Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver

Position Type:
Non-exempt, full-time or part-time, hourly role.

Scope of Role:
Provide direct support within a single program or unit, typically supporting 4-6 individuals in residential settings or up to 10 in periodic programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily activities: personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community integration, shopping, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
• Deliver support per individual service/program plans, including socialization, health maintenance, medication administration, skill/behavioral development.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential function listed below.

• Services and Supports
  • Direct Support:
    Provide assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assist with socialization, behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
  • Records:
    Accurately document progress and activity; review records and logs to stay abreast of changes in service plans; maintain confidentiality.
  • Management of Individuals’ Assets:
    Make cost-effective and appropriate purchases within the budget of the individual served and according to their choice / preference.
  • Relationships:
    Maintain healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and case managers; greet family members and other visitors; implement Sevita Customer Service Standards.
  • Reporting:
    Report any instance of alleged abuse or neglect according to internal and external standards; report medical, behavioral and other incidents in accordance with Sevita policy and external requirements.
  • Rights:
    Maintain confidentiality, respect the rights of persons being served, according to applicable bill of rights; practice universal precautions; assist individuals in exercising their rights.
• Health Care
  • Appointments:
    As needed, may accompany individuals to medical appointments; relay orders and information to and from medical providers as required.
  • Medications:
    If assigned, accurately administer or support self-administration of medication and document delivery of medications and treatments; promptly report administration errors; maintain appropriate security of controlled medications and other medications and supplies.
  • General Health Care:
    Monitor individual’s health; document health concerns; communicate with nurse or supervisor as appropriate; call 911 in the event of emergency; follow individual health care directives.
  • Medical Supplies and Equipment:
    Correctly follow procedures in utilizing medical equipment; report malfunction or disrepair.
  • Meal Preparation:
    Prepare or support individuals to prepare food in accordance with planned menus and individual choice; know special diets and prepare individual meals accordingly; monitor mealtime and correctly implement any dining plans.
• Employment Responsibilities
  • Training:
    Attend orientation and ongoing training as directed; participate in monthly staff meetings.
  • Employee Scheduling:
    Work scheduled hours; arrive for work on time; stay on shift until replacement arrives; notify supervisor in advance when unable to work as scheduled or as soon as possible after the designated start time; may fill in for other shifts where required without causing unapproved overtime, or in the event of emergency.
  • Teamwork:
    Work together with others, value others’ contributions; be courteous; communicate openly; listen; and show respect to others.
  • Workplace Safety:
    Every employee plays a role in developing and maintaining a safe workplace; comply with all established safety policies, procedures, and rules; report unsafe hazards to the supervisor and participate in safety related training or activities.
• Maintenance
  • Vehicles:
    May transport individuals into the community; drive safely and according to local laws; ensure proper use of safety equipment including seat belts, lifts and wheelchair ties; report accidents to appropriate authorities immediately; report accidents and safety concerns immediately to supervisor or maintenance personnel.
  • Housekeeping:
    Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping as directed; maintain neat, clean and safe environment; report hazards or safety concerns.
  • Maintenance and Repair:
    Monitor environmental safety and may make minor repairs, change light bulbs, etc.; may perform yard maintenance including keeping walkways safe and snow removal; report equipment or facilities requiring repairs to supervisor or maintenance personnel as required.
  • Safety:
    Check water temperature as required when assisting with bathing; participate in safety drills and protect persons being served in the event of emergency.

Milwaukee, WI.