Direct Support Professional-CSS Program

Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP) 

Position Type: Hourly Position 

Reports to: Individuals Supported, House Manager/CSS Manager 

*Currently seeking part-time DSPs for the Community Support Services (CSS), in which services are provided out of their natural home (family members may be present). Personal vehicle required to transport individual (mileage reimbursement eligible).

General Description of Duties and Responsibilities: 

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) are responsible for maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment which fosters growth in the individual’s home (ISL or natural home [CSS]) and community.  A DSP’s main role is to provide appropriate support focusing on specific needs and desires of each individual served; teaching, coaching, and enabling each individual supported to live a quality life, as independently as possible.  All DSPs are expected to recognize when individuals are in crisis and/or in need of psychiatric and/or medical care and or other back up services and report this to their Manager/DPM/CEO/Owner, following chain of command, immediately as appropriate. At all times, in every interaction, the individuals need support.  DSPs are expected to provide that support professionally and in a way that provides therapeutic benefit to each individual. 

Duties: 

Ensure the health and safety of each individual at all times. Report immediately any threats to the health and/or safety of any individuals served to the Manager/DPM/CEO/Owner, following chain of command. 

Encourage meaningful daily activity by teaching/ assisting/ encouraging/ monitoring individuals with daily activities; provide supports to encourage appropriate behavior at home and in the community, problem solving with individuals and the team to this goal. 

Assist with each individual’s abilities, interests, and needs as asked for the purpose of assisting them in living quality lives as independently as possible.  Staff should encourage and assist individuals to meet ISP goals and objectives. 

Complete accurate and appropriate Medication Administration and charting that meets provider and DMH standards. 

Be familiar with, follow, and as asked, participate in planning for Individualized Support Plans (ISPs) for each individual supported. 

Assist with daily chores and household tasks to ensure that the home environment is safe and healthy for the individuals. 

Interact with individuals supported consistently to learn of any problems or concerns and report any of these appropriately through chain of command. 

Report emergency situations immediately, calling 911 if necessary and notifying Manager/DPM/CEO/Owner, following chain of command. 

Teach and be supportive of daily nutrition at home and in the community (encourage good choices). 

Perform mandatory record keeping (daily documentation, MAR, control count sheets, objective tracking) legibly, accurately, and completely in keeping with provider and DMH standards on each shift. 

Conduct safety drills and checklist as scheduled or as asked by management. 

Attend all trainings and meetings as assigned. 

Encourage and empower individuals in building self-esteem and understanding and exercising their rights. 

Be available via phone, text, or email and respond when contacted (even if the answer is brief) as soon as possible.  

PRN (as needed) DSPs are required to work at least 10 hours per month to maintain PRN status. Failure to pick up hours will result in termination of employment status. 

Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

Direct support professionals are the primary and majority of contact the individuals supported have with the agency and play vitally important roles in the success of the individuals we serve.  Staff “as natural role models” should possess the following personal qualifications: 

Ability to pass a Family Care Safety Registry screening.  

Ability to show a strong work ethic with or without an immediate supervisor present. 

Reliability, punctuality, and whenever possible, flexibility in scheduling. 

Interpersonal skills to engage in appropriate interaction with individuals served, team, and people in the community and/or other agencies and entities.  

Ability to lift over 50lbs.  

Valid driving license, Class E License obtained (day program only), and the ability to drive a vehicle. 

DSPs working for the CSS program must have access to private vehicle for transportation of individual (mileage reimbursement eligible) and proof of personal auto insurance. 

Ability to complete all agency required trainings and certifications within 90 days of hire (CPR/First Aid certification, Level One Med Aid certification, Abuse/Neglect training, etc.) as required by agency and DMH.