Direct Support Professional; DSP​/Personal Care Assistant

Position Type:
Part-Time

Location:

Wilbraham, MA

Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour

Schedule:

Starting at 18 hours per week; specific schedule to be determined

Services: MCS Activities Support & Stavros Personal Care

Position Summary

We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, patient, and experienced Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Personal Care Assistant to provide individualized support to a 36-year-old adult male with complex physical and developmental disabilities.

The individual is legally blind, has cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities, limited verbal communication, and is non-ambulatory.

This position combines recreational activities, social engagement, companionship, personal care assistance, feeding support, and health and safety monitoring.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with individuals with significant support needs and demonstrate a strong commitment to providing safe, respectful, person-centered care that promotes dignity, comfort, independence, and quality of life.

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Activities, Recreation, and Social Engagement

* Plan and facilitate meaningful recreational, educational, and sensory activities tailored to the individual’s interests and abilities.

* Encourage social interaction, communication, and engagement in daily activities.

* Adapt activities to accommodate visual impairment, limited verbal communication, developmental disabilities, and physical limitations.

* Provide companionship and positive emotional support.

* Encourage participation in hobbies and appropriate community activities.

* Recognize and respond appropriately to verbal and nonverbal communication cues.

* Promote confidence, independence, and participation in everyday experiences.

2. Personal Care and Daily Living Assistance

* Assist with feeding and mealtime activities in accordance with the individual’s established care plan and feeding precautions.

* Provide assistance with brushing teeth and maintaining oral hygiene.

* Gradually introduce and reinforce additional personal hygiene routines based on the individual’s comfort, abilities, and needs.

* Encourage participation in personal care activities to promote independence.

* Provide step-by-step guidance, positive reinforcement, and consistent routines.

* Maintain the individual’s comfort, privacy, dignity, and personal preferences during all care activities.

* Assist with additional authorized daily living responsibilities as outlined in the individualized care plan.

* Communicate any concerns regarding personal care, feeding, hygiene, or daily routines to the designated caregiver or supervisor.

3. Health, Safety, and Seizure Awareness

* Understand and consistently practice universal precautions and infection prevention procedures.

* Wear a protective mask when requested.

* Be familiar with the proper use of a pulse oximeter (oxygen saturation monitor).

* Be familiar with blood pressure monitoring equipment.

* Understand the individual’s typical seizure activity and established seizure response protocols.

* Recognize signs of seizure activity and respond appropriately according to the individual’s emergency care plan.

* Monitor for observable changes in physical condition, behavior, communication, or comfort.

* Promptly report health or safety concerns to the appropriate caregiver or supervisor.

* Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment.

* Follow all individualized emergency procedures and safety guidelines.

4. Communication and Individualized Support

* Communicate effectively with an individual who has limited verbal communication.

* Demonstrate patience and attentiveness when interpreting verbal and nonverbal communication.

* Use communication methods appropriate to the individual’s needs and abilities.

*…