Direct Support Professional

Description:

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides essential daily living assistance, personal care, and community integration for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. DSPs act as caregivers, advocates, and mentors, helping clients with tasks like cooking, cleaning, medication administration, and social inclusion. The role requires patience, empathy, and a focus on promoting independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Personal Care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility, including transferring individuals.
• Daily Living Skills: Helping with meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, shopping, and managing budgets.
• Community Integration: Accompanying individuals to appointments, social events, and community activities to promote social engagement.
• Health and Safety: Administering medications, monitoring health status, and following behavioral support plans (BSPs).
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate, confidential records, including daily logs, incident reports, and medication logs.

DSPs may work in residential settings, day programs, or in the community, with schedules often including evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts.

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and proof of car insurance and driver's abstract. Ability to pass criminal background checks. Capability to lift, bend, and assist with physical transfers. Completion of required certifications: 8 HR DPS Certification, CPR/First Aid.