Direct Support Professional, DSP

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Since 1960, Benchmark has been connecting people and potential. We are committed to empowering those we serve to live as independently as possible, be included in their communities, and reach their full potential. This mission extends to our employees, who bring our mission to life each day. We actively strive to be a workplace that honors the unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths of our employees. We believe we are stronger, better, and more effective in our pursuits when we create space for everyone to be their authentic selves.

Benchmark Human Services has grown to become one of the most respected leaders in the country in the areas of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health. We work with people of all ages at home, at work, and in the community through residential programs, employment services, crisis response, early intervention, and more. View our 65 Years of Stories campaign to learn more about the impact Benchmark employees have made across the country.

Our growing Dover, DE program is looking for driven and reliable Direct Support Professionals (DSP)! Our DSPs provide support by demonstrating positive behaviors and personalized activities that help individuals feel included and independent.

Locations:

Dover: Part time weekend openings only

Milford: Full time + Part time openings available

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401k Plan with company match
• Profit sharing
• Company paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off/Sick time
• Perks Access discount program
• Voluntary benefits including disability and short-term disability

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Participate proactively as part of an interdisciplinary team in the development and implementation of each individual's Individual Plan (IP) to achieve identified outcomes.
• Ensure the individual's health and safety while pursuing community opportunities and at home.
• Assist the individual to acquire, retain or improve skills as identified in the person's IP.
• Assist the person served with daily living skills, including but not limited to personal care and household tasks (meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, etc.).
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment for individual.
• Practice/participate in safety drills as scheduled.
• Assist the individual in accessing community resources, shopping, and recreational activities.
• Administer medications and follow physicians' orders concerning medications and treatments.
• Assist the nurse in meeting the individual's healthcare needs.
• Monitor the general well-being of individual and follow supervisor/nurse instructions, including all healthcare appointments.
• Communicate to nurse and supervisor health issues and concerns as they arise.
• Provide communication to supervisor(s) regarding individuals receiving services, as applicable to each individual.
• Comply with and implement all protocols for individuals including, but not limited to: high risk plans, dining plans, seizure management plans, positioning schedules, etc. (as applicable to each individual).
• Follow food management policies and assist individuals in preparing nutritious meals according to their dining plan.
• Complete proper documentation relating to the individual's healthcare, including MARs, doctor visit forms, healthcare notes, etc.
• Complete all required programmatic documentation accurately and on time, including but not limited to daily documentation, injury/illness reports, IP data sheets, notable occurrences, etc. as required by Benchmark Human Services, state, and federal regulations.
• Attend required trainings and meetings, (i.e. staff meetings, house meetings, etc.).
• Report any suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation immediately to supervisor or department head.
• Communicate all reportable incidents to supervisor immediately.
• Provide receipts to supervisor for individual expenditures, use of petty cash, etc. as applicable.
• Maintain employment-required documentation (current auto insurance, driver's license), certification (i.e., First Aid, CPR, Medication Administration (MTTP), Behavioral Principles and Strategies, etc.) and training (OSHA, Abuse & Neglect, etc.) as required to comply with federal, state and program requirements and standards. Must pass and be proficient in the techniques taught in the Mandt System.
• Comply with all standards to assure the health and safety of all individuals and staff.
• Safely transport individuals served as required.
• Plan and participate directly in age-appropriate recreational, therapeutic and training activities of the persons served.
• Meet individual service/billable time goals.

Additional Requirements for DSPs Working with Individuals Who Have a Behavior Support Plan (BSP):

• RBT Duties:
• Assist agency staff with development, implementation, and monitoring of Behavior Support Plans (BSP), including coaching on data collection and fidelity checks.
• Work with DSPs and their supervisors to ensure all materials/supplies needed for implementation of behavior plans are available.
• Model positive behavioral supports and respond to emergency situations as trained.
• Complete Functional Behavioral Assessment Interviews and/or Observations, as assigned by BCBA or Director.
• Provide crisis de-escalation support to teams as required.
• Comply with behavior support policies and procedures and implement approved Behavior Plan (BP).
• Provide positive behavior supports according to individual BP's and respond to emergency situations as trained.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Access to vehicle in good operating order
• Minimum eighteen (18) years of age

EEO and Affirmative Action Employer, Veterans, Women and Individuals with Disabilities are Encouraged to Apply