Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Description

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) assists program participants to engage in activities that will enhance the quality of their life and assist them in acquiring skills that will help them be more fully integrated into the community.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

•Assist participants in daily planned activities.

•Plan and create activities that are in alignment with person centered plans.

•Assist participants to meet individual goals and objectives as outlined in their Individualized Program Plan (IPP) reflecting a Person-Centered Care Approach.

•Assist the participants in community-based activities.

•Implement daily scheduled program activities approved by Program Manager.

•Assist participants in activities during program hours.

•Complete participants’ daily progress reports.

•Complete incident reports within 24 hours of the happening the incident.

•Maintain a safe environment consistent for the participants and ensure that they are keeping social distancing, wears masks or face shields and frequently wash their hands.

•Report all incidents to administrative staff.

•Participate in meetings and training sessions.

•Pick-up/Drop off participants to and from their home.

•Other duties as assigned.

Competencies: to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Participants’ behaviors- Ability manages and deescalate participants needy/aggressive situations; Responds promptly to participants’ needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.

Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively, edits work for spelling and grammar. Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.

Diversity - Experience with and understanding of the needs of persons with developmental disabilities.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically.

Organizational Support – Ability to comply with all agencies, federal, state and regulatory body employment requirements; Ability to provide the following: valid California driver’s license, Department of Motor Vehicles print out of driving record (must be submitted by date of hire), proof of tuberculosis screening (within one year prior to employment or within seven days of hire), signed criminal record clearance statement (at time of employment).

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures.

Report potentially unsafe conditions.

QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. High school graduate with some experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or experience in taking care of a family member with disabilities. All candidates must complete and pass the Live Scan background check.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.