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Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Position Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Department: Community-Based Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

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Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a valued member of the clinical and program services team responsible for providing compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges. The DSP helps individuals achieve their highest level of independence, safety, wellness, and community participation while promoting dignity, respect, and personal growth.

Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, the DSP provides direct care, skill development, medication administration, transportation, community integration, and support with daily living activities. This role is also responsible for fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where individuals can explore creative expression, build relationships, and work toward achieving their personal goals.

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Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesDirect Support and Daily Living Assistance

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, meal assistance, housekeeping, and general program maintenance.
• Support individuals in maximizing independence, self-confidence, and quality of life.
• Encourage and model positive behaviors, hope, optimism, and self-advocacy.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and support to help individuals develop life, social, and adaptive skills.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all individuals served.

Individualized Services and Skill Development

• Implement Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Support individuals in achieving identified goals and desired outcomes.
• Teach and reinforce daily living, social, vocational, and community-based skills.
• Assist individuals in building meaningful relationships and becoming active participants in their communities.
• Facilitate structured group and individual activities that promote independence, social interaction, self-esteem, and personal growth.

Creative Arts and Community Engagement

• Support individuals in artistic, recreational, and community-based activities.
• Encourage creative expression through visual and performing arts programs.
• Facilitate activities such as drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and other creative experiences.
• Assist with community outings, special events, and recreational programming.

Health, Safety, and Medication Administration

• Administer medications and implement prescribed healthcare programs in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and report changes in health, behavior, and overall well-being.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of individuals both within the program and during community activities.
• Respond effectively to emergencies, health concerns, and crisis situations.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with agency procedures and applicable regulations.

Transportation and Community Supports

• Safely transport individuals to community activities, appointments, and agency-sponsored events.
• Operate agency or personal vehicles in compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
• Maintain required vehicle documentation, logs, and related records.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including:
  • Daily service notes
  • Goal and outcome tracking
  • Medication administration records
  • Incident reports
  • Behavior support documentation
  • Seizure and health monitoring logs
  • Fire drill records
  • Vehicle logs and gas receipts
  • Consumer fund documentation
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR) entries
• Complete all required documentation before the end of each shift.
• Accurately record work hours using the agency's HRIS/timekeeping system.
• Maintain confidentiality of all consumer and agency information.
• Adhere to organizational policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

Program Operations and Team Collaboration

• Assist with meal preparation, shopping, leisure activities, housekeeping, and program maintenance.
• Support annual licensing reviews and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
• Complete competency-based training and annual training requirements, including CPR and First Aid certification.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, program managers, lead DSPs, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality services.
• Assist with on-call responsibilities, emergency situations, and special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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QualificationsEducation

Required:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Preferred:

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Education, Fine Arts, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.

Experience

Required:

• Minimum six months to one year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or in the human services field.

Preferred:

• Experience facilitating visual arts, performing arts, recreational, or community-based programming.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to meet agency driving requirements.
• CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
• Successful completion of all required orientation and annual training programs.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and person-centered support practices.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and support strategies.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships with individuals served.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, electronic documentation systems, and timekeeping software.
• Strong organizational, documentation, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during crisis situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, funding sources, and community partners.
• Ability to facilitate group activities and community-based programming.
• Background or interest in visual or performing arts preferred.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules based on program needs.

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Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Lift, transfer, and assist with up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and provide physical assistance throughout the workday.
• Participate in community outings and recreational activities.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

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About Us

Apis Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc., provides shared administrative services that support a network of human service organizations dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to quality outcomes, Apis Services helps its affiliated organizations expand services, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for the individuals they serve.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

Apis Services, Inc., Inperium Inc., and their affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify job responsibilities and assignments based on organizational needs. Employees may be required to perform additional duties consistent with their training, qualifications, and program requirements.