Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP) Non-Exempt/Hourly

Department: Operations

Reports To: Residential Shift Supervisor

Date: May 11, 2025

Job Summary: 

Under the direction of the Residential Shift Supervisor, the Direct Support Professional (DSP),  is responsible to work cooperatively with other staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating Vista Care Individuals care and support as designed in the Individual Service Plan (ISP) and or Behavioral Support Plan (BSP). The DSP is responsible for reporting any and all concerns regarding program or personnel issues to the Residential Shift Supervisor. Services may include but are not limited to assisting in maintaining a clean, safe living environment, meal preparation and assisting in the activities of daily living. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

PROGRAM:

• DSP is to be able to read, write, acknowledge and adhere to all Vista Care policies and procedures. 

• Follows guidelines of shift duties and tasks. 

• Demonstrates reliability and dependability in reporting for scheduled shifts, including remaining on duty at program locations until another staff arrives to maintain a safe environment for our individuals served. 

• Respects the rights of individuals served, including being familiar with Individual Rights and ensuring a supervisor is informed of any issues related to the rights of those served with a sense of urgency. 

• Acts as an advocate for individuals supported and served, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect at all times. 

• Maintains professional boundaries at all times with individuals served, guardians, other team members, etc. 

• Responsible for maintaining a clean, comfortable and supportive, working atmosphere ensuring a homelike environment. 

• Relate to those served with a caring and professional attitude and shows respect to them and other team members in every interaction. 

• Demonstrates positive communication in all interactions and initiates services. Treats individuals in an age appropriate manner with dignity and respect.  

• Works to involve individuals supporting in the decorating and care of their surroundings. 

• Ensures individuals supported are kept clean and neat in appearance, inclusive of assisting them in their choice of dressing, initiating the individual served to assure hygiene needs are met, ensuring all clothing is clean and in good condition with any needs reported to the supervisor. 

QUALITY:

• Completes all charting, logs, documentation and plans of those served in a timely manner while on duty. 

• Completes daily logs and documentation in a timely, thorough manner. 

• Administers and or verifies that medications have been administered properly by adhering to Vista Care Company policies and procedures (in applicable programs). 

• Maintains knowledge of all approved behavior support plans as designed and ensures plans are implemented and documented. Includes but is not limited to knowing and being able to identify signs of agitation for the purpose of implementing recommended behavior support, provides recommendations for revisions of plans to supervisor, etc. 

• Consistently remains alert to behavior/physical changes of those served and notifies supervisors as appropriate. Documents observed changes in company EHR, reads and logs notes related to support plans regularly. 

• Encourages active choice and involvement for individuals supported including but not limited to encouraging interaction with others, supports individuals in meal preparation and household tasks, planning activities, and recognizes and initiates moments of choice. 

• Actively assists those supported with family and personal contacts. Is aware of defined restrictions of contacts and assists in compliance. May assist in making phone calls and contacts and with family and friends. Supports those served as requested in writing, addressing and mainly letters. Demonstrates respect and attentiveness when interacting with families of those served. Notifies supervisors of any concerns related to family interactions, questions, or issues. 

• Initiates planned activities and involves those served in the planning of activities. Encourages individuals to choose activities and documents their preferences. Offers a variety of activities and maintains awareness of those community activities that may be of interest. Actively makes suggestions to the supervisor of recommended activities etc. 

• Successfully understands and follows the Five Rights of Nursing Delegation

PERSONAL:

• Attends all required training sessions and meetings as required/scheduled. 

• Attends annual training necessary to meet any CEU requirements per state/county regulations. 

• Knowledgeable in the use of all medical equipment needed to care for individuals served.

• Promotes a positive and collaborative environment of teamwork with other staff

• Embraces Vista Care Values and maintains a positive attitude 

• Acts as a positive role model 

• Offers constructive, positive solutions to problems

• Demonstrates an openness towards constructive feedback

• Promotes a cooperative relationship with other areas and outside contacts. 

GENERAL:

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Must successfully complete all certification and training requirements within the assigned state(s) of operation within 90 days of hire. 

• Valid driver’s license and clear driving record in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and Vista Care’s best practices required if position requires transport of persons served in a company owned vehicle. Authorization must be provided to Vista Care to  obtain a DMV record which can be approved for coverage by our company insurance carrier. 

• Experience in human services, customer service, or a related field preferred

• Prior experience in residential services and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.

• Clear background check in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and Vista Care’s best practices

• Consistently demonstrate effective decision-making abilities, strong communication skills, and computer literacy

• Ability to read/write, comprehend in English language to facilitate documentation requirements and ability to comprehend Behavioral Support Plans/Individual support Plans.

Education: 

• High School Diploma or GED Required

• A college, or university degree or the equivalent added bonus. Social services or similar fields preferred.

• CPI or similar certification preferred 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

• Prompt and regular attendance is a requirement.

• Ability to lift at least fifty (50) pounds on a routine basis to assist with individuals supported.

• Ability to bend, twist, lift, reach and assist individuals supported with their movements including their ability to stand up.

• Required to work in residential settings and/or day programs.

• Successful applicant(s) may be required to travel to the various programs as assigned under the direction of Vista Care leadership.

• All persons in this position should be prepared to  work weekends and holidays. Scheduled hours may require transfer to assist other locations as needed.  Employees are eligible to accept additional open hours as posted. 

• The possibility of exposure to blood borne pathogens exists if universal precautions are not followed. 

• May require working under stressful conditions at times and handling emergencies. There will be pressure at times to meet scheduled appointments and deadlines and manage crisis situations. 

• This position will interact with individuals who are intellectually and developmentally disabled and may be frail or confused and have the potential for verbal or physical aggression.