Direct Support Professional - DSP

Job Description

Direct Support Professioal (DSP)

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Open Systems Healthcare, you'll embark on a rewarding journey of providing vital support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your role goes beyond mere assistance; you'll actively contribute to creating safe, nurturing environments in the homes, workplaces, communities, and lives of those we support. By upholding our commitment to person-centeredness and independence, you'll play a crucial part in enriching the lives of the individuals we support, reflecting OSH’s philosophy and mission.

As a DSP you will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality and safe in-home support.
• Providing individualized day supports, small group day habilitation, and behavior support services that align with OSH's policy and procedures.
• Implement individual support plans (ISP) and Plan of Care.
• Foster positive, cooperative relationships with the client's, their families, and support team members.
• Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living according to their ISP and level of need. This may include, but is not limited to;
• Personal Care: bathing, eating, dressing, hygiene, transferring/positioning
• Transportation: Travel in the community using public transportation, physician’s appointments, shopping, errands
• Household Care: cleaning, laundry, meal prep
• Companionship: social awareness, conversation, reminders, interactive hobbies
• Help individuals acquire and/or maintain skills to achieve their ISP goals through increasing independence, self-advocacy, exploration, and integration into their community.
• Handle situations involving challenging behavior with care and professionalism and be available to address crisis situations that arise.
• Implement behavioral treatment plans and accurately document behavioral observations and progress.
• Maintain a safe environment using Universal Precautions and promptly report any incidents or changes in person’s behavior to the branch office.
• Communicate relevant information with OSH confidentially and promptly.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services provided according to the individual’s support plan (i.e. progress notes or other required documentation) in a timely manner.
• Engage in professional development from orientation and required annual trainings.
• Effectively manage workload and caseload by organizing, planning, and prioritizing tasks.
• Adhere to all federal, state, and local laws, as well as OSH policies and procedures.

Requirements

DSP Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum age of 18 years or older.
• Proof of High School diploma, GED, or equivalent education from a foreign country.
• Active CPR and First Aid certification.
• Successful completion of orientation and DSP training program and relevant competency-based training, passing with a score of 80% or greater.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English through reading, writing, and speaking, with reasonable accommodations as needed.
• Evidence of annual Tuberculosis screening that meets CDC guidelines.
• Must have a reliable form of transportation.

Preferred Competencies:

• One year of related work experience or education in the Human or Social Services field. Advocacy for and experience or education working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Washington, DC’s public transportation system and community resources and opportunities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of the person being supported.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and professionalism.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain a clean, healthy and safe environment.
• Ability to recognize and respond to emergencies promptly, with knowledge of emergency procedures.
• Ability to efficiently manage time and multiple tasks daily.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Work environments and conditions may vary, including in individuals’ homes and community settings.
• Physical activity and tasks may involve heavy moving, lifting, bending, and daily prolonged standing.

Benefits

DSP Benefits:

• Weekly pay
• Holiday compensation
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Paid Orientation & Training
• Flexible Weekly Scheduling
• Employee Assistance Program
• PPE provided