What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional position at The Arc Baltimore?
Brief Description
At The Arc Baltimore, our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live enriched, vibrant, and self-directed lives. DSPs empower the people we support to overcome challenges, build independence, and fully participate in the activities and experiences that matter most to them.
Our specialty is Life Design—championing each individual’s unique goals and aspirations. We are committed to designing lives that are vibrant, colorful, joyful, and rooted in purpose and belonging. This work is made possible by hiring exceptional Direct Support Professionals who lead with passion and dedication.
Who We Are
Founded in 1949, The Arc Baltimore has been a trusted and indispensable community resource for more than 75 years. We provide a comprehensive range of services, including employment training and support, day and residential services, family education and support, treatment foster care, assistive technology, respite services, public policy advocacy, and information and referrals.
The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships.
Our full-time and part-time employees deliver services in people’s homes, workplaces, day centers, and neighborhoods throughout the community.
Job Overview
Direct Support Professionals are responsible for providing safe, respectful, and person-centered support to people served by the organization. This role ensures the health, well-being, and independence of the people supported while promoting meaningful community involvement and daily life skills development.
Key Responsibilities
At The Arc Baltimore, our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live enriched, vibrant, and self-directed lives. DSPs empower the people we support to overcome challenges, build independence, and fully participate in the activities and experiences that matter most to them.
Our specialty is Life Design—championing each individual’s unique goals and aspirations. We are committed to designing lives that are vibrant, colorful, joyful, and rooted in purpose and belonging. This work is made possible by hiring exceptional Direct Support Professionals who lead with passion and dedication.
Who We Are
Founded in 1949, The Arc Baltimore has been a trusted and indispensable community resource for more than 75 years. We provide a comprehensive range of services, including employment training and support, day and residential services, family education and support, treatment foster care, assistive technology, respite services, public policy advocacy, and information and referrals.
The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships.
Our full-time and part-time employees deliver services in people’s homes, workplaces, day centers, and neighborhoods throughout the community.
Job Overview
Direct Support Professionals are responsible for providing safe, respectful, and person-centered support to people served by the organization. This role ensures the health, well-being, and independence of the people supported while promoting meaningful community involvement and daily life skills development.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor people we support to ensure safety and well-being related to medical, health, behavioral, and environmental needs.
- Complete all required documentation (e.g. incident reports, progress notes, behavioral data, drills, etc.)
- Provide assistance with activities of daily living, including lifting, transferring, toileting, personal hygiene, laundry, meal preparation, and housekeeping.
- Implement Person centered plans, including outcomes, goals, and support strategies.
- Accurately complete all required documentation, such as incident reports, progress notes, behavior tracking, and emergency drills.
- Conduct and participate in required safety and emergency preparedness drills.
- Assist with banking, budgeting, and shopping, as applicable.
- Plan, support, and participate in community activities and outings, including visits with family and friends, faith-based activities, and recreational or shopping trips.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant living environment in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and local health department standards.
- Administer and document medications in accordance with state regulations and agency policies, when applicable.
- Accompany people you support during medical appointments or emergencies as needed.
- Work collaboratively with managers and team members and complete all required training for the position.
- Attend monthly house meetings for assigned home.
- Other duties as assigned.
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Must be at least 20 years of age
- Valid driver’s license (not provisional) with a clean driving record and at least 2.5 years driving experience
- Must be able to transport people supported as needed
- Generous paid-time-off for benefit eligible positions
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for eligible positions
- $500.00 referral bonuses
- Retirement: 403(b) plan with employer match available after 1 year of service
- Employee Discount Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Short- and Long-Term disability plans
- Mileage (Travel) Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Eligibility for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Paid Training including CPR, Mandt, Certified Medication Technician (CMT), and NADSP certification
- Parking is provided at our work sites
- Opportunities for advancement