DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in residential and community-based settings. The DSP plays a critical role in promoting independence, health, safety, dignity, and quality of life by assisting individuals with daily living activities, implementing individualized support plans, and fostering meaningful community participation.

Working collaboratively with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, clinical staff, families, and community partners, the DSP helps individuals achieve personal goals, maintain health and wellness, develop life skills, and engage fully in their communities. The DSP embraces the organization's mission by promoting compassion, hope, service, collaboration, and person-centered care.

Direct Support & Daily Living Assistance

• Assists individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene and grooming, bathing and dressing, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping and laundry, household cleaning and maintenance, shopping and budgeting activities.
• Supports individuals in achieving greater independence and maximizing quality of life.
• Encourages personal growth, self-determination, and development of independent living skills.
• Promotes meaningful relationships, social engagement, and community inclusion.
• Assists individuals in participating in recreational, educational, employment, and community activities.
• Creates and maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment.
• Provides supervision and guidance consistent with individual support plans and program requirements.
• Models positive behaviors and promotes individual dignity and respect.

Health, Safety & Wellness Support

• Assists in maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served.
• Observes and reports changes in physical, emotional, behavioral, or medical conditions.
• Supports implementation of healthcare and wellness plans.
• Administers medications and completes medication documentation in accordance with state regulations and organizational standards.
• Monitors for potential crisis situations and responds appropriately using approved intervention strategies.
• Reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment according to agency policy and regulatory requirements.
• Follows all incident management and reporting procedures.
• Provides trauma-informed care and support.

Individualized Service & Skill Development

• Assists with implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Supports individuals in achieving personal goals and measurable outcomes.
• Teaches life skills, daily living skills, and community participation skills.
• Implements positive behavior support strategies and individualized programming.
• Assists individuals in developing self-care skills, household management skills, social skills, community integration skills, and independent living skills.
• Collaborates with Lead DSPs, Residential Managers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality care and support.

Community Participation & Transportation

• Provides transportation and support for medical appointments, day programs, employment activities, school programs, recreational outings, religious services, family visits, and community events.
• Assists individuals with accessing resources and opportunities within the community.
• Promotes community integration and meaningful participation.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including daily logs, medication administration records (MARs), goal tracking documentation, incident reports, sleep/awake charts, weight monitoring records, seizure logs, behavior support documentation, vehicle logs, consumer funds documentation, and fire drill documentation.
• Completes required documentation in accordance with agency, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
• Documents time worked accurately through the HRIS system.
• Participates in audits, inspections, investigations, and quality assurance activities as required.

Other Responsibilities

• Completes all required orientation, annual, competency-based, CPR, First Aid, and in-service trainings.
• Attends staff meetings, supervision sessions, and program meetings.
• Assists Residential Managers and Lead DSPs with program activities and special projects.
• Supports emergency and on-call activities as needed.
• Cooperates with licensing representatives, regulatory agencies, and organizational leadership.
• Maintains confidentiality of individual and organizational information.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to read, write, and document effectively in English.

Preferred

• Associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Behavioral Health, or related field.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or within human services.
• Experience in residential, behavioral health, or community-based service settings.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Medication Administration certification as required by state regulations.
• Successful completion of criminal background investigations, CARI screenings, drug screenings, and required regulatory clearances.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to effectively support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Office, email systems, electronic documentation systems, HRIS platforms.

Job Competencies

Person-Centered Support

Provides individualized services that promote dignity, choice, independence, and quality of life.

Communication

Communicates effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, healthcare providers, and community partners.

Trauma-Informed Care

Creates supportive environments that recognize and appropriately respond to trauma-related needs.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation while following regulatory and organizational requirements.

Community Integration

Supports meaningful participation in community life and development of social connections.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

Applies sound judgment to resolve concerns and address individual support needs.

Organization & Time Management

Effectively prioritizes responsibilities while maintaining quality service delivery.

Stress Tolerance

Remains calm and professional during emergencies, crises, and challenging situations.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Works effectively with interdisciplinary teams, families, and community stakeholders.

Ethical Practice

Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and respect for participant rights.

Network Functions

Vehicle Requirements

• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance as required.
• Ability to safely transport individuals served.
• Ability to operate agency vehicles and adaptive transportation equipment.

Equipment/Machines

Equipment Operations

• Agency vehicles
• Wheelchair lifts