Direct Support Professional

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is the most important person in the lives of the individuals we support. DSPs provide hands-on, person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our CILA homes and/or Community Day Services program — helping them live as independently, safely, and fully as possible.

This is not a passive care role. We are looking for individuals who show up with energy, genuine compassion, and a commitment to helping people grow. DSPs assist with daily living, personal care, community participation, skill development, and health and safety — all while honoring each person's dignity, preferences, and individual goals.

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, and household tasks.
• Support individuals in maintaining clean, safe, and comfortable living environments.
• Provide transportation to medical appointments, community activities, employment, and other outings.
• Assist with grocery shopping, budgeting, and other independent living skills as outlined in each person's ISP.

• Administer medications in accordance with the individual's Medication Administration Record (MAR) and agency policy; complete required documentation accurately.
• Monitor and promptly report any changes in health, behavior, or wellbeing to the House Manager or on-call supervisor.
• Follow all emergency protocols, safety plans, and individual-specific risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure the home or program environment meets all health, safety, and sanitation standards.

• Implement Individual Support Plan (ISP) goals and document progress consistently and accurately.
• Use teaching strategies and prompting levels as directed by the QIDP and/or BCBA to support skill acquisition.
• Follow all Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Positive Behavior Support strategies as trained.
• Encourage and support meaningful community inclusion and natural relationship-building opportunities.

• Accompany and support individuals during community outings, recreational activities, shopping, dining, and events.
• Promote self-advocacy, choice-making, and decision-making at every opportunity.
• Support participation in the Day Program's enrichment activities, outings, and special events.

• Complete all required daily documentation including shift notes, goal data, MAR entries, incident reports, and communication logs accurately and on time.
• Document any incidents, behavioral events, or health concerns per IDHS and agency policy.
• Communicate relevant shift observations to incoming staff during handoff.
• Attend and actively participate in required training, staff meetings, and ISP meetings.
• Maintain all required certifications (CPR/First Aid, CPI or equivalent, Medication Administration, etc.).
• Represent the agency professionally and respectfully in all community settings.
• Collaborate with House Managers, QIDPs, BCBAs, and other team members to ensure consistent, high-quality support.