Ira-Dsp-1

NEW HOPE COMMUNITY 

Job Description

Direct Support Professional I (DSP-I) – IRA Residential Services

Department: Residential Services – Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRA)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: House Manager or Assistant House Manager

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional I (DSP-I) provides compassionate, person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in New Hope Community's Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) homes. DSPs assist individuals in leading safe, healthy, meaningful, and independent lives while respecting each person's dignity, preferences, rights, and goals.

The DSP is much more than a caregiver. They are a teacher, mentor, advocate, coach, companion, and trusted member of each person's support team. Working in partnership with the individuals we support, families, healthcare professionals, and fellow employees, the DSP helps transform a house into a home where every individual has opportunities to grow, make choices, develop relationships, and participate fully in community life.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Person-Centered Supports

Provide individualized supports that promote each person's independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop meaningful, respectful relationships built on trust.


• Encourage independence in daily activities.


• Promote informed choice and self-advocacy.


• Assist individuals in achieving goals outlined in their Individualized Service Plan (ISP).


• Teach life skills through encouragement rather than simply performing tasks for individuals.


• Respect privacy, individuality, culture, beliefs, and personal preferences.


• Utilize positive behavior support techniques while maintaining a calm and respectful environment.

Activities of Daily Living

Provide assistance based upon each individual's unique abilities and needs.

Support may include:

• Personal hygiene


• Bathing and grooming


• Dressing


• Toileting


• Mobility assistance


• Transfers


• Feeding assistance when necessary


• Medication reminders or administration as certified


• Meal planning and preparation


• Encouraging healthy nutrition


• Monitoring health concerns


• Reporting changes in condition immediately

The goal is always to maximize independence while providing only the level of assistance needed.

Household Management

Assist individuals in maintaining a clean, safe, comfortable home.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing nutritious meals


• Grocery shopping


• Laundry


• Cleaning common living areas


• Bedroom organization (as desired by the individual)


• Household sanitation


• Maintaining inventories


• Assisting individuals in caring for their personal belongings


• Supporting budgeting and shopping skills when appropriate

The home belongs to the individuals receiving services. DSPs work alongside them whenever possible rather than performing tasks independently.

Medication Administration

After successful certification:

• Administer medications according to OPWDD regulations.


• Accurately document medication administration.


• Monitor for medication side effects.


• Report concerns to nursing staff immediately.


• Maintain current Medication Administration Certification.

Community Inclusion

Support individuals in living active and fulfilling lives.

Examples include:

• Medical appointments


• Shopping trips


• Restaurants


• Religious services


• Family visits


• Movies


• Parks


• Concerts


• Sporting events


• Community festivals


• Volunteer opportunities


• Vacations


• Social gatherings

Encourage community participation while promoting dignity, inclusion, and safety.

Transportation

When assigned Driver Status:

• Safely transport individuals using agency vehicles.


• Conduct required vehicle inspections.


• Follow defensive driving practices.


• Assist passengers entering and exiting vehicles safely.


• Maintain a valid New York State driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Documentation

Complete accurate and timely documentation including:

• Daily progress notes


• Goal documentation


• Medication Administration Records (MARs)


• Incident Reports


• Accident Reports


• Behavior documentation


• Communication logs


• Electronic Health Records


• Required OPWDD documentation

Documentation must be objective, thorough, accurate, and completed within established timeframes.

Health, Safety & Emergency Response

Maintain a safe living environment by:

• Following infection control procedures.


• Recognizing medical emergencies.


• Implementing emergency evacuation procedures.


• Utilizing SCIP interventions when appropriate.


• Reporting abuse, neglect, or significant incidents immediately.


• Maintaining CPR, First Aid, SCIP, and required certifications.


• Maintaining a clean and hazard-free home.

Teamwork

Work collaboratively with:

• House Managers


• Assistant House Managers


• Registered Nurses


• Physicians


• Therapists


• Families


• Care Coordinators


• Day Program staff


• Fellow Direct Support Professionals

Participate in:

• Team meetings


• Shift communication


• Training


• Continuous quality improvement


• Person-centered planning

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED (unless enrolled in Associate DSP Program)


• Ability to complete all required OPWDD and New Hope Community training.


• Ability to obtain SCIP, CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration Certification.


• Valid New York State Driver's License for Driver positions.


• Driving record acceptable under New Hope Community insurance standards.

Preferred

• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.


• Human Services, healthcare, education, or caregiving experience.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Core Competencies

Successful DSPs consistently demonstrate:

• Compassion


• Respect


• Integrity


• Patience


• Reliability


• Professionalism


• Emotional maturity


• Positive communication


• Teamwork


• Adaptability


• Sound judgment


• Accountability


• Problem-solving


• Commitment to lifelong learning

Physical Requirements

The employee must regularly:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.


• Bend, kneel, squat, reach, and climb stairs.


• Lift up to 50 pounds independently.


• Lift up to 100 pounds with assistance.


• Assist with transfers and mobility supports.


• Perform SCIP interventions when necessary.


• Push wheelchairs and adaptive equipment.


• Work varying shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and emergency coverage.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in residential homes where individuals receiving services live. The position requires flexibility to meet the needs of the individuals supported and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions during community activities, driving responsibilities, and occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens while following universal precautions.

Mission Commitment

Every Direct Support Professional plays a vital role in helping individuals live meaningful, self-directed lives. Employees are expected to uphold New Hope Community's mission by providing compassionate, respectful, person-centered supports that foster independence, inclusion, personal growth, and the highest possible quality of life.