Direct support professional (Dsp)
RHD Delaware – Residential Services (IDD)
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, and other challenges in a residential setting. The DSP assists individuals with daily living activities, personal growth, community engagement, and achievement of personal goals while promoting independence, dignity, health, safety, and overall quality of life.
Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the DSP helps create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where individuals can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Direct care & daily living support
- Provide support with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, and medication assistance.
- Assist individuals in developing and maintaining independent living skills.
- Support individuals in achieving goals outlined in their Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
- Promote community inclusion through participation in recreational, social, educational, vocational, and community activities.
- Foster positive relationships and encourage meaningful community involvement.
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and person-centered residential environment.
- Health, safety & wellness
- Monitor the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served.
- Provide transportation to medical appointments, day programs, community activities, family visits, religious services, and other approved activities.
- Administer medications and complete medication-related documentation as authorized and trained.
- Respond appropriately to medical, behavioral, and emergency situations.
- Follow all supervision requirements, behavior support plans, and safety protocols.
- Documentation & compliance
- Complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes, including:
- Daily logs and progress notes
- Medication Administration Records (MARs)
- Goal tracking documentation
- Incident reports
- Behavior support documentation
- Health and safety monitoring logs
- Consumer funds documentation
- Vehicle and mileage logs
- Document services provided in accordance with agency policies, licensing standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA requirements.
- Team collaboration
- Collaborate with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, clinical staff, families, guardians, and community partners.
- Participate in team meetings, ISP meetings, trainings, and staff development activities.
- Communicate concerns, observations, and changes in individual needs to supervisors.
- Assist with household operations and special projects as assigned.
- Residential program responsibilities
- Support daily household operations including meal planning, grocery shopping, cleaning, and household maintenance.
- Assist with annual licensing requirements and inspections.
- Ensure individuals receive services as outlined in their ISP and support plans.
- Support a positive, respectful, and recovery-oriented environment.
Qualifications
- Education
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or a related field preferred.
- Experience
- Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or related populations preferred.
- Additional requirements
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to successfully pass background screenings and drug testing.
- Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, medication administration, and other required certifications.
- Availability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and emergency coverage as needed.
- Competencies
- Person-Centered Support
- Communication and Relationship Building
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
- Behavioral Support and Crisis Response
- Time Management and Organization
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Professionalism and Accountability
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Safety Awareness and Risk Management
- Cultural Competency and Inclusion
- Confidentiality and Ethical Practice
- Work environment & physical requirements
- Work is performed in residential homes, community settings, and program locations.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, twisting, and climbing stairs.
- Ability to assist individuals with mobility and activities of daily living.
- Must be able to lift, move, and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Frequent driving and transportation of individuals may be required.
- Regular use of computers, mobile devices, and office equipment.
- Additional expectations
- Follow all agency policies and procedures, including HIPAA, OSHA, safety, confidentiality, and compliance requirements.
- Attend and complete all required trainings and competency-based certifications.
- Maintain professionalism, compassion, and sound judgment in all interactions.
- Accurately record time worked and complete all required administrative responsibilities.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support residential operations and individual success.
Why join rhd?
At RHD, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. As a DSP, you will play a critical role in supporting individuals to achieve greater independence, build relationships, engage in their communities, and reach their personal goals.
Equal opportunity employer
RHD is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity, dignity, and respect for all employees and individuals served.
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