Direct Support Professional

About the Job

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 individuals’ 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 to include 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, to visit 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 disasters (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 individual or other concerned parties.
• Follow guidance, directions, recommendations of professional staff / consultant’s (e.g.BCBA, RN, RD, etc) to ensure individuals’ total needs are met.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in continuing education.