Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Reports to: Program Supervisor / Administrator

Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time

Location: In-Home and Community

Shifts Available:

Full-time: 6 hour shifts 3PM-9PM Monday - Friday weekly and 10AM-4PM every other weekend
Part-time: 10AM-4PM every other weekend
On-call: This person will fill in on an as needed basis to cover scheduled or unscheduled time off.

Role

Provide person-centered Community Living Support (CLS) that builds skills and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in their own or family homes. Focus on training and assistance with ADLs and IADLs, protective oversight/supervision when authorized, and community participation, following each person’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) and agency policies. Ensure audit-ready documentation and effective team communication that accurately reflect services delivered and the individual’s progress toward ISP outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Implement the ISP as written—teach and assist with ADLs (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring) and IADLs (hygiene routines, light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, grocery shopping, telephone use, medication routines within policy, and money management) with the goal of fading prompts and increasing independence.

• Provide protective oversight/supervision and support health-related routines when authorized in the plan; identify risks and escalate concerns promptly.

• Facilitate community inclusion and skill building (wayfinding, safety awareness, communication, accessing community resources).

• Support attendance at appointments and follow through with ISP-aligned routines in home and community settings per agency transportation rules.

• Uphold rights, dignity, and privacy; promptly report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation per policy and law.

• Work within scope boundaries—deliver covered CLS services and seek guidance before performing non-covered tasks.
• Implement the behavioral support plans of individuals to reduce inappropriate and/or maladaptive behaviors and to acquire alternative adaptive skills and behaviors;
• Complete same-day progress notes that capture: what was taught/assisted; date/time; location; method/strategy; individual’s response/progress toward outcomes; and reason for any absence.

• Communicate changes in condition or environment promptly to the supervisor and team; request plan adjustments when needed.

• Maintain confidentiality and follow agency documentation, transportation, and safety policies.

Results

• Individuals experience growth in functional skills and independence across ADLs/IADLs and community participation.

• Health and safety risks are reduced through timely oversight and escalation.

• Daily supports are consistent, person-centered, and aligned with the ISP and family preferences.

• Families feel informed and confident in the reliability and quality of supports.
• Records are complete, timely, and compliant, supporting continuity of care and accurate billing.

• The team can act quickly on changes due to clear, timely communication.

• The program remains audit-ready with consistent documentation of progress toward ISP outcomes.

Requirements

• Proficiency with agency EHR/records systems and strong written documentation skills.

• Detail orientation, time management, and reliability in meeting documentation timelines.

• Commitment to person-centered practice and continuous improvement.

• Completion of required orientation before direct contact (purpose/scope of services; confidentiality; rights; recognition/reporting of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; organization policies).

• Current First Aid and CPR (agency ensures coverage by trained staff during service).

• National criminal records check and other eligibility screenings per policy.

• Ability to implement least-restrictive, person-centered supports; respectful communication and de-escalation skills.

• Valid driver’s license/insurance when transporting per agency policy.

KPI – Attendance & Reliability

Definition: Percentage of assigned shifts worked as scheduled (without unexcused call-outs or tardiness).
Why it matters: Reliable attendance ensures continuity of client care, reduces stress for families, and minimizes last-minute scheduling disruptions.
How to track: Compare scheduled vs. worked shifts weekly; log tardiness and call-outs separately for trend analysis; calculate % of shifts worked as scheduled. The goal is 95% of shifts as scheduled.