DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a member of the interdisciplinary care team who provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges. The DSP assists individuals in achieving their fullest potential by promoting independence, dignity, health, safety, and community inclusion. Through direct support, skill development, advocacy, and trauma-informed care, the DSP helps individuals achieve goals outlined in their Individual Service Plans (ISP), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHP), and Behavior Support Plans (BSP).

The DSP embraces the organization's mission by fostering a culture of compassion, hope, service, collaboration, and respect while ensuring individuals receive high-quality care and support in residential and community settings.

Direct Duties

• Assists individuals with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and household maintenance.
• Supports individuals in maximizing independence and quality of life.
• Encourages self-determination, community inclusion, and personal growth.
• Models hope, optimism, and positive behaviors.
• Assists individuals in building social relationships and participating in community activities.
• Creates and maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment.
• Provides supervision, guidance, and coaching to build daily living and life skills.
• Implements individualized services and supports outlined in ISP, IHP, and BSP documentation.
• Documents all interactions, services, activities, and observations according to agency policies and procedures.
• Monitors for crisis situations and responds appropriately using approved interventions and protocols.
• Reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains confidentiality and protects the rights and dignity of individuals served.
• Assists with health monitoring and overall wellness support.
• Administers medications and completes required medication documentation as trained and authorized.
• Provides transportation to:
  • Medical appointments
  • Community activities
  • Day programs
  • Educational services
  • Religious activities
  • Family visits
  • Recreational opportunities
• Assists individuals with shopping, budgeting, leisure activities, and household responsibilities.
• Participates in ISP development, implementation, and outcome monitoring.
• Completes required documentation including:
  • Daily logs
  • Goal tracking documentation
  • Medication records (MARs)
  • Incident reports
  • Sleep/Awake charts
  • Weight monitoring records
  • Behavior tracking logs
  • Fire drill records
  • Seizure records
  • Vehicle logs
  • Consumer funds documentation
  • Other required regulatory documentation
• Completes electronic timekeeping accurately through HRIS systems.
• Attends required staff meetings, trainings, and agency events.
• Assists with emergency situations and on-call activities when requested.
• Works collaboratively with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, families, guardians, clinicians, and community partners.
• Provides trauma-informed support in all aspects of service delivery.
• Performs special projects and additional duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities

• Successfully completes all required orientation, annual, competency-based, and in-service trainings.
• Implements healthcare plans and prescribed health-related services.
• Carries out behavioral support plans in accordance with individualized programming.
• Teaches independent living skills described within Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs).
• Maintains complete and accurate service documentation.
• Assists with maintenance of individual files and monthly reporting requirements.
• Supports assessment of individual strengths, needs, and progress.
• Cooperates with inspections, investigations, licensing reviews, regulatory audits, and accreditation activities.
• Maintains positive relationships with individuals served, family members, coworkers, and stakeholders.
• Promotes personal empowerment, dignity, and choice.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and operational initiatives.
• Other duties necessary to support high-quality service delivery.

Adhere To And Follow

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

Job Qualifications

Education And Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Special Education, Healthcare, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Minimum six (6) months to one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred.
• Experience in residential services, healthcare, behavioral health, or human services preferred.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
• Ability to meet all regulatory and background screening requirements.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Ability to effectively support individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Computer proficiency, including:
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Email systems
  • Electronic documentation systems
  • HRIS platforms
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Effective problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work flexible schedules based on program needs.

Job Competencies

Person-Centered Support

Promotes dignity, independence, self-determination, and individualized supports.

Communication

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

Trauma-Informed Care

Applies trauma-informed approaches to create safe, supportive environments.

Community Integration

Supports meaningful participation in community life and relationship development.

Behavioral Support

Implements individualized behavior support plans and positive interventions.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant service records and reports.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

Identifies concerns, evaluates situations, and takes appropriate action.

Safety Awareness

Promotes health, safety, wellness, and emergency preparedness.

Organization & Time Management

Effectively manages schedules, responsibilities, and documentation requirements.

Stress Tolerance

Maintains composure and professionalism during emergencies, crises, and high-pressure situations.

Network Functions

Vehicle Requirements

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

Equipment/Machines

Equipment Operations