Direct Support Professional

Title: Direct Support Professional


Department: Residential Services Day Services Community Services

Reports: Residential Manager Program Coordinator Field Supervisor

Location: Residential Services, Day Services, Community Services, NY

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Status: Full - Time and Part - Time


POSITION SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is tasked with delivering direct care, supervision, and individualized support to individuals within residential, day program, or in-home environments. The DSP is responsible for upholding the health, safety, dignity, and overall well-being of these individuals, adhering to agency policies and procedures, individual program plans, and relevant federal and state regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, protocols for Incident Reporting, Protection of Individual Rights, Safety, and the Code of Conduct.

The DSP is responsible for delivering services as stipulated in each individual's Life Plan (LP), Staff Action Plan (SAP), Plan of Nursing Services (PONS), Behavior Support Plan, Level of Supervision (LOS), and other pertinent safety protocols. Service provision must foster independence, self-determination, community integration, and enriching life experiences, all while upholding individual rights and adhering to regulatory standards.

As a mandated reporter under New York State law, the DSP is obligated to promptly report any suspected instances of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or significant incidents, in compliance with OPWDD and Justice Center regulations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of person-centered service delivery principles and best practices in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working knowledge of Life Plan (LP), Behavior Support Plans (BSP), and medical and clinical directives, including the ability to interpret and apply written plans, goals, and intervention strategies.

Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing health, safety, individual rights, mandated reporting, incident reporting, and confidentiality (including HIPAA compliance).

Demonstrated ability to observe, assess, and report changes in an individual's physical, behavioral, or emotional status. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce accurate, objective, and timely documentation utilizing electronic health record systems.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain reliability and professionalism, and respond effectively in both routine and emergency situations. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Physical capability to safely perform essential job functions, including assisting with activities of daily living, mobility support, and implementation of trained crisis intervention techniques.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend and successfully complete all required trainings, demonstrating competence in each area through observed performance, testing, or practical application as appropriate.
• Apply learned skills and knowledge consistently in daily work, ensuring compliance with agency policies, protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in staff meetings, team briefings, and professional development activities to stay informed of updates, share information, and support collaborative care.

PERSON CENTERED SUPPORT

• Provide individualized supports in accordance with each person's assessed strengths, preferences, needs, and identified outcomes.
• Teach, model, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, bathing, toileting, oral care, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, feeding, housekeeping, laundry, budgeting, medication administration (as authorized), and safe use of community transportation.
• Implement strategies that build independence, skill acquisition, and functional competency across home and community environments.
• Promote and support community inclusion by assisting individuals with safe community participation, including street safety awareness and appropriate public behavior.
• Facilitate informed choice and self-determination by encouraging individuals to express preferences, participate in decision-making, set personal goals, and advocate for themselves.
• Provide instruction and guidance in self-advocacy skills, including communication of needs, rights awareness, and problem-solving strategies.
• Deliver services in a manner that respects and supports each individual's cultural background, primary language, spiritual beliefs, gender identity, and personal values.
• Implement Life Plan (LP)goals and objectives as written; collect data and complete accurate, objective documentation to reflect progress toward identified outcomes.
• Provide skill development and supports in accordance with Staff Action Plans (SAPs), Individual Plan of Protective Oversight (IPOP), behavior support strategies, and all clinical or medical protocols, ensuring consistent application and compliance with established guidelines

HEALTH, MEDICAL, AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Notice when individuals ay be upset, anxious, or stressed and respond calmly and safely.
• Help individuals use coping skills to manage emotions and feel more in control.
• Complete and maintain all required trainings and demonstrate competency in understanding and implementing medical, behavioral, dietary, safety, Level of Supervision (LOS), and therapeutic protocols as written.
• Maintain responsibility for the immediate health and safety of individuals during assigned shifts, ensuring appropriate supervision at all times.
• Review, understand, and follow all medical, behavioral, dietary, safety, and therapeutic plans precisely as written; promptly observe, document, and report changes in health status, behavior, or level of functioning to appropriate supervisory and clinical staff.
• Successfully complete OPWDD-approved AMAP certification and achieve three errorless medication administration observations prior to independently administering medications.
• Adhere strictly to all medication administration protocols, documentation requirements, and medication error reporting procedures.
• Maintain current certification in CPR and First Aid certification and apply approved strategies in accordance with training.
• Successfully complete and maintain SCIP-R certification and apply approved strategies in accordance with training.
• Utilize approved de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques consistent with individual behavior support plans, SCIP-R training, and regulatory standards.
• Follow universal precautions, infection control standards, and OSHA-compliant safety practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in and support fire drills, evacuation procedures, and emergency preparedness activities; demonstrate familiarity with site-specific emergency protocols and each individual's Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP).

SKILL BUILDING AND PRACTICE

• Help individuals practice skills they are learning so they can use them at home, in the community, and during daily activities.
• Follow Staff Action Plans (SAPs) and individual plans to support skill acquisition and consistent teaching strategies.
• Encourage exploration of new skills, activities, and experiences to promote growth, independence, and confidence.
• Use positive support techniques and guidance to help individuals learn, generalize, and apply skills safely across settings.

INCIDENT REPORTING AND MANDATED REPORTER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a mandated reporter, immediately reporting any suspected abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or significant incidents in accordance with 14 NYCRR Part 624 and Justice Center requirements.
• Protect individuals from harm by de-escalating potentially harmful situations and intervening promptly and appropriately according to agency policies and training.
• Document incidents accurately and objectively, ensuring all required information is submitted in a timely manner through proper reporting channels.
• Cooperate fully with internal and external oversight, investigations, and review processes during incident protocols, providing truthful, complete, and timely information as requested .

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: BEHAVIORAL AND NURSING SUPPORT

• Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Nursing Plans of Care exactly as written, ensuring all interventions, medical directives, and care instructions are followed consistently and accurately.
• Collect, document, and report behavioral and clinical data objectively and in a timely manner, ensuring records reflect progress, incidents, and changes in condition.
• Utilize positive behavior support strategies and nursing protocols to promote skill development, independence, and well-being while reducing maladaptive or unsafe behaviors.
• Respond to crisis situations using SCIP-R approved techniques, nursing protocols, and de-escalation strategies, ensuring interventions are applied in the least restrictive manner possible while maintaining safety and dignity.
• Recognize signs of medical or behavioral emergencies and respond appropriately, including contacting supervisory, clinical staff, or emergency services (e.g., calling 911) when necessary.
• Follow all clinical, nursing, and behavioral safety procedures, maintaining compliance with agency, regulatory, and HIPAA standards .

DOCUMENTATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Record observations, support provided, and progress clearly, accurately, and on time.
• Complete data and needed documentation to help the team understand how the individual is doing and plan supports.
• Complete all required documentation accurately, legibly, and within established timeframes, including but not limited to daily progress notes, behavioral tracking sheets, nursing tracking sheets, medication administration records, and incident reports.
• Utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems as required, ensuring proper security and safeguarding of access credentials.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all protected health information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Share confidential or sensitive information only with authorized personnel and strictly in accordance with regulatory and agency guidelines.

TEAMWORK, PROFESSIONALISM, AND COMMUNICATION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take part in team meetings and care planning, sharing observations and helpful information.
• Communicate clearly with supervisors, clinicians, and team members to provide consistent support.
• Demonstrate professional behavior at all times, including maintaining appropriate boundaries, respect, and ethical conduct when interacting with individuals, families, coworkers, and supervisory staff.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and respectfully in both verbal and written formats, including sharing relevant information with team members, documenting observations, and reporting concerns promptly electronically or as requested.
• Collaborate and contribute positively within a multidisciplinary team, supporting shared goals, coordinating care, and assisting colleagues as needed to ensure high-quality services.
• Respond constructively to feedback, participate actively in team meetings, and engage in problem-solving to promote a safe and supportive work environment.
• Advocate for the needs, preferences, and rights of individuals while balancing professional responsibilities and organizational policies.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that the facility and surrounding areas remain clean, sanitary, safe, and well-maintained at all times.
• Support individuals in maintaining and personalizing their personal spaces in accordance with their preferences and abilities.
• Follow environmental safety standards, food safety protocols, and general maintenance procedures to promote a healthy and safe living environment.
• Care for agency property and ensure the proper handling, storage, and protection of individuals' personal belongings.
• Identify and promptly report physical plant or environmental safety risks in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

DRIVING AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Transport individuals safely to medical appointments, recreational activities, employment programs, and community outings using agency vehicles.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with agency policy.
• Travel between agency sites as operational needs require, ensuring punctuality and reliability.
• Operate vehicles safely at all times, following all traffic laws, agency driving protocols, and vehicle surveillance or monitoring procedures.
• Identify and promptly report any vehicle maintenance issues, safety concerns, or incidents in accordance with agency policies
• Encourage and support individuals to take part in social, recreational, work, or educational activities that match their interests and abilities.
• Promote inclusion in the community while keeping safety and dignity in mind.

WORK SCHEDULE AND ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work schedules may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as necessary to meet program and individual needs.
• Remain on-site beyond scheduled hours during emergencies or unexpected staffing shortages to ensure the continuity of care, health, and safety of individuals.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, reporting absences in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• May assist with program coverage during staffing shortages, emergencies, or operational needs to ensure continuity of care, supervision, and services.
• May be required to temporarily or permanently work, train, or relocate to another program site or service location based on operational needs, staffing requirements, or safety considerations to ensure continuity of services and support for individuals served.
• May support additional program activities, community outings, or special events designed to enhance the quality of life, independence, and community inclusion of individuals served.
• May assist with household tasks, program preparation, or operational support activities necessary to maintain a safe, organized, and functional environment.
• May participate in agency committees, quality improvement initiatives, audits, or training activities as requested by supervisory or leadership staff.
• May assist with orientation, mentoring, or peer support for newly hired staff when directed by supervisory staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor or management to support program operations and the health and safety of individuals served.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• High school diploma or GED required. Must successfully complete all required background checks in accordance with OPWDD and Justice Center regulations.
• Must successfully complete all New Hire Orientation and Annual Mandatory Trainings required by the agency and regulatory authorities.
• Must complete required Skills Certifications and maintain all recertifications necessary to demonstrate competency in essential Direct Support Professional functions.
• Must successfully complete the Shadow Period, Service Recipient Interview, and Competency Observations, demonstrating the ability to perform assigned job duties safely and effectively.
• Must demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and implement Life Plans (LP), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and other clinical, behavioral, medical, or therapeutic guidelines as applicable.
• Must demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills in English in order to interact with individuals receiving services, family members, supervisors, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Must demonstrate the ability to utilize electronic documentation systems and agency communication platforms to accurately record observations, interventions, and progress notes.
• Must successfully obtain and maintain medication administration certification (e.g., AMAP), when required by the program, and demonstrate the ability to safely administer medications in accordance with agency policies and regulatory standards.
• Must possess the ability to safely operate a Class D motor vehicle, including agency vehicles with a capacity of up to fifteen (15) passengers, when transportation of individuals is required.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with agency driving policies when driving responsibilities are assigned.
• Must demonstrate the ability to provide person-centered supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while promoting dignity, independence, and community inclusion.
• Must demonstrate reliability, professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to respond appropriately to emergency or safety situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The DSP must be physically capable of safely assisting individuals with varying body weights and levels of physical support needs in activities such as transfers, repositioning, ambulation support, and mobility assistance.
• The DSP must be able to independently lift and move up to 50 pounds using proper body mechanics. For individuals weighing more than 50 pounds, the DSP must safely assist using approved team-lift procedures and/or mechanical lifting devices in accordance with agency safe patient handling policies and training.
• The DSP must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and respond quickly in emergency situations.
• The DSP must be physically capable of performing trained procedures such as CPR, First Aid, SCIP-R interventions, administering medication, and safely operating Class D vehicles when required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), provided that the essential functions of the position can be performed safely.
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EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION AND DISCLAIMER

• This position is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable law.
• Employment with the agency is at-will, unless otherwise governed by a written agreement. The agency reserves the right to modify job duties, responsibilities, and requirements as necessary to meet operational, programmatic, or regulatory needs.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) - PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such accommodations do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.