Department: Residential Services
Reports To: Manager/CEO - Maurice Hawkins
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Summary: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, supervision, and skill-building support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in a group home setting under the Virginia Medicaid Waiver. The DSP helps individuals achieve personal goals, maintain health and safety, and live as independently as possible in accordance with person-centered plans and DBHDS standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide individualized support and supervision in accordance with each individual’s Individual Service Plan (ISP).
- Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility.
- Implement and document ISP goals, progress notes, behavioral data, and daily logs in a timely and accurate manner.
- Support individuals in meal preparation, household cleaning, laundry, and other homemaking tasks.
- Administer medications as trained and approved, and complete Medication Administration Records (MARs) per policy.
- Support individuals in attending medical appointments, community outings, employment, and recreational activities.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and supportive environment in compliance with DBHDS licensing regulations and health/safety standards.
- Promote skill development and independence in areas such as self-care, money management, social interaction, and communication.
- Manage challenging behaviors using positive behavior supports and agency-approved interventions (e.g., TOVA techniques).
- Report incidents, injuries, illnesses, or unusual occurrences immediately to the supervisor (Maurice Hawkins).
- Advocate for individuals' rights, preferences, and needs while promoting dignity and respect at all times.
- Follow emergency procedures and remain calm and responsive during crisis situations.
- Attend mandatory training and maintain certification in CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, and behavior intervention strategies.
- Communicate effectively with team members, families, medical professionals, and external agencies.
- Answer to monthly safety checks.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Valid Virginia driver’s license with acceptable driving record (if transporting individuals).
- Ability to pass a Criminal Background Check, Drug Screening, and DSS Central Registry Check.
- Must be able to complete and maintain certifications as required by Virginia Medicaid Waiver and DBHDS:
- CPR/First Aid
- Medication Administration
- TOVA or other approved behavioral intervention training
- Person-Centered Thinking
- Human Rights / HIPAA
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical interventions if needed.
- Must be able to stand, walk, bend, push, pull, and kneel during shift.
- Ability to stay alert and awake during overnight or extended shifts.
Skills & Competencies:
- Compassionate, patient, and respectful demeanor.
- Ability to follow instructions and work independently or as part of a team.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Time management and problem-solving skills.
- Understanding of confidentiality, boundaries, and professional ethics.
