Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Position Summary The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a male community support provider responsible for delivering respectful, safety‑focused, and skill‑building assistance to an adult with developmental disabilities. The DSP promotes independence, healthy routines, and meaningful community engagement while maintaining line‑of‑sight supervision and following all behavioral, medical, and safety guidelines outlined in the Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

Key Responsibilities

• Community skill building — Support participation in community activities such as recreation, errands, fitness programs, and volunteer opportunities.
• Healthy decision‑making — Provide verbal prompts for portion control, healthy food choices, and adherence to a heart‑healthy, low‑fat diet.
• Safety supervision — Maintain line‑of‑sight supervision in all community settings while offering respectful autonomy.
• Behavioral support — Use calm redirection, choices, reassurance, and preferred activities to reduce anxiety or agitation.
• Social cueing — Provide guidance with interpreting social cues, interacting respectfully, and staying with the group.
• Money management support — Assist with budgeting, selecting items within spending limits, and completing purchase transactions.
• Health & wellness support — Encourage hydration, exercise, sunscreen use, and adherence to dietary restrictions.
• Medication supervision — Provide line‑of‑sight supervision during self‑administration of medications.
• ADL prompting — Offer verbal prompts for hygiene, grooming, dental care, dressing, and organization of personal belongings.
• Emergency awareness — Support safe evacuation, recognize signs of medical distress, and follow agency protocols including calling 911 when required.
• Transportation support — Provide safe transportation to community activities; the individual must never be left alone in a vehicle.
• Positive reinforcement — Use preferred activities (walking, basketball, music) to maintain engagement and reduce agitation.

Schedule

• Male provider required
• 2–3 days per week, mornings preferred
• 12 hours/week total
• Open to 1 weekend day, if mutually agreed upon

Required Skills & Qualities

• Male DSP able to meet the individual’s personal comfort and support needs
• Patience, calm demeanor, and consistency
• Ability to provide respectful supervision without restricting autonomy
• Strong communication skills and ability to offer choices
• Comfort supporting individuals with mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive disabilities
• Ability to follow detailed ISP instructions and safety protocols
• Reliable transportation and clean driving record

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to remain attentive during line‑of‑sight supervision
• Ability to assist with light physical tasks (e.g., prompting during fitness activities)
• Ability to support safe community participation in varied environments