Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Position Summary

Right at Home Cleveland West is seeking multiple dependable, patient Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide 1:1 in-home and community support to an individual who benefits from consistent structure, calm communication, and close supervision. The DSP will help maintain safety, support daily routines, assist with medication and meals, and provide positive behavioral supports.

Key Responsibilities

Supervision & Safety

• Provide continuous on-site support; individual is not safe to be alone and requires visual supervision in the home with routine safety checks every 15 minutes.
• Provide close/constant visual supervision in the community due to risk of wandering/elopement and limited ability to communicate if separated.
• Maintain a safe environment and minimize potential hazards.

Communication & Relationship-Based Support

• Use a calm, patient, direct communication style; pay close attention to body language/facial expressions. Individual does well with yes/no questions and may use a communication device (“talker”) when prompted appropriately.
• Encourage positive choices with frequent praise and supportive coaching.

Behavioral Support

• Support coping skills and use de-escalation techniques when the individual becomes frustrated or dysregulated.
• Follow established strategies such as providing time/space to cool down, offering choices, maintaining routine/consistency, and reinforcing positive behavior.

Daily Living Support

• Assist with a structured morning routine: waking up on time, breakfast, medications, dressing/readying for the day.
• Plan and prepare meals, encourage balanced choices, and assist with cutting tougher foods as needed; help pack lunches for day programming.
• Support healthy choices by helping limit caffeine/sugar when needed.

Medication Support

• Provide hands-on assistance with medication administration support as the individual cannot self-administer and requires help from caregivers/providers.

Community & Transportation

• Provide transportation and support participation in preferred community activities/outings.
• Support successful participation/transition to day programming by maintaining routine and reinforcing coping strategies.

Home Monitoring Notice

• There is a video monitor in the living room used by the guardian to ensure quality of care. Staff are aware of the camera and do not have access to it.

Qualifications

• Experience in DSP, caregiving, behavioral health, or related support preferred
• Patient, calm, reliable, and comfortable providing close supervision and following behavior support strategies
• Able to support personal routines, meals, medication assistance, and community participation
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (for community outings/transport as assigned)
• Must pass required background screening and meet job-related onboarding requirements