Direct Support Professional (DSP)

About the Role

Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides support and assistance to adults with developmental disabilities; helps in developing independent living skills; creates and implements engaging leisure and recreational activities; assists with transportation and community participation; maintains documentation and coordinates with the Nurse, House Manager, and Residential Program leadership to support individuals' goals. What You'll Do

• Comply with all Agency, State and Federal policies and regulations.

• Ensure individuals’ rights are protected, including the right to be free from abuse and neglect.

• Provide direct care as needed and assigned, including assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, feeding, and related self-care tasks.

• Provide support and supervision as assigned and as indicated in the Person-Centered Plan.

• Ensure safety and wellbeing at all times and protect individuals from harm, injury, or distress.

• Report significant changes, issues, and incidents to the supervisor.

• Keep the residence clean and neat to promote a healthy living environment.

• Respond quickly and appropriately to crisis situations and medical emergencies.

• Demonstrate sound judgment, problem solving, and critical thinking.

• Serve meals according to the planned menu and dietary orders.

• Safely load/unload individuals to/from vehicles and transport to residences, Day Programs, activities, and appointments.

• Develop and implement meaningful daily activities aligned with individuals’ interests, goals, and needs.

• Follow program schedules, calendars, and assignments.

• Foster a positive, respectful, and engaging environment for those supported.

• Work cooperatively with peers and administration to ensure high-quality service delivery.

• Use agency and individual-owned equipment, property, and supplies properly.

• Report damages or equipment malfunctions according to agency protocols.

• Complete required documentation (progress notes, incident reports, medication administration, mobility/behavior data, etc.) in a timely manner.

• Support individuals in developing and participating in recreational and community activities.

• Understand each person’s medical needs (Nursing Plan of Care, interim assessments) and follow emergency protocols.

• Participate in the development and implementation of the Person-Centered Plan.

• Administer medications/treatments as ordered by doctors and report any medical status changes to the Nurse.

• Follow professional plans (Speech, OT, PT, BSP, etc.) and report QA concerns promptly.

• Enter daily progress notes for services provided.

• Consistently report to work in accordance with the scheduled shift, be punctual and complete the entire shift.

• Demonstrate proper clock-in/clock-out procedures to support accurate billing.

• Adhere to Attendance and Punctuality policies.

• Perform other duties as required. What We're Looking For

• Caring, reliable, and team-oriented; enjoys helping others live their best lives.

• Comfortable assisting with personal care, transportation, and community activities.

• Patient, dependable, and able to respond to crisis with sound judgment.

• Positive attitude, compassion, and willingness to learn; promotes respect, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities.

• Experience in human services, caregiving, healthcare, or education is encouraged, but not required.

• Ability to work in an active, collaborative environment and contribute to high-quality service delivery.