Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Open Systems Healthcare, DSP Job Description

Job Title: Direct Support Professional

Reports To: Clinical Director/Director of Behavioral Health

Status: Non-exempt

Last Revised: 5/2/2024

Position Overview: To provide direct behavior support as a Direct Support Professional to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as assigned by Open Systems Healthcare, Inc. (OSH). As a DSP at OSH, you will actively contribute to creating safe, nurturing environments in the homes, workplaces, communities, and lives of those we support. By upholding our commitment to person-centeredness and independence, you'll play a crucial part in enriching the lives of the individuals we support, reflecting OSH’s philosophy and mission.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality and safe in-home support, individualized day supports, day habilitation in small groups, and behavior support services that align with OSH, federal and state policies and procedures, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.
• Participate in implementing the person-centered individual support plan (ISP) and Plan of Care in accordance with OSH and Department on Disability Services (DDS) policies and procedures.
• Foster positive, cooperative relationships with the people we support, their families, and support team members.
• Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living according to their ISP and level of need. This may include, but is not limited to;
  1. Personal Care: bathing, eating, dressing, hygiene, transferring/positioning
  2. Transportation: Travel in the community using public transportation, physician’s appointments, shopping, errands
  3. Household Care: cleaning, laundry, meal prep
  4. Companionship: social awareness, conversation, reminders, interactive hobbies
• Help individuals acquire and/or maintain skills to achieve their ISP goals through increasing independence, self-advocacy, exploration, and integration into their community.
• Handle situations involving challenging behavior with care and professionalism and be available to address crisis situations that arise.
• Implement behavioral treatment plans and accurately document behavioral observations and progress.
• Maintain a safe environment using Universal Precautions and promptly report any incidents or changes in a person’s behavior to the branch office.
• Communicate all relevant information with OSH confidentially and promptly.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services provided according to the individual’s support plan (i.e. progress notes or other required documentation) in a timely manner.
• Engage in professional development from orientation and required annual trainings.
• Effectively manage workload and caseload by organizing, planning, and prioritizing tasks.
• Adhere to all federal, state, and local laws, as well as OSH policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 18 years or older.
• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent education from a foreign country.
• Active CPR and First Aid certification renewed every two (2) years through in-person classes.
• Successful completion of orientation and DSP training program and relevant competency-based training, passing with a score of 80% or greater.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English through reading, writing, and speaking, with reasonable accommodations as needed.
• Evidence of annual Tuberculosis screening that meets CDC guidelines.
• Must have a reliable form of transportation.
• Acceptable to the person being supported.

Preferred Competencies:

• One year of related work experience or education in the Human or Social Services field. Advocacy for and experience or education working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Washington, DC’s public transportation system and community resources and opportunities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of the person being supported.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and professionalism.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain a clean, healthy and safe environment.
• Ability to recognize and respond to emergencies promptly, with knowledge of emergency procedures.
• Ability to efficiently manage time and multiple tasks daily.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Work environments and conditions may vary, including in individuals’ homes and community settings.
• Physical activity and tasks may involve heavy moving, lifting, bending, and daily prolonged standing.

Open Systems Healthcare, Inc is an EEO Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, sex, religious creed, disability or any other category protected under law.

The employee signature below constitutes the employee's understanding of the position's requirements, essential functions and duties.