Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Department: Programs

Reports to: Residential Counselor

Category: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

SupportOne’s mission is to promote independence for adults living with intellectual disabilities through “person-centered” support and services.

SupportOne is a 24-hour operation that is responsible for the safety, security and welfare of adults living with intellectual disabilities – 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. This includes weekdays, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. The Direct Support Professional is either a full-time, part-time or on-call role while reporting to the Residential Counselor.

This critical role:

  • Provides direct support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities by promoting choice, personal growth, and independence in their community.
  • Assists with activities of community integration and related required functions.
  • Works closely with the Residential Supervisor and Residential Counselor to ensure high-quality programs and services are provided to the clients we serve.
  • Plays an important role in the overall operation of the home by ensuring the program meets or exceeds licensing standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Budgetary Responsibilities: Performing job duties in a quality, cost-effective manner

Essential Job Functions: Housing Quality Assurance

  • Ensures and maintains proper sanitation and cleanliness that meets or exceeds licensing standards.
  • Keeps Residential Supervisor and Residential Counselor apprised of all Quality Assurance issues.
  • Works with Residential Supervisor and Residential Counselor to evaluate program methods for improving the quality of services.; while recommending additional program improvements.

Support/Care Requirements

  • Collaborates effectively and cooperatively by ensuring respect for the individuals and their family members at all times. This includes colleagues, visitors, and vendors that also impact the individuals.
  • Ensures the delivery of high-quality service to clients. This includes performing or assisting clients with personal hygiene (i.e. bathing, toileting, hair care, etc.).
  • Provides support regarding individual service plans through community integration.
  • Engages consumers in community activities
  • Operates household appliances and equipment while troubleshooting operational issues when necessary.

Staff and Program Support

  • Participates in required house staff meetings that impact licensing compliance and requirements.
  • Also participates in required organizational staff meetings and necessary training.
  • Promotes a climate that encourages industry best practices.
  • Supports and implements Individual Action Plan/Plan For Support (IAP/PFS).
  • Supports plans for program implementation based on a person-centered approach.

Education/Experience/Skills/Qualifications Required:

  • High School Diploma or GED + a minimum of one (1) year of related experience OR any equivalent combination of experience and training
  • 21+ Years of Age with no prior criminal record
  • A driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • Basic computer skills
  • Strong interpersonal, time management, organizational and multi-task skills
  • Ability to document daily client services; interact effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and personalities; meet crises calmly while showing attention to detail and accuracy
  • The flexibility to work a variety of shifts that includes some overtime to meet staffing needs – as SupportOne is a 24/7 operation that includes weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be fully trained in CPR, First Aid, Therapeutic Options, Medicaid Waiver, and Medication Administration
  • Ability to read, understand and follow policies and procedures
  • Other duties as assigned such as organizational licensing compliance

SupportOne Staff Benefits

SupportOne total staff perks involve a combination of staff compensation and various benefits designed to enhance staff well-being and work/life balance. Staff participation enables SupportOne to positively impact the Richmond communities that we serve. Staff benefits include:

  • Paid-time off
  • Medical and vision insurance that SupportOne pays the majority of monthly premiums
  • Dental Insurance
  • SupportOne paid life insurance
  • Supplemental insurance where SupportOne staff can purchase disability insurance, additional life insurance, and/or additional vision insurance benefits
  • Retirement Plan