Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Summary

A residential specialist provides support and care for individuals, with mental health challenges. Their responsibilities include; daily care(ADL's), emotional support, behavioral management, life skills training, documentation, and collaboration. Overall, residential specialist plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive and structured environment, promoting independence and well-being among residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Educate residents about mental health issues and recovery strategies while advocating for their needs and preferences.
• Respond promptly to crises or behavioral escalations, implementing de-escalation techniques and ensuring the safety of all residents.
• Establish trusting relationships with residents, providing emotional support and encouragement as they work toward their recovery goals.
• Observe and document resident behaviors, moods, and interactions, reporting any significant changes to the clinical team.
• Ensure the living environment is safe, clean, and conducive to therapeutic engagement and recovery.
• Assist in organizing, scheduling, and leading a wide range of group activities and community service projects
• Model high personal and professional standards in interactions with residents, families, agency workers, and fellow staff members
• Maintain accurate records of resident interactions, progress notes, and incident reports in compliance with facility policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to implement therapeutic activities and programs designed to support residents’ mental health and social skills.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, social workers, and counselors, to facilitate comprehensive care for residents.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Manager of Programs

Qualifications

· High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a relevant program (Associate’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field) preferred.

· Previous experience in a mental health or residential care setting is highly desirable.

· Knowledge of mental health disorders, treatment modalities, and crisis intervention techniques.

· Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact positively with residents, families, and staff.

· Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude towards individuals living with mental health challenges.

· Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.

· Must have a valid driver's license, an automobile, and adequate automobile insurance.

· Must complete a Medical and T.B. test providing proof of results.

· CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire within six months).

· Must be fingerprinted and have a Background Check

· Must submit official educational transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded

· Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, talk, and/or hear
• Frequently required to use hands to fingers, handle, and /or feel
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste, and / or smell
• Must occasionally life and / or move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
• Demonstrate ability to participate in physical restraints, First Aide, COR, outdoor/recreational activities (as needed) and nonviolent crisis intervention

Ability to stand/walk for extended periods, and perform physical interventions if needed

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $16.50 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person