Direct Support Professional

POSITION SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides comprehensive daily support to individuals with living Autism and Intellectual Disabilities in accordance with each individual’s service plan. The DSP promotes independence, inclusion, health, safety, dignity, choice, and meaningful community participation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Assist with personal care tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, planning, and other individualized ADL needs.

• Community Integration: Facilitate participation in social networks, recreational activities, appointments, and meaningful community engagement.

• Skill Development: Coach and mentor individuals in life skills, including basic money management, appropriate social behaviors, and use of adaptive devices.

• Health and Wellness Management: Administer medication when certified, monitor health conditions, and maintain a safe, clean living environment.

• Transportation: Safely transport individuals to work sites, appointments, and community outings.

• Documentation and Planning: Accurately document progress, incidents, and daily activities in accordance with individualized service plans and applicable requirements.

• Advocacy: Protect the rights and dignity of individuals, respect their choices, and support access to needed resources.

• Cultivate positive relationships with individuals, designated representatives, family members, visitors, and regulatory authorities.

DIRECT CARE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide hands-on care and supervision in accordance with each individual’s support plan and the direction of the supervisor or program manager.

• Prepare and serve nourishing, well-balanced meals and water, and assist individuals who require support with feeding in a manner that addresses identified needs.

• Monitor food consumption to reduce choking risk and promptly report concerns.

• Administer medications in accordance with ACLG policy when medication-administration certified.

• Assist with all required ADL tasks.

• Complete required service documentation before the end of each shift.

• Transport individuals to and from appointments and community outings.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION & MONITORING

• ISP data

• Daily checklists

• CPS documentation, when applicable

• Behavior monitoring and progress tracking

• Monitor individual goals and progress in accordance with the ISP.

• Report all behavioral and medical concerns to the supervisor and program manager.

HOME MANAGEMENT

• Follow each home’s daily and weekly cleaning schedule.

• Manage laundry weekly and as needed following accidents or other circumstances.

• Prepare well-balanced meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, consistent with applicable dietary guidance.

APPOINTMENTS & COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

• Accompany individuals to medical and behavioral health appointments.

• Support and encourage daily participation in community activities consistent with individual choice, the ISP, and scheduled supports.

COMPLIANCE & REGULATIONS

• Understand, comply with, and promote requirements related to individual rights.

• Comply with and support ACLG policies and procedures.

• Understand and comply with applicable Pennsylvania 6100/6400 requirements.

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Complete all required orientation and annual training by established deadlines.

• Attend required staff meetings.

• Complete other duties assigned within the scope of the position.

• Obtain the required level of DSP certification by the established deadline.