What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Part-Time position at Better Days Residential Living?
Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Part-Time
Location: Residential Care Home Schedule: Part-Time Pay: Competitive – Based on Experience
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing direct care, supervision, and behavioral support to individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism and behavioral support needs, in a licensed residential care setting. The DSP ensures the health, safety, dignity, and well-being of all clients through consistent implementation of Individual Program Plans (IPPs), behavior support strategies, and facility policies in compliance with all applicable regulations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be at least 18 years of age, as verified by a current government-issued photo identification.
- Must possess a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
- Must demonstrate knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the care, supervision, and behavioral support needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, including limited verbal communication and behavioral challenges.
- Must demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and licensing requirements governing residential care facilities.
- Must complete and maintain current Adult First Aid certification at all times.
- Must be in good physical and mental health, verified by a health screening including a negative tuberculosis test, and be capable of performing all assigned duties, including responding appropriately to behavioral incidents and emergencies.
- Must complete initial orientation and ongoing training as required by the Administrator and Community Care Licensing regulations.
- Must complete a Personnel Record (LIC 501) and submit the following required documentation:
- Copy of government-issued photo identification
- Copies of required education and training certificates
- Criminal Record Statement (LIC 508)
- Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Suspected Abuse of Dependent Adults and Elders (SOC 341A)
- Must complete the “Your Legal Duty – Reporting Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse” training and associated curriculum within 60 days of hire, as required.
- Must submit fingerprints and receive criminal record clearance prior to the commencement of employment.
- Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to ensure accurate documentation and communication.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide direct supervision, care, and behavioral support to clients in accordance with their IPPs, Needs and Services Plans, and behavior support plans, ensuring client and staff safety at all times.
- Implement approved behavioral interventions and de-escalation techniques for clients who may exhibit aggressive, impulsive, or disruptive behaviors, in a professional and controlled manner.
- Assist clients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting assistance or prompting, and meal support, as required.
- Maintain continuous supervision and situational awareness for clients who require enhanced monitoring due to behavioral or safety concerns.
- Supervise the self-administration of medications in strict accordance with physician orders, facility policies, and licensing regulations.
- Respond appropriately to medical, behavioral, and environmental emergencies, utilizing established emergency procedures and contacting emergency services or supervisory personnel as required.
- Accurately complete and maintain all required documentation, including daily logs, incident reports, behavioral data, and client records, in both written and electronic formats.
- Utilize required electronic systems and applications for documentation, scheduling, communication, and reporting, as directed by the Administrator.
- Provide supervision and care for clients who do not attend day programs, ensuring continuity of care, safety, and engagement.
- Prepare, handle, and serve meals in accordance with nutritional standards, menu plans, and prescribed dietary modifications, and provide supervision during meals as needed.
- Ensure proper food storage, labeling, dating, and rotation, including freezer items, in compliance with health and safety standards.
- Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the facility, including client living areas, common areas, bathrooms, and laundry, without compromising client supervision.
- Plan, organize, and implement structured and appropriate activities that support client engagement, skill development, and emotional regulation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with client personal rights, confidentiality requirements, and ethical standards at all times.
- Interact with clients, families, visitors, coworkers, supervisors, and outside agencies in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner.
- Remain alert and awake during overnight (NOC) shifts, as required, to ensure continuous supervision and client safety.
- Complete a minimum of twelve (12) hours of approved continuing education annually and participate in all required in-service training and staff meetings.
- Fulfill all responsibilities as a mandated reporter, including timely reporting of suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with applicable laws and completion of required forms.
- Maintain regular attendance, punctuality, and availability during scheduled work hours, including coverage for high-needs clients as assigned.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Administrator or Licensee to support the safe and effective operation of the facility.
Job Type: Contract
Work Location: In person