Direct Support Professional DSP ( SLP/ Group Home)

Schedule

Supportive Living Program (SLP)

• Mon- Fri: 4pm - 12am/ 12am - 8am
• Sat - Sun: 8am - 8pm

Group Home

• Mon - Fri: 7am - 3pm / 3pm - 11pm
• Sat - Sun: 7am - 7pm / 7pm- 7am

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Immediate Supervisor: Program Director

This Job Description and the duties/responsibilities of this description are established from the “non-exempt” status definition outlined within The United States Department of Labor guidelines. Compensation of these work-related duties, responsibilities, tasks, assignments, and the like, are expressly reimbursed from the “non-exempt status. You are not employed under the “exempt” working status.

Job Summary: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) creates a safe, positive, and encouraging atmosphere for the individuals they work with. They also work closely with the individual to enhance their decision-making skills and encourage them to engage in more activities that will help strengthen their physical and mental health and promote a more independent and satisfying lifestyle.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be flexible and willing to work in your assigned program as needed
• Be a personal companion to individuals and act as a supportive professional serving their needs and working to build their independence
• Support Individuals on how to complete certain tasks & build skills to promote a more independent and satisfying lifestyle
• Encourage and foster an individual’s preferred hobbies and interests
• Assist with work to strengthen the individual’s many daily needs, including but not limited to nutrition, hygiene, exercise, grooming, dressing, eating, drinking, communication, and socialization skills.
• Create daily schedules and plans with individuals following their part V plan for support/Person-centered plan
• Provide feedback, track progress, and document in the individual's daily progress note; update the program director.
• Make appropriate phone calls as directed, and drive individuals to their appointments and events, as needed
• Ensure each individual attends all of their medical/personal appointments. All appointment dates and times will be reported to the residential coordinators /program directors accordingly.
• Encourage individual skill development and work toward community integration
• Develop meaningful relationships and connections with individuals to make them feel cared for and included in the community.
• Follow all health and safety protocols.
• Help keep a clean environment for the individuals during each shift
• Be compassionate, patient, encouraging, supportive, and professional at all times
• Keep individuals safe from health hazards at all times
• Monitor individuals’ behavior toward themselves and others, and maintain individuals’ records of problems and progress.
• Report all instances of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the residential coordinator/program director.
• Participate in staff meetings and in-service training as assigned
• Report all incidents involving the individual immediately to the Program Director.
• Keep a living, continuous communication log (where applicable)
• Complete your support log/progress note, support checklist, and communication log. All entries are due to the Coordinator or Director daily.
• Provide administrative support to the program director before and during audit and compliance checks.
• Complete all notes and daily documentation on Lauris as required
• Notify the Program Director immediately when unable to make a shift (24 hours is the best and acceptable practice). For unforeseeable circumstances, notification will be immediate.
• Contact the Program Director immediately in the event of an emergency (Employee will not contact family members or have family members contact supervisor)
• Keep individuals engaged throughout the shift
• May transport Individuals In personal vehicles when the agency vehicle is not available.
• Be able to stay calm and de-escalate crises.
• Any other duties assigned by the Program Director

Education and other Certificates

• The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Candidates without a Diploma/GED but who have 3 years of caregiving experience or have some college credits will be accepted
• A Valid CPR/First Aid – Otherwise, must obtain this within one month of employment
• A Valid Medication management certificate – Otherwise it must be obtained within one week of employment
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) will be an added advantage

Experience

• With a diploma, minimum of one year of experience providing services to adults with developmental disabilities.
• Without a diploma, minimum of three years of experience providing services to adults with developmental disabilities.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar)
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and related physical, health, and behavioral concerns.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Must possess computer skills and knowledge
• Good problem analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Must enjoy working with everyone; and possess a caring and positive attitude.

Other Requirements

• Successful State Criminal and Child Registry Background Check
• A Valid Driver’s License, Personal automobile, acceptable driving record, and Auto Insurance.
• Mandatory Training by the DBHDS
• Current TB screening and Physical examination

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The role involves frequent standing and walking, with occasional sitting. Talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions are constant requirements while kneeling and reaching are needed occasionally. Eye, hand, and foot coordination is also a constant demand. The job occasionally requires lifting and carrying and rarely involves climbing.

In terms of physical strength, the role occasionally requires light to medium work and little physical effort, with heavy work being a rare necessity. Overall, the position demands moderate physical capability, with an emphasis on communication, coordination, and mobility

Conditions of Employment

DSP will not engage in fraudulent activities, as described below. Such actions may result in immediate termination. Fraudulent activities are defined as any actions not lawfully supported by the employing agency, Reese Family Services. The examples provided below are illustrative and not exhaustive:

• Running personal errands on company time.
• Extended personal phone calls.
• Picking up children on company time.
• Borrowing money from individuals.
• Loaning money to individuals.
• Borrowing an individual’s items.
• Eating individual/house food.
• Befriending individuals beyond work to include but not limited to personal activities & social media.
• Personal grocery shopping while on company time.
• Any abuse/neglect/exploitation actions proven/suspected.

About Reese Family Services

Reese Family Services is a trusted provider of person-centered services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Virginia. We offer Sponsored Residential, In-Home Supports, Supportive Living, Community Engagement, and Group Day services designed to promote independence, inclusion, and a high quality of life.

At Reese Family Services, we believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care while maintaining the highest standards of ethics, human rights, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.

When you join Reese Family Services, you become part of a team that is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.