(DSP) Behavioral Support Focus

Position Summary

The DSP provides direct care, supervision, behavioral support, and skill-building services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may present with behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges. DSPs maintain a safe, structured, trauma-informed, and person-centered home environment while implementing (ISPs) Individual Service Plans. Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and safety protocols.

This position requires heightened awareness, proactive behavior monitoring, de-escalation skills, and precise documentation.

Core Responsibilities

Residential Care & ADLs

• Assist with bathing, hygiene, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility


• Support residents in daily routines while promoting independence


• Provide structure and consistency in daily schedules

Behavioral Support Implementation

DSPs are responsible for active behavioral supervision:

• Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) exactly as written


• Identify early warning signs of behavioral escalation


• Use approved de-escalation and redirection techniques


• Maintain calm, neutral, and supportive communication


• Use positive reinforcement strategies


• Avoid power struggles or confrontational responses


• Document all behavioral incidents objectively

Crisis Prevention & Response

When behaviors escalate, DSPs must:

• Follow crisis prevention protocols


• Maintain safety of all residents and staff


• Remove potential environmental triggers


• Use approved intervention techniques only


• Immediately notify supervisor for high-risk incidents


• Complete required incident documentation

DSPs do not use physical intervention unless trained, authorized, and policy allows.

Supervision & Safety Monitoring

• Maintain continuous line-of-sight supervision when required


• Conduct routine checks and headcounts


• Monitor interactions between residents


• Reduce environmental risks and triggers


• Follow elopement prevention procedures

Skill Building & Emotional Regulation Support

• Support coping skills and self-regulation strategies


• Teach communication and social skills


• Encourage problem-solving and self-advocacy


• Model appropriate behavior

Health Monitoring & Medication Support

When authorized:

• Assist with medication administration


• Monitor for side effects impacting behavior


• Report changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or functioning

Documentation Requirements

DSPs must document:

• Daily service notes with behavior and support details


• Interventions used and resident response


• Behavioral data tracking


• Incidents and safety concerns


• Medication observations

Notes must reflect active support, not passive supervision.

Rights, Dignity & Trauma-Informed Care

• Maintain respect and dignity at all times


• Avoid coercive or punitive approaches


• Support resident voice and choice


• Recognize trauma triggers and respond appropriately

Team Communication

• Communicate behavioral trends to supervisors


• Participate in team meetings


• Support implementation of clinical recommendations

Scope of Practice

DSPs do not:

• Provide clinical therapy


• Modify BSPs


• Conduct psychological assessments


• Use unauthorized restraint or intervention

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED


• Ability to work with individuals with behavioral challenges


• Ability to pass background screening

Preferred

• Experience in behavioral or mental health settings


• CPI or crisis intervention training


• Residential IDD experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to assist residents physically


• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies


• Ability to maintain stamina for active supervision

Acknowledgment

I understand the behavioral supervision responsibilities required for this DSP position.