Direct Support Professional II

DSP 2 Direct Care Role

DSP 2 is an advanced direct care role for team members who have attained additional required certifications and demonstrated competency to support individuals with higher medical needs and/or higher behavioral support needs. DSP 2 provides all DSP 1 functions and serves as an advanced direct care provider for individuals with higher acuity needs. DSP 2 is expected to apply enhanced clinical/behavioral support skills, model best practices, and help stabilize service delivery through strong documentation, situational leadership, and calm crisis response.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Perform all DSP 1 duties, including ADLs, community inclusion, transportation, and documentation.
• Provide advanced support for individuals with higher medical needs (e.g., complex medication routines, dietary/texture requirements, delegated nursing tasks where allowed by policy and licensure).
• Implement behavior support strategies consistently; respond to escalations using approved deescalation and safety techniques.
• Serve as a peer resource/mentor for DSP 1 staff; support on-the-job coaching and modeling of documentation and care routines.
• Proactively identify risks (health, safety, behavioral, environmental) and communicate concerns to the Residential Coordinator and Area Director promptly.
• Participate in multidisciplinary coordination as requested (e.g., sharing observations for plan updates)
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required certifications/competencies include:

• Meets all DSP 1 minimum qualifications.
• Holds and maintains required state/company certifications for advanced medical/behavioral support (specific certifications to be defined by state/program).
• Demonstrated competency supporting higher-acuity individuals, including medication competence and/or behavior support competence per program requirements

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Community-based and residential settings including homes, day programs, and community locations, offering variety and the opportunity to support individuals in real-life environments rather than institutional settings.

Active, people-centered workdays that may involve background noise, changing routines, and occasional outdoor exposure during transportation or community outings.

Hands-on support role that may include assistance with personal care and daily living activities; occasional exposure to blood or bodily fluids may occur, with comprehensive training and required use of universal precautions.

Physical activity throughout the shift, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting with transfers or lifting in accordance with safety protocols and training.

Cognitive and emotional engagement, requiring sustained attention, clear communication, patience, and timely documentation to ensure continuity of care and positive outcomes.

Team-oriented environment with access to supervisors and clinical supports, emphasizing safety, consistency, and person-centered care.