Direct Support Professional

## Description

**Title:** Direct Support Professional

**Department:** Residential Services | Day Services | Community Services

**Reports:** Residential Manager | Program Coordinator | Field Supervisor

**Location:** Residential Services, Day Services, Community Services, NY

**FLSA Classification:** Non-Exempt

**Status:** Full – Time and Part – Time

**POSITION SUMMARY**

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is tasked with delivering direct care, supervision, and individualized support to individuals within residential, day program, or in-home environments. The DSP is responsible for upholding the health, safety, dignity, and overall well-being of these individuals, adhering to agency policies and procedures, individual program plans, and relevant federal and state regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, protocols for Incident Reporting, Protection of Individual Rights, Safety, and the Code of Conduct.

The DSP is responsible for delivering services as stipulated in each individual’s Life Plan (LP), Staff Action Plan (SAP), Plan of Nursing Services (PONS), Behavior Support Plan, Level of Supervision (LOS), and other pertinent safety protocols. Service provision must foster independence, self-determination, community integration, and enriching life experiences, all while upholding individual rights and adhering to regulatory standards.

As a mandated reporter under New York State law, the DSP is obligated to promptly report any suspected instances of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or significant incidents, in compliance with OPWDD and Justice Center regulations.

**REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:**

Knowledge of person-centered service delivery principles and best practices in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working knowledge of Life Plan (LP), Behavior Support Plans (BSP), and medical and clinical directives, including the ability to interpret and apply written plans, goals, and intervention strategies.

Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing health, safety, individual rights, mandated reporting, incident reporting, and confidentiality (including HIPAA compliance).

Demonstrated ability to observe, assess, and report changes in an individual’s physical, behavioral, or emotional status. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce accurate, objective, and timely documentation utilizing electronic health record systems.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain reliability and professionalism, and respond effectively in both routine and emergency situations. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Physical capability to safely perform essential job functions, including assisting with activities of daily living, mobility support, and implementation of trained crisis intervention techniques.

**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

**TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:**

• Attend and successfully complete all required trainings, demonstrating competence in each area through observed performance, testing, or practical application as appropriate.
• Apply learned skills and knowledge consistently in daily work, ensuring compliance with agency policies, protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in staff meetings, team briefings, and professional development activities to stay informed of updates, share information, and support collaborative care.

**PERSON CENTERED SUPPORT**

• Provide individualized supports in accordance with each person’s assessed strengths, preferences, needs, and identified outcomes.
• Teach, model, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, bathing, toileting, oral care, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, feeding, housekeeping, laundry, budgeting, medication administration (as authorized), and safe use of community transportation.
• Implement strategies that build independence, skill acquisition, and functional competency across home and community environments.
• Promote and support community inclusion by assisting individuals with safe community participation, including street safety awareness and appropriate public behavior.
• Facilitate informed choice and self-determination by encouraging individuals to express preferences, participate in decision-making, set personal goals, and advocate for themselves.
• Provide instruction and guidance in self-advocacy skills, including communication of needs, rights awareness, and problem-solving strategies.
• Deliver services in a manner that respects and supports each individual’s cultural background, primary language, spiritual beliefs, gender identity, and personal values.
• Implement Life Plan (LP)goals and objectives as written; collect data and complete accurate, objective documentation to reflect progress toward identified outcomes.
• Provide skill development and supports in accordance with Staff Action Plans (SAPs), Individual Plan of Protective Oversight (IPOP), behavior support strategies, and all clinical or medical protocols, ensuring consistent application and compliance with established guidelines

**HEALTH, MEDICAL, AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:**

• Notice when individuals ay be upset, anxious, or stressed and respond calmly and safely.
• Help individuals use coping skills to manage emotions and feel more in control.
• Complete and maintain all required trainings and demonstrate competency in understanding and implementing medical, behavioral, dietary, safety, Level of Supervision (LOS), and therapeutic protocols as written.
• Maintain responsibility for the immediate health and safety of individuals during assigned shifts, ensuring appropriate supervision at all times.
• Review, understand, and follow all medical, behavioral, dietary, safety, and therapeutic plans precisely as written; promptly observe, document, and report changes in health status, behavior, or level of functioning to appropriate supervisory and clinical staff.
• Successfully complete OPWDD-approved AMAP certification and achieve three errorless medication administration observations prior to independently administering medications.
• Adhere strictly to all medication administration protocols, documentation requirements, and medication error reporting procedures.
• Maintain current certification in CPR and First Aid certification and apply approved strategies in accordance with training.
• Successfully complete and maintain SCIP-R certification and apply approved strategies in accordance with training.
• Utilize approved de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques consistent with individual behavior support plans, SCIP-R training, and regulatory standards.
• Follow universal precautions, infection control standards, and OSHA-compliant safety practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in and support fire drills, evacuation procedures, and emergency preparedness activities; demonstrate familiarity with site-specific emergency protocols and each individual’s Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP).

**SKILL BUILDING AND PRACTICE**

• Help individuals practice skills they are learning so they can use them at home, in the community, and during daily activities.
• Follow Staff Action Plans (SAPs) and individual plans to support skill acquisition and consistent teaching strategies.
• Encourage exploration of new skills, activities, and experiences to promote growth, independence, and confidence.