Direct Support Professional

Description

JOB TITLE: Community Living Direct Support Professional (DSP)

DIVISION: Community Living

REPORTS TO:  Community Living Program Manager

SUPERVISES: None

EXEMPTION STATUS:  Non-Exempt 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is the primary frontline caregiver and implementer of services within Community Living homes. DSPs work directly with individuals served to implement their Individual Support Plans (ISP) and Behavior Support Plans (BSP) and are responsible for ensuring continuous supervision, meaningful engagement, safety, and consistency of care throughout their assigned shifts.

DSPs are accountable for the daily condition of the home, the quality of interactions with individuals served, and the faithful execution of all assigned supports. This role requires active participation, attentiveness, and follow-through at all times. This is a safety-sensitive position. DSPs must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including maintaining continuous alertness, providing direct supervision, driving individuals served as required, and administering medications as trained.

DSPs implement supports using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working in close collaboration with Behavioral Clinicians to carry out evidence-based interventions, skill-building programs, and behavior support strategies with fidelity.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education & Experience:

· High School Diploma or equivalent required

· Prior experience in direct support, residential services, or behavioral health preferred but not required

· Willingness to work with individuals with complex behavioral, developmental, or medical needs

Skills & Competencies

· Ability to follow written plans and verbal direction accurately and consistently

· Strong supervision, engagement, and observation skills

· Working knowledge of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Individual Support Plans (ISPs)

· Ability to implement BSPs and ISPs with fidelity

· Basic documentation and technology skills

· Ability to maintain emotional regulation and professionalism

· Dependability, accountability, and teamwork

· Willingness to learn, accept coaching, and improve performance

· Ability to identify issues and escalate concerns appropriately

· Effective verbal and written communication skills

· Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and professionalism

· High accountability and follow-through

· Knowledge of crisis management, safety, and compliance standards

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Dignity First 

· Treats all individuals with dignity, respect, and compassion

· Uses person-centered and trauma-informed language at all times

· Protects the physical and emotional safety of individuals served

· Immediately addresses behaviors or conditions that compromise dignity or safety

Person-Centered Outcomes

· Implements ISP and BSP interventions exactly as written

· Implements behavior support and skill-building interventions using ABA principles and evidence-based practices

· Maintains fidelity to clinical programming and seeks clarification when plans are unclear or barriers arise

· Provides continuous supervision based on individual needs

· Supports choice, autonomy, and self-determination within plan guidelines

· Communicates observations, concerns, and changes to the appropriate party

Connected Community

· Actively engages individuals in daily routines, relationships, and activities

· Supports participation in community outings, recreation, and appointments

· Models positive social interaction and inclusion

· Builds trust and rapport with individuals served

Whole Person Support

· Assists individuals with activities of daily living, including toileting, hygiene, meals, mobility, and medication administration as trained

· Supports physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs

· Observes changes in health or behavior and reports promptly

· Follows all health, safety, and medication protocols

· Transports individuals served to appointments, outings, and community activities as required.

· Administers medications and completes MAR documentation in accordance with training, physician orders, and BHA policy

Empowerment Through Daily Life

· Encourages independence and skill development during daily routines

· Uses everyday activities as opportunities for learning and growth

· Reinforces progress and positive behavior

· Maintains structured, predictable routines

Integrity In Action

· Completes all required documentation accurately and on time (shift reviews, logs, MARs, incident reports)

· Follows all BHA policies, procedures, and ethical standards

· Maintains confidentiality and professionalism

· Accepts responsibility for assigned duties and outcomes

Collaborative Teamwork 

· Works cooperatively with other DSPs, Shift Supervisors, Clinical team members, Program Managers, and external stakeholders

· Accepts direction, feedback, and coaching

· Communicates clearly regarding shift issues, client needs, or concerns

· Assists with delegated tasks as assigned

· Works closely with Behavioral Clinicians (BCBAs/Behavior Specialists) to implement BSPs, skill-acquisition programs, and environmental strategies

· Participates in coaching, modeling, and feedback to improve ABA implementation and outcomes

Consistency and Compassion

· Maintains continuous supervision and engagement of individuals served

· Follows daily schedules, routines, and expectations consistently

· Responds calmly and appropriately during crisis situations using PCM techniques

· Supports a stable, safe, and predictable home environment

Daily Operational Responsibilities 

· Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary home environment throughout the shift

· Ensure individuals have required meals, supplies, and personal items

· Complete assigned cleaning, household, and safety tasks

· Actively engage individuals; passive supervision is not acceptable

· Implement ISP/BSP supports consistently across the shift

· Complete all required documentation before the end of the shift

· Ensure individuals’ daily care needs are met, including completion of personal hygiene routines, support with dressing and grooming as needed, and preparation and provision of healthy, well-balanced meals in accordance with individual care plans, dietary guidelines, and household routines.

· Ensure the incoming shift is informed of the activities/needs of the individuals served before leaving their shift

· Implements reinforcement strategies, prompting procedures, and behavior-reduction strategies as outlined in BSPs and clinical programming

· Collects required behavioral and skill-acquisition data accurately and in real time, per clinical direction

Accountability & Impact

DSPs are directly accountable for the safety, care, and daily experience of individuals served during their shifts.

DSPs are accountable for ensuring:

• Continuous supervision and meaningful engagement
• ISP and BSP implementation with fidelity
• A clean, safe, and organized home environment
• Accurate and timely documentation
• Immediate action to address safety, cleanliness, or care concerns within their control
• Required documentation (shift reviews, checklists, logs, behavioral data collection, MARs, incident reporting) is completed accurately, thoroughly, and on time
• Safety hazards, cleanliness issues, or environmental concerns are addressed immediately—not simply reported
• Individuals served receive appropriate engagement, supervision, meals, and supports during the shift
• Following BHA timekeeping, documentation and company policies and guidelines
• Implementation of ABA-based interventions and data collection with fidelity, consistency, and integrity

DSPs are expected to take action to resolve issues within their control and to escalate concerns appropriately when resolution is not possible at the shift level. Raising concerns does not replace responsibility for corrective action during the shift.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in corrective action, as unresolved documentation, safety, or care issues directly impact client safety, compliance, and service quality.

Other Duties 

· Transition between homes as needed for operational and individual needs

· Complete all documentation, billing, and reporting requirements in accordance with BHA and regulatory guidelines

· Uphold BHA’s mission and values in all work performed

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are required to perform the essential functions of the position. This role is performed primarily within residential home and community settings and involves direct, hands-on work with individuals served. Employees are expected to be physically present, engaged, and able to respond to routine care needs and crisis situations throughout their assigned shifts.

Reasonable accommodations may be made, as required by law, to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions safely and effectively. However, employees must be able to perform the essential duties in a manner that ensures the safety and supervision of persons served at all times.

Additional Requirements:

• Must maintain sufficient physical stamina, balance, coordination, and emotional regulation to actively lead within residential homes throughout the duration of a shift.
• Must be able to implement and sustain trained crisis intervention and de-escalation procedures (PCM) safely and effectively.
• Must demonstrate the ability to remain calm, alert, and physically capable during high-stress or physically demanding situations involving individuals with challenging behaviors.
• Must possess the fine motor, gross motor, and sensory abilities necessary to assist with daily living supports, operate household and documentation systems, and respond to emergencies safely and effectively.******

· Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle and transport individuals served in accordance with program requirements and applicable laws.

Must be able to safely administer medications as trained and authorized, in accordance with BHA policies and regulatory requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working conditions described below represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the Community Living DSP role. This position is fully home-based and performed within 24/7 residential environments and community settings. DSPs work directly with individuals served during daily home operations.

Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with applicable law, to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions safely and effectively. 

However, employees must be able to perform the essential duties in a manner that ensures the safety and supervision of persons served at all times.

Additional Conditions and Expectations:

• Employees must maintain professional conduct, emotional regulation, and leadership presence at all times, including during crisis events or exposure to aggressive behaviors.
• Employees must follow all BHA safety protocols, behavior support plans, and crisis intervention procedures.
• Continuous alertness is required to ensure safety and supervision of persons served; sleeping or inattention during supervision is prohibited.
• Employees may be required to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts, to ensure staffing coverage and continuity of care.
• Employees are required to work directly with individuals served.
• Employees are expected to take immediate action to address safety, cleanliness, engagement, and care concerns within their shift and escalate concerns only when resolution is not possible.
• Employees must maintain confidentiality, respect, and dignity toward all persons served, families, and colleagues, regardless of behavioral presentation.

Fitness for Duty / Medical Evaluation (Job-Related):
BHA may require a job-related fitness-for-duty evaluation consistent with applicable law when there is a reasonable concern that an employee may be unable to safely perform the essential functions of the role (including driving, medication administration, crisis response, and continuous supervision), or as part of return-to-work clearance following certain leaves or incidents.

ACCESS TO PHI: The employee may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI). Employees must always protect the confidentiality of all client information. This includes adhering to all BHA policies and all applicable state and federal regulations regarding Protected Health Information (PHI). Sharing, discussing, or disclosing PHI in any form—verbal, written, electronic, or visual—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly authorized and required for job duties.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT: Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment based on their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination based on their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted so as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America.

ADA STATEMENT: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential job duty. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

ACCOUNTABILITY/IMPACT (Degree of answerability for actions, consequences of errors in judgment, and legal liabilities): Errors in judgment or mistakes could cost the organization loss of revenue, loss of clients, and/or negatively impact BHA’s reputation.

BHA COMMUNITY LIVING CORE VALUES 

Dignity First

Person-Centered Living

Connected Community

Whole-Person Support

Empowerment Through Daily Life

Integrity in Action

Collaborative Teamwork

Consistency and Compassion

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 

1. Required company trainings.

2. Trainings deemed necessary by supervisor.

 Starting Pay: Our compensation is competitive within the market. The starting rate for this position begins at $18.00 per hour, with your final offer based on a combination of your education, relevant experience, and overall qualifications