Direct Support Professional - IS Full Time

GENERAL SUMMARY

Provides direct 1:1 instruction and individualized support to adults with developmental disabilities and/or acquired brain injury living in their own homes. The role focuses on promoting independence through skill development, social engagement, and community access. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) actively supports individuals in building meaningful routines, accessing healthcare, and participating in community and recreational activities. This position involves ongoing collaboration with the individual, team members, supervisor, families, clinical consultants, and external partners.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*

Ø Provides individualized personal care assistance as needed, promoting dignity and independence.

Ø Implements goals and objectives as outlined in the Individual Service Plan (ISP).

Ø Maintains accurate documentation of services provided, including medical and daily records, in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.

Ø Supports individuals in accessing medical care, including attending appointments and ensuring completion of required documentation by healthcare providers.

Ø Provides instruction in medication routines and, with certification, administers medications in compliance with state and agency guidelines (MAP).

Ø Promotes skill-building in areas such as meal preparation, grocery shopping, menu planning, budgeting, and bill paying.

Ø Teaches and reinforces daily living skills including cleaning, organizing, and maintaining a sanitary household.

Ø Supports individuals in developing and maintaining relationships and participating in recreational, leisure, and faith-based activities of their choosing.

Ø Provides transportation to community outings, appointments, and other individual-driven activities.

Ø Maintains regular, open lines of communication and a positive rapport and proactive attitude with staff, families, supervisors, and Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) representatives.

Ø Reports any incidents or concerns promptly and in accordance with agency and regulatory procedures.

Ø Acts as a mandated reporter for suspected cases of abuse and/or neglect as required by law.

Ø Attends required trainings, meetings, and certifications to remain current with agency and regulatory expectations.

Ø Adheres to Agency’s policies and procedures.

Ø Ensures basic human rights, well-being and safety of individuals is respected at all times.

Ø Serves as mandated reporter for suspected cases of abuse and/or neglect to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) or Elder Abuse Hotline, as appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ø Performs additional duties, as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Ø Vision and Purpose: Demonstrates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; creates milestones to rally support behind the vision.

Ø Adaptability: Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; inspires others to be adaptable to change.

Ø Ethics, Values and Diversity: Promotes an appropriate and effective work environment and strives to ensure that the agency’s core values and beliefs are applied during all circumstances; genuinely cares about people; deals effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages, lifestyle choices and genders; supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all; adheres to and promotes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); advocates for the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities to maximize their potential in the programs and communities of their choice.

Ø Integrity and Trust: Is respectful, truthful, and transparent; keeps confidences; takes ownership and responsibility for decisions and outcomes.

Ø Problem Solving and Judgment: Probes all useful and constructive sources to find pertinent answers; can analyze issues, identify problems and work toward appropriate solutions; collaborates with others or as part of a team; displays willingness to make decisions; makes timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment.

Ø Oral and Written Communications: Speaks clearly, appropriately and effectively with a diverse group of individuals; is an active listener and gets clarification when necessary; participates constructively in meetings; is able to write clearly and succinctly; is able to communicate clearly in a variety of settings and situations.

PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Ø High School diploma or equivalent experience required

Ø Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree preferred (e.g. psychology, social work, special education) preferred.

Ø Prior human services or relevant life experience preferred of at least 2 years.

Ø Valid driver’s license in the state of Massachusetts and reliable transportation required.

Ø Successful completion of all state and Agency mandated trainings.

Ø Successful completion of Medication Administration Training certification.

Ø Use of personal vehicle required

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Ø No supervisory responsibility.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ø Frequent standing, walking and bending.

Ø Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Ø Ability to provide safe transportation including driving for extended periods of time.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.