Direct Support Professional

Position Overview

Working in the home and/or a community environment, the Direct Support Professional is responsible for the delivery of quality one‑on‑one services to intellectual and/or developmentally disabled individuals and working towards their outcome statement as outlined in the Individual Support Plan. Care may also involve activities of daily living and communication with other members of the individual’s multi‑disciplinary team.

• Professionally support adult or pediatric individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability where they live, work, or in other community settings, to promote their emotional, physical, and personal well‑being.
• Implement strategies to assist the individual in obtaining their outcome as stated in the Individual Support Plan (ISP).
• Complete documentation to substantiate services being delivered (EVV, daily service notes).
• Assist the individual and the interdisciplinary team in development and maintenance of the ISP.
• Immediately report any changes or problems in the individual’s condition to manager.
• Complete all documentation in accordance with state and program regulations, Aveanna Health Care policies and procedures, and applicable accreditation standards.
• Adhere to confidentiality standards and professional boundaries.
• Assist individuals reach their goals to be more independent by offering guidance, instruction, and role‑modeling.
• Actively search for opportunities for those you serve to experience life in their homes and communities based on their hobbies and interests.
• Support the individuals’ preferences and ensure their interests are honored.
• Assist individuals in the development of appropriate life skills necessary to reach their highest level of potential, including interaction with others, cooking, housekeeping, budgeting, personal hygiene, etc.
• Assist individuals in living an everyday life.
• Ensure the health and safety of the individual.

• The desire to assist individuals to live life to its fullest.
• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Active driver’s license, current automobile insurance, current car registration, and current car inspection if transporting.
• Willingness to accompany those you serve into the community and provide support while maintaining sensitivity to civil and human rights and dignity.
• Must be 18 or older.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Eligibility for State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance.
• FBI clearance required for individuals who do not meet PA residency requirements.

• Must always adhere to confidentiality standards and professional boundaries.
• Ability to recognize incidents and report them.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
• Attention to detail.
• Time management.
• Strong commitment to excellence.
• Effective problem‑solving and conflict resolution.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Quick‑thinking and astute decision‑making skills.

• Must be able to speak, write, read, and understand English.
• Occasional lifting, caring, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds.
• Prolonged walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, twisting.
• Must be able to sit and climb stairs.
• Must have visual and hearing acuity.

Must be able to function in a wide variety of environments which may involve exposure to allergens and other conditions.

• This job description is not comprehensive; duties may change at any time with or without notice.
• Employees must comply with all health‑related requirements in all relevant jurisdictions, including required vaccinations and testing, with exemptions for medical or religious reasons as appropriate.

Seniority level:
Entry level

Employment type:

Part‑time

Job function:
Other

Industries:
Hospitals and Health Care