Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Right at Home Cleveland West is seeking multiple dependable, patient Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide 1:1 in-home and community support to an individual who benefits from consistent structure, calm communication, and close supervision . The DSP will help maintain safety, support daily routines, assist with medication and meals, and provide positive behavioral supports.

Key Responsibilities

Supervision & Safety

• Provide continuous on-site support ; individual is not safe to be alone and requires visual supervision in the home with routine safety checks every 15 minutes .

• Provide close/constant visual supervision in the community due to risk of wandering/elopement and limited ability to communicate if separated.

• Maintain a safe environment and minimize potential hazards.

Communication & Relationship-Based Support

• Use a calm, patient, direct communication style; pay close attention to body language/facial expressions . Individual does well with yes/no questions and may use a communication device (“talker”) when prompted appropriately.

• Encourage positive choices with frequent praise and supportive coaching.

Behavioral Support

• Support coping skills and use de-escalation techniques when the individual becomes frustrated or dysregulated.

• Follow established strategies such as providing time/space to cool down, offering choices, maintaining routine/consistency, and reinforcing positive behavior.

Daily Living Support

• Assist with a structured morning routine: waking up on time, breakfast, medications, dressing/readying for the day.

• Plan and prepare meals, encourage balanced choices, and assist with cutting tougher foods as needed; help pack lunches for day programming.

• Support healthy choices by helping limit caffeine/sugar when needed.

Medication Support

• Provide hands-on assistance with medication administration support as the individual cannot self-administer and requires help from caregivers/providers.

Community & Transportation

• Provide transportation and support participation in preferred community activities/outings.

• Support successful participation/transition to day programming by maintaining routine and reinforcing coping strategies.

Home Monitoring Notice

• There is a video monitor in the living room used by the guardian to ensure quality of care. Staff are aware of the camera and do not have access to it.

Qualifications

• Experience in DSP, caregiving, behavioral health, or related support preferred

• Patient, calm, reliable, and comfortable providing close supervision and following behavior support strategies

• Able to support personal routines, meals, medication assistance, and community participation

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (for community outings/transport as assigned)

• Must pass required background screening and meet job-related onboarding requirements