Direct Support Professional (DSP) 2nd Shift

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing training, assistance, supervision, and person-centered support to adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Autism, and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

The DSP supports individuals in developing and maintaining skills related to home and community living, personal care, recreation, employment, communication, and independence while promoting dignity, safety, choice, and self-sufficiency.

Essential Functions & Competencies

Client Rights, Safety & Confidentiality

• Understand and protect client rights, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Recognize and appropriately report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment.
• Follow Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) and Universal Precaution procedures.
• Complete Incident and Accident Reports accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain a safe environment and protect residents from potential hazards.
• Provide appropriate supervision based on each resident's individual needs.

Person-Centered Services

• Understand and follow the organization's philosophy of services.
• Follow each individual's Person-Centered Plan and Plan of Care.
• Understand each individual's diagnosis, needs, goals, and desired outcomes.
• Provide training and support designed to promote independence and self-sufficiency.
• Recognize and appropriately respond to behavioral concerns.
• Provide advocacy and support for an assigned resident and their family.

Developmental Disabilities & Autism

• Demonstrate an understanding of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
• Utilize effective interaction and communication strategies.
• Apply appropriate communication techniques for individuals with Autism and developmental disabilities.
• Implement Structured Teaching strategies when applicable.
• Follow approved behavioral and physical intervention techniques, including NCI requirements.

Medical & Medication Support

• Recognize and respond appropriately to common medical concerns, including:

  • Seizures
  • Allergies
  • Medication-related concerns
  • Other identified medical needs

• Complete required Medication Administration training and demonstrate competency.

• Assist residents with self-administration of medications when authorized.

• Follow all medical procedures and competencies specified in the individual's Plan of Care.

Daily Living & Personal Care

• Monitor and assist residents with home-living and personal-care activities, including:

  • Dressing
  • Bathing
  • Grooming
  • Toileting
  • Meal preparation
  • Laundry
  • Household responsibilities

• Provide guidance, training, and encouragement toward increased independence.

• Assist with daily routines, adaptive equipment, transfers, and carries as specified in the Plan of Care.

• Provide support only to the extent that the resident is unable to independently complete the activity.

Documentation & Communication

• Accurately document services provided in accordance with organizational requirements.
• Complete required daily documentation, service notes, and incident reports.
• Communicate significant changes in resident health, behavior, safety, or needs to supervisory staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident information.
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.

Residential & Household Responsibilities

• Assist with the general operation and maintenance of the group home.
• Maintain a clean, safe, sanitary, and organized living environment.
• Perform housekeeping duties, including cleaning and general upkeep.
• Assist with food preparation and laundry.
• Complete minor repairs and other household tasks within the scope of the position.
• Provide transportation when required and authorized.

Recreation & Community Activities

• Participate in recreational and community activities with residents.
• Encourage residents to participate in activities that promote socialization, independence, and quality of life.
• Activities may include community outings, recreational programs, and swimming.
• Employees may be required to enter a swimming pool while assisting residents.

Staff Participation & Training

• Participate in required staff meetings.
• Attend and successfully complete all required training.
• Maintain required certifications and competencies.
• Apply training and procedures consistently while providing resident support.

Third-Shift Responsibilities

In addition to regular DSP responsibilities, Third-Shift employees are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the group home.

Duties may include deep cleaning, such as:

• Cleaning woodwork and baseboards
• Cleaning blinds
• Deep cleaning refrigerators
• Cleaning stoves and kitchen appliances
• Cleaning designated areas of the home
• Maintaining overall cleanliness and organization of the residence

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements of this position may include:

• Performing housekeeping and cooking duties.
• Standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Walking up to approximately two miles when required.
• Running rapidly for short distances in response to an emergency.
• Frequently lifting and moving up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally lifting and moving 50 pounds or more, depending on the specific needs of the individuals supported.
• Assisting with transfers, carries, and approved physical interventions when properly trained and authorized.
• Driving a full-size van when required.
• Using a telephone and other communication equipment.
• Maintaining adequate visual acuity to read standard type and visually supervise residents.
• Maintaining adequate hearing ability to hear fire alarms, emergency signals, and other safety-related sounds.
• Communicating effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Completing required CPR, First Aid, NCI, Medication Administration, and other job-related certifications.

Mental & Cognitive Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Read, understand, and interpret written instructions and documentation.
• Demonstrate basic mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Organize and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Remain calm and professional when responding to challenging or emergency situations.
• Follow established procedures, policies, and individual Plans of Care.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Valid driver's license required.

• At least two years of experience working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is preferred.

• Must successfully complete all required training and competency assessments.

• Required training may include:

  • CPR
  • First Aid
  • NCI/Approved Physical Interventions
  • Medication Administration
  • BBP/Universal Precautions
  • Incident and Accident Reporting
  • Autism and communication strategies
  • Person-Centered Planning
  • Other training required by the organization or the individual's Plan of Care

Additional Responsibilities

The responsibilities listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

Additional duties may be assigned temporarily or permanently based on the needs of the residents, group home, department, or organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred, depending on employer requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, if driving clients is required.
• Ability to pass required background checks and employment screenings.
• Ability to complete required training and certifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide direct care and daily support to individuals with developmental disabilities or other support needs.
• Assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, and household tasks.
• Support individuals with community activities, appointments, recreation, and social activities.
• Follow individual service plans and behavioral support plans.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation and service notes.
• Administer or assist with medications when authorized and properly trained.
• Monitor individuals' health, safety, and well-being.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral or medical emergencies.
• Promote independence, dignity, choice, and self-advocacy.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all company policies and applicable regulations.
• Communicate changes, incidents, concerns, and significant events to supervisors.

Physical/Work Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to assist individuals with mobility or personal-care needs when required.
• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies.
• May be required to work day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Ability to work in residential homes, community settings, and other environments.