Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

1. Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing individualized, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) receiving Community Engagement services through Daily Smiles LLC.

The DSP supports individuals in developing meaningful relationships, participating in community activities, exploring volunteer and employment opportunities, and strengthening daily living and social skills. The DSP promotes independence, choice, dignity, safety, and active participation while ensuring services are delivered in accordance with each individual's approved service plan, identified needs, and applicable regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, dependable, patient, safety-conscious, and committed to helping individuals achieve personal goals while experiencing meaningful participation in their community.

2. Essential Job Responsibilities

A. Person-Centered Support

• Provide individualized support based on each person's preferences, strengths, abilities, needs, and service plan.
• Promote independence by encouraging individuals to participate in decision-making and complete tasks to the greatest extent possible.
• Build respectful, trusting, and professional relationships with individuals receiving services.
• Support individuals in identifying and pursuing personal goals, interests, and community activities.
• Respect each individual's dignity, rights, privacy, and personal choices.
• Encourage self-advocacy, confidence, and opportunities for personal growth.

B. Community Engagement & Participation

• Accompany and support individuals during community-based activities, outings, and appointments as assigned.
• Assist individuals with participating in recreational, educational, cultural, and social activities.
• Identify and support opportunities for community involvement, including volunteer experiences and job exploration.
• Help individuals develop appropriate social interactions and positive relationships with peers and community members.
• Encourage individuals to practice communication, problem-solving, and appropriate community behaviors.
• Assist individuals with preparing for employment, exploring career interests, and developing work-readiness skills when included in their goals.
• Promote opportunities for individuals to engage in activities that are meaningful and aligned with their interests.

C. Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain active supervision and awareness of the individual's needs and surroundings.
• Follow Daily Smiles LLC community safety, transportation, emergency, and crisis response procedures.
• Support individuals in safely navigating streets, parking lots, stores, public spaces, and other community environments.
• Identify and report safety concerns, incidents, injuries, and changes in an individual's condition or behavior.
• Follow approved behavior support strategies and seek supervisory guidance when a safety concern arises.
• Respond to emergencies according to training, established procedures, and the individual's needs.
• Maintain professional boundaries and avoid actions that may place individuals, staff, or community members at risk.
• Never use physical intervention except as specifically authorized, trained, and permitted under applicable law and organizational policy.

Safety expectation: The DSP must prioritize the health, safety, dignity, and well-being of every individual receiving services.

D. Transportation Support

• Follow Daily Smiles LLC's transportation policy and safety procedures.
• Provide transportation support only when authorized, trained, and assigned to do so.
• Assist individuals with safe entry into and exit from vehicles.
• Ensure required safety procedures are followed, including seat belt use.
• Maintain appropriate supervision during transportation and community travel.
• Report transportation incidents, unsafe behavior, vehicle concerns, or other safety issues immediately to the designated supervisor.
• Follow established procedures for responding to physical aggression, threats, or other unsafe behavior during transportation.
• Maintain accurate transportation and mileage records when required.

E. Documentation & Service Delivery

• Complete accurate, timely, and objective daily service notes and other required documentation.
• Document the individual's participation, progress toward goals, support provided, and response to interventions.
• Record relevant incidents, safety concerns, changes in condition, and notifications according to agency procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of individual records and protected personal information.
• Complete required documentation in accordance with Daily Smiles LLC policies and applicable DBHDS, DMAS, and waiver documentation expectations.
• Report discrepancies, missing information, or documentation concerns to the designated supervisor.
• Participate in documentation reviews, audits, and corrective action activities as assigned.

F. Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate professionally with the Program Director, supervisors, coworkers, individuals, families, guardians, and other authorized members of the support team.
• Report significant changes, incidents, concerns, and progress to the appropriate supervisor.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and individual support team meetings when required.
• Follow directions and supervisory guidance while maintaining professional judgment.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and comply with information-sharing requirements.
• Support positive collaboration with residential providers, support coordinators, case managers, guardians, and other service professionals within authorized roles.

3. Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or other qualification required by the applicable position and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to provide respectful, patient, and individualized support to adults with ID/DD.
• Ability to follow written service plans, agency policies, safety procedures, and supervisory instructions.
• Ability to complete accurate service documentation and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently in community settings and respond appropriately to changing circumstances.
• Must meet applicable background check, training, and employment requirements.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and professional conduct.
• Driver's license required
• Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience in community engagement, day support, direct care, behavioral support, or human services.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning and positive behavior support.
• Experience with service documentation and electronic record systems.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain required certification.
• Medication assistance or medication administration training, if applicable to assigned duties and authorization.
• Experience supporting individuals with employment preparation, volunteering, or community integration.