Direct support professional (DSP), assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They help with everyday tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation, attending appointments and running errands. Depending on the patient's condition, a DSP may also administer medications, develop a behavioral management plan and maintain medical records. Other job duties include:

• Teaching life skills
• Maintaining a safe living environment that adheres to state codes and regulations
• Offering counseling and crisis intervention
• Assisting individuals with money management, housekeeping, personal hygiene and other routine needs
• Providing transportation to social outings, doctor appointments and other activities
• Maintaining regular paperwork, including fiscal reports, behavioral assessments, medication logs, casework notes and daily activity logs
• Documenting changes and updates digitally
• Maintaining extensive knowledge of patients' needs
• Promoting independence while providing the necessary support
• Delivering individualized support for each patient
• Establishing a safe and trusting relationship with patients

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Skills

• Organization: DSPs maintain accurate, detailed records of their patients' appointments, medications and activities, and organizational skills ensure DSPs complete and document all critical tasks.
• Communication: DSPs communicate with fellow DSPs, other healthcare employees and their patients. Strong communication skillshelp them build rapport and trust with different individuals so they can provide optimal care and assistance.
• Observation: Helping patients achieve their goals for health, wellness and behavioral development is an important part of this role. Keen observation equips DSPs to assess a patient's progress properly.
• Composure under pressure: Patients that need help from DSPs may present behavioral challenges. These employees thrive when they can maintain composure and approach crises calmly and professionally.
• Dependability: DSPs are reliable and show up on time so their patients can depend on them to complete all assigned tasks.
• Interpersonal skills: Compassion and kindness are distinguishing factors that elevate talented DSPs over others in their field. Strong interpersonal skills help these employees connect meaningfully with their patients.

Direct Support Professional responsibilities include exhibiting compassion, supporting residents, and ensuring a safe environment. They foster independence and personal choice by guiding individuals in acquiring necessary skills, such as social behavior or interpersonal competence so individuals have greater self-reliance in their day-to-day lives.

Requirements and skills

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be able to bend, stoop, push, pull, reach, sit and walk for periods of time
• Successful clearance of background checks
• Basic computer skills
• CPR/First Aid training
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 8-hour DODD Trainiong
• Medication Administration
• Driver license and Insurance
• Reliable Transportation

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• On call
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you currently CPR and First Aid certified?
• Are currently Medication Administration Certified?

Experience:

• DSP: 1 year (Required)
• Direct Support: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• driving license (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person