Direct Support Professional

Overview

The primary purpose of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) role is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence and an improved quality of life. This includes teaching daily living skills, fostering positive behaviors, assisting with personal care, and promoting meaningful community involvement. DSPs are expected to uphold CCARC’s policies and procedures while ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of those they support.

While many responsibilities may be part of your routine, additional tasks may be assigned based on the evolving needs of the individuals served and the program. All duties reflect a strong commitment to person-centered care and the values of respect, inclusion, and individualized support.

• Provides and receives effective, respectful, appropriate, and courteous verbal and written communications.
• To and from specific teams related to the care of individuals, including daily observations and reports of any physical or behavioral changes while adhering to all documentation and record-keeping requirements (ie; Therap).
• With family members, guardians, DDS, and external healthcare providers, including coordinating health and hygiene-related appointments, while ensuring confidentiality.
• Provide essential physical and emotional care to individuals, including but not limited to.
• Assisting with personal care, hygiene, and treatments, including the administration of medications, recording vital signs as needed.
• Providing education to individuals in personal hygiene, grooming, and behavioral conduct while acting as a role model to enhance individuals' self-esteem.
• Coordinating and leading social and recreational activities as well as shopping for food and clothing, including the safe transportation of participants.
• Coordinating General housekeeping, including laundry.
• Nutritional support:
  Monitoring residents at mealtime according to food consistency guidelines for each individual.
• Demonstrates knowledge of emergency procedures and responds appropriately to emergencies.
• Responsibly manages and records the use of household petty cash, food, and house mone,y and each individual’s money according to the policies established by the CCARC.
• Collaborating to resolve conflicts, obstacles, and challenges, seeking guidance fromthe manager and team members, as needed.
• Demonstrates adherence to universal precautions, OSHA standards, and infection control policies and procedures at all times, as well as department, home, and shift procedures.
• Maintain good daily attendance (days of absence, illness, tardiness).
• Attends and participates in mandatory in-services, staff meetings and conferences as required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. Other tasks and duties may be assigned as necessary.

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid CT Driver's License.
• Hourly Pay.