What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional (DSP) position at Sparx Support Services?
Description:
A DSP provides services reinforcing developmental goals and teaching advocacy to a child/youth under the HCBS (Home-and Community-Based Services) waiver program. These services and goals are determined from a Service Plan created by your Supervisor. As a DSP, your responsibility is to help the child address the needs and reach the goals set for the youth by exploring different interventions that encourage the member’s independence and growth, as well as enhance the family’s ability to support the needs of the member.
Responsibilities:
- Cultivate an understanding and appreciation for diversity, ensuring that services are sensitive to the cultural, social, and individual contexts of each child/youth and their caregiver/family.
- Provide educational, advocacy, and support resources, tailored to the child/youth and caregiver/family's unique circumstances.
- Enhance the child's integration into the caregiver/family unit and bolster the caregiver/family’s capacity to support them in home and community settings.
- Empower caregivers/families to independently access and leverage resources, promoting long-term self-sufficiency.
- Offer comprehensive instruction to deepen understanding of the child's condition or illness.
- Engage with families/caregivers and children/youth to promote a holistic approach to accessing community services and activities.
- Regularly update service plans, obtaining medical consenter signatures and ensuring plans reflect members' evolving needs.
- Acquire necessary consents and documents for newly enrolled members.
- Collaborate openly with other service providers (e.g., Care Manager) to track progress, address potential barriers, and streamline referrals.
- Adhere to all documentation requirements, submitting progress notes, service plans, expense logs, and service provider logs in a timely manner.
- Submit Progress Notes within 3 days of service provision, so that approval from supervisor is provided by the fifth business day following service provision.
- Report any incidents promptly to the supervisor.
Location & Schedule of Service Provision:
- Services can be rendered both in the home of the youth or in a community setting, emphasizing a holistic, integrated approach.
- Must be willing to work four to six hour shifts during after-school hours, weekends, and non-school days
- Number of hours per week of service provision is contingent on the client’s needs and approval
Minimum Qualifications:
- Required: Associate's Degree
- Preferred: Bachelor's Degree
- Minimum 1 year of experience in human services
- Knowledge and experience working with children / adolescents facing medical, behavioral, and/or developmental health challenges
- Strong cognitive skills tailored to the position
- Professional demeanor with an approachable, friendly attitude
- Comprehensive documentation skills, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and timeliness
Language:
- Preferred: Bilingual
