Direct Support Professional; DSP

Reports To: Program Administrator and Program Director

Dept: Day Habilitation as assigned

Classification: Non-Exempt position/Hourly

Hours: Part to Full time, based on program needs, Monday through Friday, First Shift

Direct Care Staff work directly with Program Members in programmatic and community (public) settings. The focus of this position is to provide support and encouragement for Program Members’ independence and self-growth while maintaining safety. Direct Care Professionals are always role models.

Direct Care Professionals may work 1:1 with a Program Member or in small or large group settings. Direct Care Professionals are expected to assist Program Members with personal care, and behavioral and emotional support as needed, and to submit required documentation of provided support to meet Regulatory and Agency Standards.

Direct Care Professionals may be reassigned, either short or long-term, to another Day Hab based upon the Agency’s need and local travel may be required.

• Program Member’s abilities range from those that require full physical assistance and supervision to those who live independently in the community.
• Day Habilitations are welcoming and inviting spaces, the Agency services individuals of all communication abilities.
• Often Program Members and Staff may be engaged in stimulating activities that are noisy, crowded, and sometimes confined. Larger and quieter spaces are provided for sensory decompression.
• Program Members may engage in behaviors that are harmful to themselves or others. Staff are provided with the resources and training to de-escalate these situations safely and effectively and also additional protective equipment for increased personal protection.
• Depending upon assignment, staff may be in a stationary position throughout the day, e.g., sitting or standing for long periods.
• Appropriate dress is required, as program activities occur year-round, e.g. in heat or cold. Some volunteer sites may require professional attire.
• Direct Care Professionals may be near others at times and will need to utilize all PPE precautions if unable to maintain social distancing, to minimize exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious diseases including COVID-19. The company is following all guidelines from the CDC, the state of Massachusetts, and the local board of health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Training is provided for all staff to safely handle exposure to blood borne pathogens and other bodily fluids. Full‑time nursing staff is also present to ensure the health and well‑being of each Program Member.
• Staff work closely with coworkers and other Program Members.

• Assist Program Members with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Skills, which may include meal preparation, personal care, toileting, safety awareness, and appropriate social interactions both in programmatic and community settings.
• Exhibit compassionate and caring behavior with each Program Member, focusing on individuality, dignity, and respect.
• Interacts respectfully and collaboratively with coworkers, management, and outside stakeholders in programmatic settings and within the community.
• Document and maintain accurate paperwork/records on Program Members daily, while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to Agency and regulatory requirements. Documentation may include case notes, task analysis sheets, probes, activity logs, and behavior tracking sheets.
• Implement all individual‑specific protocols, including but not limited to clinical, medical, dining, and safety guidelines, plans, and recommendations.
• Assist in behavioral management either by direct physical intervention or by ensuring the safety of others by redirection/crowd management and reporting incidents appropriately.
• Instruct skills trainings in a programmatic setting. Trainings are based on independent living skills and goal achievement.
• Provide services and supports as identified in each assigned person’s Annual Service Plan (ISP, IP, or IEP).
• Effectively communicate concerns…