Direct Support Professional Part Time

Position Summary:

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for assisting individuals in identifying and/or acquiring skills to be as independent as possible. The DSP is required to be trained in the needs of each individual and maintain a person-centered approach to supporting those in their care.

All positions including the Overnight position are Awake positions.

Primary Duties & Essential Functions:

1. Employs procedures which maintain an environment of care that is safe and therapeutic.
2. Provides direct care to individuals per agency policy.
3. Implements appropriate supervision to assigned daily schedules, including all routines and life skills activities.
4. Completes required documentation in compliance with Agency, Medicaid and OPWDD standards
5. Dispenses medication per agency policy.
6. Safely transports individuals as assigned per level of supervision required.
7. Assists assigned individuals with specific tasks as designated by individual treatment plan.
8. Participates in the treatment team or recommendation process.
9. Assist in personal care of individuals.
10. Assures appropriate boundaries
11. Assist in planning in the development of recreational activities
12. Orients new admissions to the agency
13. Adheres to the DSP Code of Ethics
14. Demonstrates the ability to meet the OPWDD Core Competency standards
15. Successfully completes all required trainings
16. Maintains current with all required trainings
17. Provides available schedule for the upcoming month by the 15th of each month to supervisor
18. Works a minimum of 19 hours per week at assigned locations
19. Adheres to program staff requirements and training on individual needs
20. Completes assignments as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Abilities and Working Conditions:

1. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
2. Must be able to be mobile in a multiple story building, with or without reasonable accommodation.
3. Willingness to respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population.
4. Travel as required.
5. Ability to work a flexible schedule
6. All positions including overnights are AWAKE positions
7. Basic knowledge of computer systems and ability to use basic computer systems (email, internet, data collection)
8. Ability to deal positively with changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
9. Display a positive, professional and proactive attitude to accomplish quality work that is in line with the agency’s mission statement.
10. Seek opinions, alternative viewpoints in decision making. Understand and respect the expertise and experience of others, appreciate the different views, and the perspective and limitations of other individuals.
11. Exhibits a professional, courteous demeanor with internal and external constituents.

Required Education, Knowledge and Skills

1. High school Diploma/GED
2. Valid Driver’s license and ability to drive agency vehicles
3. Must obtain and maintain medication certification
4. Must be able to drive agency vehicles
5. Ability to write legibly
6. Ability to communicate effectively with other disciplines and individuals served
7. Ability to perform physical interventions

Pay: $18.00+ per hour depending on education and experience.


Vanderheyden is committed to the Sanctuary Model - a blueprint for clinical and organizational change which, at its core, promotes safety and recovery from adversity through the active creation of a trauma-informed community. The Sanctuary Model's focus is not only on the people who seek services, but equally on the people and systems that provide those services.

Vanderheyden Hall Inc., as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, military or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, prior arrest or conviction record or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.