PT A Shift Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is the primary frontline caregiver and implementer of services within Community Living homes. DSPs work directly with individuals served to implement their Individual Support Plans (ISP) and Behavior Support Plans (BSP) and are responsible for ensuring continuous supervision, meaningful engagement, safety, and consistency of care throughout their assigned shifts.

DSPs are accountable for the daily condition of the home, the quality of interactions with individuals served, and the faithful execution of all assigned supports. DSPs must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including maintaining continuous alertness, providing direct supervision, driving individuals served as required, and administering medications as trained.

DSPs implement supports using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working in close collaboration with Behavioral Clinicians to carry out evidence-based interventions, skill-building programs, and behavior support strategies with fidelity.

High School Diploma or equivalent required

Prior experience in direct support, residential services, or behavioral health preferred but not required

Willingness to work with individuals with complex behavioral, developmental, or medical needs

Valid driver's license meeting transportation requirements (Missouri Class E, out-of-state equivalent, or CDL with Passenger/School Bus endorsement).

Strong supervision, engagement, and observation skills

Working knowledge of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Individual Support Plans (ISPs)

Willingness to learn, accept coaching, and improve performance

Uses person-centered and trauma-informed language at all times

Protects the physical and emotional safety of individuals served

Immediately addresses behaviors or conditions that compromise dignity or safety

Implements behavior support and skill-building interventions using ABA principles and evidence-based practices

Maintains fidelity to clinical programming and seeks clarification when plans are unclear or barriers arise

Provides continuous supervision based on individual needs

Supports choice, autonomy, and self-determination within plan guidelines

Connected Community

Supports participation in community outings, recreation, and appointments

Models positive social interaction and inclusion

Builds trust and rapport with individuals served

Whole Person Support

Assists individuals with activities of daily living, including toileting, hygiene, meals, mobility, and medication administration as trained

Supports physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs

Observes changes in health or behavior and reports promptly

Follows all health, safety, and medication protocols

Transports individuals served to appointments, outings, and community activities as required.

Maintains structured, predictable routines

Completes all required documentation accurately and on time (shift reviews, logs, MARs, incident reports)

Follows all BHA policies, procedures, and ethical standards

Works cooperatively with other DSPs, Shift Supervisors, Clinical team members, Program Managers, and external stakeholders

Accepts direction, feedback, and coaching

Communicates clearly regarding shift issues, client needs, or concerns

Works closely with Behavioral Clinicians (BCBAs/Behavior Specialists) to implement BSPs, skill-acquisition programs, and environmental strategies

Participates in coaching, modeling, and feedback to improve ABA implementation and outcomes

Maintains continuous supervision and engagement of individuals served

Supports a stable, safe, and predictable home environment

Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary home environment throughout the shift

Ensure individuals have required meals, supplies, and personal items

passive supervision is not acceptable

Implement ISP/BSP supports consistently across the shift

Complete all required documentation before the end of the shift

Ensure individuals' daily care needs are met, including completion of personal hygiene routines, support with dressing and grooming as needed, and preparation and provision of healthy, well-balanced meals in accordance with individual care plans, dietary guidelines, and household routines.

Ensure the incoming shift is informed of the activities/needs of the individuals served before leaving their shift

Implements reinforcement strategies, prompting procedures, and behavior-reduction strategies as outlined in BSPs and clinical programming

Collects required behavioral and skill-acquisition data accurately and in real time, per clinical direction

DSPs are directly accountable for the safety, care, and daily experience of individuals served during their shifts.

Continuous supervision and meaningful engagement

ISP and BSP implementation with fidelity

Immediate action to address safety, cleanliness, or care concerns within their control

Required documentation (shift reviews, checklists, logs, behavioral data collection, MARs, incident reporting) is completed accurately, thoroughly, and on time

Safety hazards, cleanliness issues, or environmental concerns are addressed immediatelynot simply reported

Individuals served receive appropriate engagement, supervision, meals, and supports during the shift

Following BHA timekeeping, documentation and company policies and guidelines

Implementation of ABA-based interventions and data collection with fidelity, consistency, and integrity

DSPs are expected to take action to resolve issues within their control and to escalate concerns appropriately when resolution is not possible at the shift level. Raising concerns does not replace responsibility for corrective action during the shift.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in corrective action, as unresolved documentation, safety, or care issues directly impact client safety, compliance, and service quality.

Complete all documentation, billing, and reporting requirements in accordance with BHA and regulatory guidelines

Behavioral Health Allies