Nature of Work: The responsibility of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to provide a safe environment, to include support and supervision to individuals with disabilities. The DSP is responsible for encouraging growth and independence while demonstrating dignity and respect to each person served. DSPs promote problem solving and help persons served develop strategies to overcome barriers, to promote independence, dignity, and inclusion.

The DSP is directly responsible to the individual(s) they support, but is supervised by a Residential Manager, Community Program Supervisor, DSP Scheduler/Supervisor, or Shared Living Coordinator, depending on the program.

Essential Functions:

Individual(s) Served Support

• Adhere to planning guidelines and treatment as identified in the Individual PCP and ISPs.

• Assist individuals with self-advocacy, building confidence and self-esteem, and promoting independence.

• Advocate for individuals’ rights, dignity, and informed choices while actively empowering and supporting them to self-advocate whenever possible.

• Provide supports in a flexible manner that is most comfortable and effective for the individual which recognizes their gifts and talents.

• Plan, perform, or assist with care or activities with individuals according to their preference or needs, to include, but not limited to, household chores (cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry, dishes, vacuuming, making the bed, household maintenance, etc.), community involvement, social, recreation and leisure skills, communication skills, personal safety skills, appropriate behavior.

• Support clients in becoming inclusive community members by developing social relationships and enhancing skills for engaging in activities such as volunteering, senior activities, nature education, and exploring community opportunities. Assist with planning their schedules.

• Encouraging and assisting in maintaining relationships with family, friends, and people in the community.

• Assist in maintaining relationships with community businesses, clubs, civic groups, and organizations and arranges quality individual community participation.

• If applicable to the person, assist with or perform personal care by repositioning the individual, bathing, bowel or bladder care, showers, exercising, range of motion, feeding (oral or feeding tubes), hair care (brushing, washing, styling, shaving), dental care (brushing, flossing, dentures), nail clipping, etc.

• Transport (adhering to all safety policies and laws) or arrange for transportation to medical, social, and community activities, when appropriate.

• Notify transportation company and/or work/program if a person is ill or unable to attend due to appointments, an incident, or vacation.

• Assist with teaching and preparing healthy meal plans to encourage optimal health, involving the individual(s) in making choices of selection of meals.

• Work collaboratively with professional consultants, i.e., Psychiatrist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Psychologists, Primary Physician, and other medical personnel to ensure individuals supported receive appropriate medical care.

• Maintain the general upkeep of the home on each person’s shift, i.e., laundry, dishwashing, and all normal household responsibilities. Ensure the home and grounds are always safe, neat, and clean.

• Staff working an overnight shift must be prepared to meet each individual served needs should they occur during the night.

• Effectively manage and redirect behaviors, both physical and verbal.

Safety

• Always maintain individual safety and provide assistance and oversight as required to meet the needs of the person.

• Provide regular security checks on all windows, doors, and vehicles as required.

• Respond to and use effective techniques to prevent and respond to crises and emergency situations.

• Staff are to always remain awake and alert and address safety concerns immediately

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.

• Complete daily shift documentation according to outcomes and supports of individuals served, which may also include Health Tracking, Monthly Progress Notes, General Event Reports, and DHHS Reportable Event Forms. Documentation must be completed prior to the end of shift.

• Regularly seeks feedback and input from customers (i.e. people supported, guardians, family members, DHHS staff, other team members, etc). Addresses concerns of individuals supported, guardians, and family members as appropriate, while ensuring supervisor is aware and escalates concerns as needed.

Training/Certification

• Attend and participate in required meetings and in-service training, as scheduled.

• Support new team members by providing on-the-job training.

• Maintain certifications/competencies as required by 3Rivers and federal and state agencies.

• Must obtain Certified Residential Medication Aide certification within six months of hire, unless otherwise coordinated with management or not necessary for specific program.

• Follow all 3Rivers policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Operations Manual.

Agency Core Values:

• Accountability: We take ownership of our actions, follow through on commitments, and hold ourselves and each other to high standards.

• Adaptability: We embrace change, stay open to feedback, and grow through learning and evolving together.

• Collaboration: We work as one team, listening, supporting, and building on each other’s strengths.

• Empowerment: We support individuals in making their own choices, fostering independence, self-expression, and valuing every voice and experience with respect and empathy.

• Community: We believe in the power of connection and community. We are dedicated to serving, placing the needs and well-being of those we support at the center of all we do.

Other Duties: 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.

Additional Expectations:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends.

• Travel between agency locations, as necessary.

• Demonstrate and commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional values.

Physical Requirements/ Work Environment: