Direct Support Professional Job Description

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Direct Support Professional Job Description

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Community Services and Development

Job summary 1

A Direct Support Professional plays an important part in the lives of individuals. A Direct Support Professional working in our residential programs will assist individuals in all aspects of daily living including personal hygiene, cooking, house cleaning, laundry, leading a healthy lifestyle, shopping, budgeting, maintaining appropriate behavior, and community integration.

Duties & Responsibilities 1

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Requirements & Skills 1

High school/Equivalency diploma
Some college preferred
- Prior experience working with developmentally disabled adults preferred
- Valid driver’s license required 18+ months
- Obtain and maintain SCIP (Strategies for Crisis Intervention Prevention) Certification, CPR, First aid, and other certifications as required

Job summary 2

We are seeking the Direct Support Professional to work in a group home setting with people with intellectual disabilities. While providing supervision and support, the Direct Support Professional also provides an opportunity for each individual to develop and grow toward greater independence.

Duties & Responsibilities 2

Assisting individuals with activities of daily living (examples are personal care, meals, and medication).
Encouraging individuals to participate in community activities.
Handling general housekeeping tasks and meal preparation.

Requirements & Skills 2

High school diploma or GED
At least 2 years of experience in a related position
Certification in medication administration, first aid, and CPR
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record
- Clear criminal record and other background checks by state requirements
- Ability to convey, understand, and follow spoken and written instructions in English

Job summary 3

In this role, you will develop relationships with individuals, enhances their progress, and make a difference in their lives. Daily tasks include assisting with personal care, running errands, and assisting with activities including light housekeeping chores.

Duties & Responsibilities 3

Daily activities
Passing medication
- Accompanying individuals with doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands
- Assist with light housekeeping duties
- Providing companionship

Requirements & Skills 3

HS diploma/GED and 18+ years old
- Background check
- Current valid driver’s license with reliable transportation and insurance
- Ability to become certified in First Aid/CPR and medication administration

Job summary 4

We are looking for a compassionate and dependable Direct Support Professional to support our mission to keep seniors and people with disabilities living independently within their homes and communities. Our Direct Support Professionals primarily assist our clients with developmental disabilities with their activities of daily living, allowing them to continue participating actively in their communities.

Duties & Responsibilities 4

Home Assistance – Provide light housekeeping, run errands, transport/accompany clients to appointments, and assist with medications. Provide personal assistance with general living needs which could include preparing meals, bathing, feeding, toileting, and grooming.
Companionship – Provide companionship and conversation by stimulating, encouraging, and assisting an individual. Accompany clients with activities and events within the community such as grocery shopping and other errands.
Communication/Reporting – Report proactively on client updates and statuses, ensuring a positive environment with healthy communication; In partnership with family members, develop trust and offer emotional support; Alert clinical staff when concerns with client wellness arise.

Requirements & Skills 4

High school degree or GED required, along with access to reliable transportation
Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is strongly preferred but not required
Commitment to serving our clients and their property with dignity, patience, compassion, and respect
- Recognition of the needs and concerns of others, and the ability to build strong client-centered relationships without regard to location, socio-economic environment, medical diagnosis, ethnic origin, or religion
- Flexibility and adaptability, with the willingness to work weekends or evenings to support clients
- Dedication to professional development, including completion of organizational and state-required training

Job summary 5

We are looking for Direct Support Professionals to join our mission to provide caring support in the communities we serve.

Duties & Responsibilities 5

Train and develop daily living skills and life activities for the people we serve
- Provide quality services to people we support
- Be responsible for the health, safety, and emotional support of the people we serve
- Electronically document the services and supports provided

Requirements & Skills 5

Desire to make a positive difference in people's lives.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Work requires frequent physical activity including extended periods of standing, walking, and bending with occasional periods of sitting, kneeling, climbing, stooping, crouching, squatting, and balancing.
- Work also requires constant reaching between knee and shoulder level as well as frequent reaching below knee level and overhead.
- Work requires occasional independent lifting up to 25 pounds, frequent push/pull up to 40 pounds of force, and the ability to safely transfer 50 pounds.

Job summary 6

The Direct Support Professional provides assistance and support to clients in maintaining a therapeutic environment. Responsibilities include: 1) Providing clients with routine emotional and physical care; 2) Transporting clients to treatments, vocational, and leisure activities; and 3) documenting clients’ interaction and participation in activities.

Duties & Responsibilities 6

Client Support/Care
Provides treatment, training, guidance, and support by following the Individual Treatment Plan.
Communicates with clients to understand clients’ needs.
Monitors clients’ daily routines such as phone calls, personal hygiene, and meals.
Transports clients to treatment, vocational, recreational, and leisure activities.
Records client data such as behavioral observations, vital signs, symptoms, etc.
- Monitors and documents activities, sleep habits, and excess food or liquid intake.
- Observes, documents, and reports unusual behavior or condition of clients to treatment and medical staff.
- Provide clients with assistance in bathing, grooming, and eating as provided in the treatment plan.

Requirements & Skills 6

Job summary 7

As a Direct Support Professional, your week will be filled with rewarding opportunities to help people with disabilities live rich, active lives.

Duties & Responsibilities 7

Help someone while they run errands or go grocery shopping.
Take them to appointments or do fun things in the community.
- Give them their medicine or help with other treatments.
- Help them prepare meals, cook, clean, eat, take care of personal hygiene, and just get around outside and inside their home.
- Go to local sporting events, concerts, movies, and restaurants—and even go on trips and vacations!

Requirements & Skills 7

High School Diploma or GED
- 18 years of age or older
- Compassion and genuine caring
- A willingness to help others live the best life they can

Job summary 8

We are looking for a Direct Support Professional to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes.

Duties & Responsibilities 8

Providing individualized assistance and coaching with personal care, meal preparation, and leisure activities
Transportation to appointments
Assistance with other daily activities as necessary to assist individuals in gaining independence and achieving personal outcomes

Requirements & Skills 8

Must have compassion and patience.
- Must be Med Certified or able to become certified.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- Must have a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

Job summary 9

We are currently seeking responsible, caring, and dedicated people to fill the Direct Support Professional position. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a crucial role in fulfilling our mission by assisting with daily activities such as preparing meals, administering medication, and providing transportation to work or community activities to promote independence. To be successful in this role, you must be compassionate, motivated to help others, and dedicated to providing quality support.

Duties & Responsibilities 9

Provide direct care services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and specialized care in daily living, social, and recreational activities.
Provide support and assistance to foster maximum independence of individuals.
Participate in the development and implementation of the individual support plan.
Ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals.
Assist and encourage individuals to engage in various activities in the home and community.
Observe individuals' behaviors and changes in physical condition, utilize prescribed strategies to assist the individual, and document and report accordingly.
- Administer medications (upon completion of certification; all necessary training is provided).
- Assist/perform needed cooking, housekeeping, and cleaning duties.
- Maintain logs and records about individuals.

Requirements & Skills 9

Minimum of 18 years of age, required.
- High school diploma or equivalent, required.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Experience working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, preferred.

Job summary 10

We are looking for Direct Support Professionals to join our team.

Duties & Responsibilities 10

Requirements & Skills 10

Must be at least 18 years old
Achieve competency in required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Pass driving record check if providing transportation
High school graduate or equivalent (GED)
- CPR/First Aid Certification is required. Training is provided
- Work may require moderately heavy physical exertion on a regular and recurring basis. Work tasks may include extensive driving, assisting with transfers (wheelchair to chair, bed, or tub, for example), and significant physical support to assist the client with daily activities
- The employee must frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds or more depending on individual client needs

Frequently asked questions

What is the job description of direct support professional?

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or other special needs. The job description of a DSP may include:

Personal Care: Assisting individuals with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.

Medication Management: Administering medications as prescribed and monitoring medication schedules.

Behavior Support: Providing support to individuals with challenging behaviors by using positive behavior support techniques.

Communication: Facilitating communication between individuals and their families, healthcare providers, and support staff.

Community Integration: Assisting individuals with community integration by organizing and participating in social activities, community events, and other recreational activities.

Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of daily activities, medical and behavioral observations, and other important information.

Transportation: Assisting individuals with transportation to appointments, community activities, and other events.

Safety: Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals by following safety protocols and guidelines.

Training: Participating in training and continuing education programs to improve skills and knowledge related to working with individuals with special needs.

Overall, the primary responsibility of a DSP is to provide compassionate care and support to individuals with special needs, while promoting their independence, safety, and well-being.

What are the 5 most important skills and qualities of direct support professional?

The following are the five most important skills and qualities of a Direct Support Professional:

Empathy and Compassion: Direct Support Professionals need to have genuine care and compassion for individuals with special needs. They must be able to empathize with their situation and provide emotional support, patience, and kindness.

Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for a DSP to communicate with individuals with special needs, their families, healthcare providers, and support staff. DSPs must be able to listen actively, express themselves clearly, and adapt their communication style to meet the needs of each individual.

Flexibility and Adaptability: DSPs must be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs and schedules of individuals with special needs. They should be able to handle unexpected situations and adjust their approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Problem-Solving: DSPs must be able to identify and solve problems related to the care and support of individuals with special needs. They should be able to think creatively and come up with solutions to various challenges that arise.

Patience and Tolerance: DSPs need to have a high level of patience and tolerance, as they work with individuals who may have different behavior patterns or communication styles. They should be able to handle difficult situations calmly and maintain a positive attitude, even under stressful conditions.

Overall, a DSP requires a combination of technical and soft skills to provide effective care and support to individuals with special needs.

Olivia Powell
Recruiting expert

Last updated Sep 30

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Direct Support Professional Job Description

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Frequently asked questions

What is the job description of direct support professional?

What are the 5 most important skills and qualities of direct support professional?

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