Behavioral Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Behavioral Direct Support Professional (BDSP)

Department: Residential Housing 

Reports To: Manager

Shift: 2nd 

Pay Rate: $21.25/hour

Locations: Canton, Avon, Simsbury

Summary

The Behavioral Direct Support Professional (BDSP) provides enhanced behavioral support to individuals with complex behavioral needs and serves as a behavioral role model for other Direct Support Professionals. The BDSP demonstrates best practices in behavior support, communication, and de‑escalation strategies while working collaboratively with the BCBA. This role does not include supervisory authority. 

Essential Functions and Expectations

· Serve as a model Favarh employee by demonstrating professionalism, appropriate conduct, and high‑quality work.

· Uphold strict confidentiality regarding participant information.

· Maintain a safe, clean, and hazard‑free environment and follow all program/worksite rules and procedures.

· Communicate effectively with management, coworkers, participants, families, and community partners. 

· Respect the human and civil rights of all participants and staff. 

· Assist with daily living activities, including hygiene, cooking, dressing, toileting, and housekeeping. 

· Instruct and support participants in completing daily/weekly chores.

· Plan, supervise, and document social and community activities; ensure appropriate attire for activities. 

· Provide transportation and follow Favarh Van Driver policies and procedures. 

· Administer medications in accordance with agency policies and DDS regulations (as trained/certified).

· Implement behavior support plans and behavioral programs as directed by the Behaviorist.

· Participate in introductory and ongoing behavioral training. 

· Communicate behavioral observations, trends, triggers, and response effectiveness objectively and promptly.

· Seek clarification when behavioral procedures are unclear. 

· Collect accurate behavioral data as assigned.

· Demonstrate calm, consistent, trauma‑informed responses to challenging behaviors, including the use of physical restraint only as outlined in individual behavior plans. 

· Model appropriate language, tone, and body positioning during behavioral incidents. 

· Maintain professionalism and emotional regulation during high‑stress situations.

· Remain on duty until proper supervision is secured for all participants.

· Fulfill Residential Instructor duties across residential sites as needed or assigned. 

· Maintain positive public relations and represent the agency professionally.

· Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

· Provide constructive suggestions to management to improve program effectiveness. 

· Complete and submit program documentation daily via Therap or as directed. 

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Habilitation Program Responsibilities

• Complete Habilitation Program assignments for each assigned participant.
• Complete annual Life Skills assessments as assigned.
• Assist with writing and revising individual programs and task analyses.
• Obtain teaching materials as needed.
• Assist the Residential Manager with developing and completing the Individual Plan (IP).
• Attend participants’ annual IP meetings in person as assigned.
• Implement and document teaching programs according to task analyses.
• Report any implementation issues or improvement suggestions to the Residential Manager.
• Assist participants with banking, budgeting, and documenting financial transactions.
• Support participants in purchasing personal items and completing related documentation.
• Maintain strong interdepartmental communication.
• Promote positive community relations by clearly communicating the purpose and needs of Residential Programs and Favarh.
• Ensure ADA compliance. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, and other Characteristics:

• Eligible for Medication Administration Certification.
• Must obtain PMT certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must complete all required Residential Training within 10/30 days of hire.
• Able to navigate Therap (web‑based client documentation system).
• Physically able to implement restraint procedures and administer CPR safely.
• Possess a valid Connecticut Driver’s License and be eligible for a Public Service Driver’s License (PSL) within 30 days of hire; must meet agency insurability requirements.
• Demonstrated competence in implementing behavior intervention plans, including proactive strategies, skill acquisition, and reactive procedures.
• Ability to collect objective, observable, measurable data.
• Strong understanding of reinforcement‑based approaches and least‑restrictive alternatives.
• Willingness to participate in monthly behavioral training and performance feedback.
• Preference may be given to candidates with ABA coursework, RBT experience, or equivalent training.
• May be assigned to participants with higher‑intensity behavioral needs (e.g., aggression, property destruction, elopement, or self‑injury) in accordance with behavior support plans.

Education

• A minimum of two years of college education from an accredited college, or equivalent experience is required. 

Experience

• Required: Several years of experience supporting individuals within the Developmental Disabilities or Human Services field. 
• Preferred: Experience applying Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles in a service or support setting.

A bilities

Oral Comprehension/Expression: ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences; communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension/Expression: ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing; communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Speech Clarity: ability to speak clearly and understandably.

Deductive Reasoning: ability to apply general rules to specific problems effectively.

Leadership : Ability to inspire, motivate, and influence others; accept feedback; and recognize the achievements of peers.

Work Style

Must demonstrate integrity, initiative, attention to detail, dependability, adaptability, effective problem‑solving skills, and positive interpersonal relationships. Must be flexible to meet the needs of participants, families, and the Favarh community .

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift at least 75 pounds. 
• Regularly required to use hands, reach, talk, and hear. 
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. 
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.