responsibilities

• Complete required documentation accurately and on time.
• Document services provided according to Creative Options procedures and applicable requirements.
• Report incidents, unusual events, health concerns, injuries, behavioral concerns, or safety issues promptly.
• Follow confidentiality requirements and protect individual privacy.
• Maintain required training, certifications, and compliance expectations.
• Follow medication, transportation, personal care, and service documentation procedures when applicable.

Communication Responsibilities

• Communicate respectfully with individuals served, coworkers, supervisors, families, providers, and community members.
• Share important updates with the appropriate Coordinator or Lead.
• Ask for clarification when unsure about a plan, procedure, documentation expectation, or individual need.
• Use professional communication and avoid gossip, negativity, or unapproved sharing of confidential information.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and supervision as required.

  Required Skills & Strengths

• Dependability and strong attendance.
• Patience, kindness, and respect for individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to follow directions, routines, care plans, and safety procedures.
• Good judgment and ability to stay calm during stressful situations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn and accept feedback.
• Ability to support individuals in the community with professionalism.
• Awareness of safety, boundaries, and confidentiality.
• Ability to complete documentation accurately and consistently.

Experience / Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities preferred but not always required.
• Must complete required onboarding, training, background checks, and compliance requirements.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must maintain a good driving record and remain eligible to drive under Creative Options standards and applicable Ohio requirements. Individuals with 6 points or more on their driving record are not permitted to drive for Creative Options.
• Must meet any additional requirements related to the assigned service area.

Success Measures

A successful DSP:

• Arrives on time and is dependable.
• Keeps individuals safe and engaged.
• Follows service plans, routines, and supervisor direction.
• Completes documentation accurately and on time.
• Communicates concerns appropriately.
• Treats individuals, coworkers, and families with respect.
• Supports a positive team culture.
• Helps individuals participate meaningfully in their day.

Growth Path / Notes

The DSP role may provide a pathway into future leadership or expanded responsibility roles, such as Lead DSP, Hub Lead, Campus Lead, Coordinator, Training support, or other program leadership positions.

Creative Options has multiple DSP service areas. The organization should maintain one shared DSP description for common expectations, along with differentiated DSP descriptions or addendums for each service type.

DSP - ADS Inclusion Addendum

• Community-based support throughout most of the service day.
• Supporting individuals in small groups, or squads.
• Helping individuals participate in community activities, volunteer opportunities, outings, recreation, errands, meals, and social engagement.
• Maintaining strong awareness of safety, location, supervision, transportation, and community behavior expectations.
• Supporting individuals who may need less personal care but more community navigation, engagement, and independence-building.
• Supporting and handling individuals’ monetary transactions during outings. 
• Communicating with the ADS Inclusion Coordinator, Hub Lead, or assigned supervisor.

DSP - ADS Onsite Addendum

• Supporting individuals at a Creative Options campus location.
• Leading or assisting with structured activities, daily programming, meals, personal care, recreation, skill-building, and social engagement.
• Supporting individuals who may need more hands-on assistance, closer supervision, or personal care.
• Helping maintain a safe, clean, structured, and engaging program environment.
• Supporting and handling individuals’ monetary transactions during outings. 
• Communicating with the Campus Coordinator or assigned supervisor.

DSP - Driver Responsibilities Addendum

• Following transportation procedures and route expectations.
• Maintaining vehicle safety and cleanliness.
• Completing required transportation documentation or vehicle checks.
• Reporting vehicle concerns, incidents, delays, route issues, or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintaining safe driving practices and appropriate supervision during transportation.