Direct Support Professional

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct supervision, care, and support to youth residing in a residential treatment setting. The DSP is responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment while assisting youth with daily living skills, behavioral support, emotional regulation, and treatment plan goals. This role requires strong crisis intervention skills, trauma-informed care practices, and the ability to build healthy professional relationships with adolescents who have experienced trauma, behavioral challenges, and emotional difficulties.

Youth Supervision and Care

• Provide direct supervision and monitoring of youth at all times to ensure safety and compliance with program rules
• Maintain structure and daily routine within the residential home
• Supervise youth interactions and promote positive peer relationships
• Assist youth with personal hygiene, grooming, and daily living routines when needed

Medication Assistance

• Assist with self-administration of medications according to physician orders and agency policy
• Properly document medication administration and monitor for side effects or concerns
• Report medication issues immediately to supervisory staff or nursing personnel

Transportation Responsibilities

• Transport youth safely to medical appointments, therapy appointments, school activities, court hearings, and community-based services
• Maintain required transportation documentation
• Ensure vehicle safety and compliance during transportation

Meal Preparation and Household Support

• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks according to dietary needs
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards
• Assist youth in learning meal preparation and household responsibilities as part of independent living development

Treatment and Program Support

• Ensure completion of assigned group activities, educational assignments, and treatment-related programming
• Support implementation of individualized treatment plans
• Reinforce behavioral expectations and therapeutic interventions

Independent Living Skills Training

• Assist youth with budgeting, hygiene, laundry, room organization, cooking, communication skills, and decision-making
• Encourage accountability and responsibility
• Teach age-appropriate life skills needed for successful transition into adulthood

Behavioral Management and Crisis Intervention

• Respond appropriately to behavioral crises, emotional escalations, and conflict situations
• Utilize approved de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention methods
• Manage youth presenting with trauma responses, anger, aggression, and emotional dysregulation
• Complete incident reports accurately and timely

Documentation

• Complete shift notes, incident reports, medication records, and required documentation daily
• Report significant events, behaviors, and concerns to supervisors

Trauma-Informed Care

• Provide services using trauma-informed and strength-based approaches
• Maintain professionalism while supporting youth with histories of trauma, neglect, abuse, and behavioral challenges

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Work Location: In person