Direct Support Professional (DSP) | FT and PT Available!

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

Valid drivers license meeting transportation requirements (Missouri Class E out-of-state equivalent or CDL with Passenger/School Bus endorsement).

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 immediatelynot 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 BHAs 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.

Full-Time Benefits:

• Medical Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) HSA Flexible Spending Account Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• PTO and Sick Time begin accruing on Day 1
• $100 monthly wellness spending account after 90 days
• OnDemand Pay (access earned wages when needed)

Pay Rate: 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.