Direct Support Professional

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to lead lives that are fulfilling and meaningful. The DSP continuously promotes the health, safety, and well‑being of individuals, and serves as their primary advocate in communicating their desires, needs, and personal goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend to the needs of each individual, including assisting them with grooming, bathing, hygiene, toileting (including incontinence), feeding, and communicating any and all other needs they may have.
• Support the needs and goals of each individual by taking them to medical appointments, visiting family and friends, to preferred leisure/recreational activities, and encouraging them to socialize with peers.
• Follow all physician/nursing staff orders, including supervision of self‑administration of medication, unless Proxy trained.
• Schedule annual medical and dental appointments as needed per nursing staff or Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Implement approved emergency procedures in the event of a fire, storm, or other disaster (natural or manmade).
• Participate in the development of ISP goals.
• Provide training to individuals as outlined in the ISP to meet their goals.
• Maintain daily notes in accordance with DBHDD standards and any other daily data collection as outlined in the Agency’s program design.
• Maintain records of medical/dental visits, current weight, medication (dosage, frequency and times of administration, reasons for medications, side effects, illnesses, injuries, special incidents, personal funds, and personal possessions).
• Ensure meals are prepared in accordance with posted menus.
• Ensure house rules are followed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment by cleaning the home, informing the House Manager of any broken/inoperable items, locking up medication and toxic chemicals, and reporting any problems that could cause injuries or illness.
• Report any unusual occurrences/activities and health & safety issues to House Manager in a timely manner.
• Report incidents of suspected individual abuse to the House Manager as soon as discovered or reported by the individual or other concerned parties.
• Follow the guidance, directions, and recommendations of professional staff/consultants (e.g., BCBA, RN, RD, etc.) to ensure individuals’ total needs are met.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in continuing education.