Lead Direct Support Professional

The Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) directly supports the Residential Manager in maintaining program operations in accordance with industry, federal, and local regulations and requirements. In addition to providing direct care to consumers and performing the duties of the Direct Support Professional, this leadership position serves as a mentor to other Direct Support Professionals by modeling effective interpersonal interactions, developing creative strategies to enhance consumers’ independent living skills, and maintaining professionalism.

The LDSP will perform responsibilities assigned by the Residential Manager to ensure that quality services and operations are maintained. A commitment to RHD values should be demonstrated as job duties are performed.

• Assist with daily living activities, including planning and preparing meals, housekeeping, and assisting with personal hygiene and cleaning.
• Support the independence of people served by providing the assistance necessary to maximize their quality of life.
• Model hope and optimism when encouraging people to achieve their potential.
• Support people served in developing relationships and becoming involved in their communities.
• Cultivate a safe and supportive relationship and environment.
• Provide supervision and guidance to individuals to build skills and competence.
• Document interactions and activities per policies and procedures.
• Monitor and respond to crisis situations or potential crisis situations in accordance with best practice and policies.
• Utilize skills and competencies to respond to crises.
• Report suspected incidents of neglect, abuse, or mistreatment in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to the organization’s ethical code.
• Assist in maintaining the well‑being and safety of people served.
• Assist individuals with daily medications.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned, verbally or in writing.

• Able to engage consumers in the development and acquisition of personal hygiene and grooming, nutrition, menu planning, food shopping, meal preparation, home maintenance, laundry, and safety.
• Relay accurate information about an individual’s personal care capabilities, needs, health issues, and concerns to supervisors.
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of assigned areas of the group home or apartment, with help from residents when necessary.
• Example: if a resident is unable or unwilling to wash dishes, staff will perform the task.
• Demonstrate knowledge of community resources, including recreational and social activities.
• Oversee and/or accompany individuals to medical, psychological, and other related appointments, review documentation, communicate clearly, and ensure follow‑up.
• Build the individual’s appreciation for their own skills and potential to be a productive, valued member of their home and community.
• Improve the individual's ability to cope with problems in a socially acceptable way.
• Ensure each individual served has appropriate involvement in the community.
• Create a home‑like environment and use approved protocols such as family meetings, consultation, and feedback.
• Follow and understand medication policy and procedures, monitor medication administration, audit medication records, and educate consumers on medication interactions and side effects.
• Accurately and thoroughly complete all documentation related to medication: medication administration records, medication count logs, syringe sign‑out sheets, and other required forms.
• Implement a curriculum that teaches consumers new skills in self‑care, family living, independent living, academics, social skills, pre‑vocational, and vocational areas.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of developmental disabilities and mental illnesses, taking into account culture, age, gender, etc.
• Set examples through commitment to the job and an effort to excel.
• Promote teamwork and overlook personal differences within areas of responsibility.
• Respect clients, families, coworkers, and the community in all interactions.
• Maintain high standards of moral and ethical conduct.
• Show fiscal responsibility by controlling…