The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides essential support services to individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting independence, safety, and quality of life. Staff assist individuals in achieving goals identified in their support plans by providing personal supports, respite care, and life skills development in home and community settings.
This role requires compassion, patience, professionalism, and a commitment to person-centered care. Staff must ensure that all services are delivered in compliance with Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and Medicaid waiver standards, as well as agency policies.
Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, toileting, and hygiene.
Provide instrumental ADLs (IADLs), including meal preparation, housekeeping, grocery shopping, and errands.
Support medication reminders and maintain documentation as directed.
Offer safety monitoring and help individuals maintain a structured daily routine.
Accompany individuals to medical appointments and provide support during visits.
Teach and encourage independent living skills such as budgeting, household management, and self-care.
Provide temporary relief to caregivers by supervising and engaging children in safe, age-appropriate activities.
Assist with ADLs/IADLs as needed and ensure consistent routines.
Implement calming or behavioral support strategies when necessary.
Engage children in recreational, social, and community outings.
Level 1 (Companion): Support socialization and community engagement by accompanying individuals to events, engaging in recreational activities, and modeling communication and interpersonal skills.
Level 2 (Supported Employment): Provide job coaching, resume and interview support, and on-the-job training to help individuals prepare for and maintain employment.
Level 3 (Adult Day Training): Facilitate group-based habilitation, vocational readiness training, and community integration activities in a structured program setting.
Level 4 (Prevocational Services): Teach work-related behaviors such as punctuality, following directions, teamwork, and task completion to prepare individuals for employment opportunities.
Accurately document services delivered, including date, time, duration, and specific activities completed.
Maintain person-centered notes that connect activities to individual support plan (ISP) goals.
Ensure caregiver relief is clearly documented for respite care.
Follow all agency, state, and federal guidelines regarding confidentiality, safety, and quality standards.
High school diploma or equivalent required; additional training or certifications in caregiving, behavioral support, or employment coaching preferred.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Valid CPR Certification required upon hire (agency can assist with referral if not already certified).
Must pass a 10-panel drug screen prior to hire.
Must successfully complete a Level II background screening.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Compassionate, patient, and committed to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Must be able to assist individuals with mobility, including pushing wheelchairs, providing physical support, and guiding transfers.
Ability to safely lift, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds (such as when assisting with mobility, repositioning, or daily living tasks).
Requires bending, kneeling, reaching, and standing for extended periods.
Work may involve both home and community settings, including transporting individuals to appointments, activities, or employment sites.
Must be able to respond quickly in emergency or safety situations.
Flexible shifts including day, evening, overnight, and weekends depending on participant needs.
Services may be provided in participant homes, community settings, or licensed program facilities.