DSP Job Description

Direct Support Professionals are responsible for assisting individuals as prescribed within the Individualized Support Plans (ISP), provide quality care to individuals and to increase quality of life in keeping with Compass’ vision, mission and core values.  Consistent attendance is a general qualification for this job.

• Provide quality care of individuals in their homes.
  • Ensure that the safety and health of individuals is maintained through continuous monitoring
  • Maintain highest standard of grooming and hygiene: bathing, toileting, oral care, shaving, dressing, grooming
  • Provide transportation in accordance with the individual’s social, medical and general developmental needs
• Prepare meals in accordance with dietary plans and encourage successful completion of the individual’s dining objectives.
• Provide quality care of the individual’s home – Ensure the surroundings of the individual remain clean and in good repair through daily cleaning, laundry, testing smoke and CO2 alarms and maintaining appropriate water temperatures.
• Provide quality medical care of the individual.
  • Understand and deliver quality care for individuals in compliance with the ISP and Compass policies and procedures
    • Administer medications: oral, rectal, sublingual, inhaled
    • Monitor health related issues such as dysphasia, seizures, diabetes, etc.
    • Assist with medical appointments
  • Understand and provide support for maladaptive behaviors including: self injurious behaviors (SIB), physical aggression, spitting, biting, pinching, property destruction, verbal aggression
  • Charting and documenting all services provided
    • Maintain individual’s records and other documentation per established procedures
    • Timeliness, completeness and accuracy of oral and written communications
• Provide professional internal and external relationships, cooperation and partnership with all Compass employees, managers and individuals receiving services.

KNOWLEDGE

• Current CPR Certification / First Aid Certification.
• High School Diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
• CNA License is preferred, not required.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to follow detailed plans accurately, including both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to apply sound, mature decisions.
• Ability to communicate adequately in order to complete required forms and reports.
• Ability to provide services according to the individual’s ISP.
• Ability to bend, stoop, sit, stand, reach and lift items weighing at least 75 pounds.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license, current liability insurance and dependable vehicle.
• Current negative TB (Tuberculin test).
• Acceptable criminal (State and County) histories.

RELATIONSHIPS

• This position works under the direct supervision of the House Manager or Program Director and has direct contact with individuals receiving services, their families, and community partners.  DSPs must demonstrate a willingness to accept supervision and an interest in, and empathy for, individuals with developmental disabilities.
• I have read and understand this job description.  I also understand this job description is not an all inclusive list of responsibilities and other duties may be assigned as needed by the organization.  This job description can be changed at the discretion of the organization and is not an employment contract of any kind.