What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavioral Health: Direct Support Professional position at CREATING A LEGACY INC?
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, behavioral support, and supervision to adults with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral support needs within an Enhanced Behavioral Support Home (EBSH) setting.
This role is responsible for implementing individualized behavioral and support services in a structured, trauma-informed, and person-centered environment designed to support residents with complex behavioral challenges, mental health needs, and co-occurring conditions. The DSP works collaboratively with the Administrator, Lead Staff, clinical professionals, and interdisciplinary team to promote resident safety, stability, skill development, and quality of life while ensuring compliance with California DDS, Title 17, Title 22, and EBSH program requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Care & Resident Support
- Provide hands-on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobility support
- Support residents in developing independent living skills, coping skills, communication, and socialization
- Assist with structured daily routines, recreational activities, and community integration opportunities
- Implement Individual Program Plans (IPPs), Individual Support Plans (ISPs), and behavioral objectives as directed
- Maintain therapeutic boundaries and provide consistent structure and supervision
- Promote resident dignity, choice, independence, and self-advocacy through person-centered practices
Behavioral Support & Crisis Intervention
- Provide enhanced behavioral support to individuals with significant behavioral challenges, emotional dysregulation, trauma-related behaviors, and co-occurring mental health conditions
- Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and approved intervention strategies as trained by the clinical team
- Utilize trauma-informed care, positive behavior supports, redirection, de-escalation, and crisis prevention techniques
- Monitor for behavioral triggers, escalating behaviors, and environmental stressors
- Accurately document behavioral incidents, interventions utilized, and resident responses
- Support post-crisis stabilization and assist with re-establishing therapeutic environments following incidents
- Maintain compliance with approved emergency intervention procedures and all applicable regulations
Health, Safety & Therapeutic Environment
- Monitor residents’ physical, emotional, psychiatric, and behavioral well-being
- Maintain a safe, clean, structured, and therapeutic home environment conducive to behavioral stability
- Support medication administration procedures and observe/report side effects or behavioral changes as assigned
- Follow all infection control, emergency response, safety, and crisis intervention procedures
- Respond appropriately to emergencies, behavioral crises, and incidents while ensuring resident and staff safety
- Maintain awareness of residents’ supervision levels, safety risks, and individualized support needs
Documentation & Regulatory Compliance
- Complete daily progress notes, behavioral data collection, incident reports, and required documentation accurately and within required timelines
- Document behaviors, interventions, outcomes, and resident progress toward identified goals
- Ensure documentation complies with DDS, Community Care Licensing (CCL), Title 17, Title 22, and EBSH program standards
- Immediately report incidents, concerns, injuries, suspected abuse, or changes in resident condition to supervisory staff
- Maintain confidentiality and safeguard protected health information in compliance with HIPAA and company policies
Team Collaboration & Professional Development
- Work collaboratively with Lead Staff, Administrator, Assistant Administrator, Behavior Specialists, clinicians, and interdisciplinary team members
- Participate in shift change communication and provide accurate updates regarding resident behaviors and support needs
- Attend required trainings, staff meetings, behavioral consultation meetings, and in-service education
- Maintain required certifications and competency trainings related to behavioral support, crisis intervention, and direct care services
- Support a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, mental health conditions, or within residential care settings preferred
- Ability to safely implement crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
- Ability to maintain professionalism in high-stress situations
- Valid California Driver’s License and acceptable driving record preferred
- Must successfully complete all required DOJ, FBI, and CACI clearances
- Must complete all required DDS and facility trainings upon hire and throughout employment
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, transfer, and assist residents as needed
- Ability to respond quickly and safely during behavioral or medical emergencies
- Ability to perform physical interventions consistent with training and regulatory requirements when necessary\
Work Environment
This position works within a 24-hour Enhanced Behavioral Support Home (EBSH) residential setting serving adults with developmental disabilities and complex behavioral support needs. The environment may include exposure to emotionally elevated situations, behavioral crises, and high levels of resident supervision.
Salary : $20 - $23