Direct Support Professional (DSP / Foster Care)

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Responsible for the direct care services for individuals residing in the company's Supported Living program. Under general supervision, this staff supervises and supports program participants with activities and meeting individual goals. The DSP exercises sound judgment, shows initiative, and abides by program, state and federal policies and procedures. The DSP reports directly to the ID Field Supervisor.

Illustrative Tasks

Demonstrates integrity as a human service professional.

Provides supervision, support and/or training to consumers in social/leisure skills, independent living, personal care and health maintenance, and community integration.

Fosters and maintains positive customer service and satisfaction.

Works as a team member, providing support and assistance to other staff members within the program and agency.

Manages talents and resources responsibly and trustworthy.

Provides exemplary services by actively supporting quality improvement initiatives.

Essential Job Duties

Attends regularly. Dependable in coming to work as scheduled. Works without supervision. Reports absences promptly.

Proactively manages an effective work schedule, making necessary scheduling accommodations to meet unannounced requests and changes.

Attends and participates in required meetings (all‑agency meetings, CSS meetings, program meetings, etc.).

Successfully completes all in‑service training required for the position within timelines and participates in all other training as assigned.

Follows agency policy including, but not limited to, confidentiality, dress code, and hygiene.

Completes any other related tasks and responsibilities as assigned and required.

Knowledge of

Definition, causes and program philosophy of intellectual disability.

Consumers' human rights.

Service plan process and delivery.

Principles of confidentiality.

State and Federal licensure requirements.

Respecting the rights of the consumers.

Seeking out and using individuals' preferences and choices in planning, developing, and implementing activities.

Assisting in planning and developing activities in each skill area for implementation within the residential and community settings.

Working with the program participant to maintain a safe environment, completing necessary cleaning duties within the consumer's home.

Providing supervision, training and/or support to program participants in each skill area as indicated in Individual Program Plans and in general activities, including self‑advocacy, safety at home and in the community, maintenance and improvement of health related issues, behavioral support, leisure, recreation and community skills, personal hygiene and self‑care, meal planning and preparation, general housekeeping, and money management.

Providing information in the area of decision‑making/informed consent/lifestyle choices.

Providing information orally and in writing as requested for the individual's service plan development and team information sharing.

Attending scheduled program participant planning meetings and participating in decision making, advocating for services that meet consumer's needs and preferences.

Documenting and maintaining information, including individual progress (POP) information, contact notes, incident reports, documentation of health and medical issues, and money and financial records and reports.

Supporting prescribed medication/medical regimen.

Providing transportation as needed for consumers to and from activities within the community.

Notifying day support staff, physician and parent(s)/guardian of a consumer's illness or accident and assuring the provision of required treatment as requested.

Respecting the consumer's right to confidentiality by sharing information only with written consent of the consumer or guardian.

Providing ongoing communication with families, guardians and interdisciplinary team members as directed.

Advocating for consumers with disabilities in the community and workplace by maintaining both oral and written communication.

Accepting supervisory guidance and counsel. Following through with specific responsibilities as directed.

Working effectively and cooperatively with coworkers.

Attending training and conferences as deemed appropriate for improvement of job performance.

Assisting other staff members to address issues within programs and the agency.

Being self‑directed and willing to seek, act on, and evaluate new ideas and solutions.

Expanding knowledge of departmental/agency operations.

Supporting the agency in conducting program evaluations.

Performing work assignments in a thorough, accurate, and orderly manner.

Supporting accreditation and regulatory standards.

Being ethical in individual and business practices, following established agency code of ethics and confidentiality.

Participating in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.

Using supplies, equipment, energy and other resources responsibly and conservatively to accomplish desired outcomes.

Physical Demands

The work requires physical exertion and moving about including bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, kneeling, reaching, lifting objects up to 40 lbs (occasionally up to 60 lbs), and transferring persons. Physical assistance to individuals may be required occasionally.

Mental/Visual Demands

Frequent mental and visual attention is required when working with program participants. Work can be repetitive and requires alertness and concentration, especially when listening and communicating with small groups in living arrangements and in negotiating skills among consumers.

Working Environment

Fairly good working conditions exist. The employee may be exposed to disagreeable elements and may occasionally work outside. Services are primarily provided within the individual's home.

Unavoidable Hazards and Risks

The work involves moderate risk requiring safety precautions such as exposure to blood or bodily fluids and aggressive behaviors. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear (masks, gloves, gowns, shields). The magnitude of bodily injury is moderate and may require medical attention.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to their health and safety and that of others.

This description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skill and ability. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the ability to perform each duty proficiently.

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