Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional provide exceptional care and support to adults with developmental disabilities. As a DSP, you will play a crucial role in empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives, promoting their independence, and fostering their overall well-being. You will work closely with a diverse group of individuals, assisting them with daily living activities, personal development, and community integration. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others while gaining valuable experience in the field of developmental disabilities.

General Responsibilities of a DSP include:

• Provide direct care and support to adults with developmental disabilities. ensuring their safety. comfort, and well-being at all times.
• Assist individuals with personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication administration, and other activities of daily living, while promoting their independence and self-determination.
• Encourage and facilitate the participation of individuals in social, recreational, and vocational activities, both within the program and in the broader community.
• Promote and teach essential life skills, including communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and self-advocacy, to enhance independence and empower individuals.
• Observe and document individual progress, behaviors, and any incidents or changes in health or behavior, adhering to all confidentiality and reporting
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that respects and values the diversity, rights, and choices of individuals
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, families, guardians, and external service providers to ensure coordinated care and seamless delivery of services.
• Comply with all agency policies, procedures, and regulations, including health
• and safety guidelines. to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all individuals.

 Accountability

DSP staff will be accountable for the progress and development of the clients entrusted in their care. This will be tracked through the following:

Daily

• Assisting with activities of daily living (ADL), including personal hygiene, eating, and meal preparation, dressing, toileting skills as needed, exercises, and ambulation.
  1. Assisting in promoting Participants' alertness and reality. orientation through conversation, companionship, and other activities.
  2. Assisting Participants with prescribed activities and exercises in accordance with instructions of appropriate professional and medical personnel.
  3. Employee/Paraprofessional will model appropriate Socialization skills to the Participant.
• Assisting in maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe environment for clients to live and grow in
  1. Providing household duties to facilitate client's self-care: giving the client opportunities to be as independent as possible.
  2. Assisting with laundry. bed making and changing of bed.
  3. Assist client to and from activities in the community and will assist with supervising client during community activity as needed
• Maintaining current and accurate clinical records.

Weekly

• Assisting Participants in establishing a daily schedule for household duties and activities of daily living.

Ongoing/As Needed

• Teach Participant friendship/relationship skills as indicated in the client's Individual Support Plan.
• Model appropriate Socialization Skills to/for the client.
• Assist with training/onboarding of new employees
• Communicate effectively and professionally client updates and needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional relevant certifications or education in the field of developmental disabilities are highly desirable
• Proven experience working with adults with developmental disabilities or in a similar caregiving role is preferred.
• Knowledge of person-centered approaches, positive behavior support, and principles of dignity and respect.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build meaningful relationships with individuals and their support networks.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and situations, and to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on program needs.
• Clear criminal background check, valid driver's license, and CPR/First-Aid certification.

Key Indicators of Success

Key Indicators of Success for Direct Support Professionals

1. Client Satisfaction: HAS will measure the satisfaction of individuals receiving support services through feedback surveys, interviews, or other evaluation methods. This can include assessing their level of contentment, involvement in activities, and overall quality of life. 
2. Independence and Skill Development: HAS will track the progress of individuals in acquiring and improving essential life skills, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Use assessments, goal-tracking systems, or standardized skill development scales to measure advancements.
3. Community Integration: HAS will evaluate the level of community participation and integration achieved by individuals, such as engagement in social events, community outings, vocational activities, or volunteer work, by monitoring the frequency and diversity of community experiences to assess successful integration.
4. Incident and Behavior Management: HAS will monitor and track the occurrence of critical incidents, challenging behaviors, and their successful resolution or reduction over time. This can involve documenting behavioral incidents, implementing behavior support plans, and measuring changes in behavior through behavioral assessments or rating scales.
5. Team Collaboration: HAS will assess the effectiveness of collaboration and communication within the interdisciplinary team. Measure indicators such as timely completion of care plans, effective coordination of services, and satisfaction levels among team members.
6. Compliance and Documentation: HAS will monitor adherence to agency policies, procedures, and regulations. Evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of documentation, including daily progress notes, incident reports, medication administration records, and individual care plans.
7. Training and Professional Development: HAS will track the participation and successful completion of required training programs and professional development opportunities. Monitor the acquisition of new skills, knowledge, and certifications relevant to the role.
8. Health and Safety: Monitor and maintain a safe and healthy environment for individuals by tracking compliance with health and safety protocols, incident reports related to accidents or injuries, and the implementation of preventive measures.