JOB DESCRIPTION
Direct Support Professional
Location: Assigned site(s)/home(s)
Employee Type: Fulltime/Part time____
Reports to: _Team Manager __________________Supervises:____N/A________________
FLSA Status:__Non-Exempt_______________
Prepared by: M. Stemm
Approved by:_
Pay Grade: ________________________
__ Date approved_
_____
__
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Position overview: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct support to the individuals
served by LifeDesigns, Inc., utilizing available resources and training provided by LifeDesigns.
Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED required, experience in services for individuals with
developmental disabilities preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Special Education,
Sociology, or related field may substitute for direct experience.
Essential functions and responsibilities: The DSP is responsible for performing direct active treatment,
ensuring consistency in implementation of established Individual Program Plans (IPP), nursing care
plans, and Replacement Skill Plans (RSP) objectives and following all safety and health-related policies
and procedures. The DSP is responsible for providing support to the individuals, utilizing teachable
moments and methods as instructed by LifeDesigns, to assist the individuals in completion of their dayto-day needs. The DSP is responsible for completion of documentation pertaining to overall support of
the individuals and for related duties as assigned.
Other duties: The DSP is responsible for knowing and respecting each individual’s rights and choices
when performing or observing active treatment and for following State and Federal compliance
regulations. The DSP will be held accountable for knowing and understanding abuse/neglect policies
and complying with all policies and procedures of the Abuse/Neglect Policy; keeping current on all
updates to individual care plans, skill plans, attending staff meetings, and providing input to the
management team on issues related to the operation of the site and/or care of the individuals. All
responsibilities are to be carried out following all policies and procedures of LifeDesigns, Inc., and all
regulations related to the care of individuals who are receiving services.
Physical Demands: When working with any individual with developmental disabilities, there is always
the possibility of aggressive acts. Aggressive acts could consist of pulling, pushing, pinching, biting, hair
pulling, kicking, slapping, punching, scratching, head butting, and throwing objects. DSP’s may also
come in contact with bodily fluids such as urine, feces, saliva, mucus, blood and vomitus. DSP’s must use
appropriate personal protective equipment and Universal Precautions must be used as required. Direct
support activities require the employee to stand, sit, squat, bend at the waist and knees, climb stairs,
and participate in physical activities. Lifting and/or ambulatory assistance may be required to
participate in active treatment and programming activities. Standing may be required for a large portion
of scheduled shifts and for long periods of time.
Training: DSP’s must remain current on training associated with the position. The DSP is responsible for
attending and completing mandatory training requirements, within the specified time frame and for
attending and participating in, all in-home staff meetings in order to remain current on additional and
annual training.
Decision Making: The DSP should base any decision related to the position on training, compliance,
and the policies and procedures of LifeDesigns, Inc.
Financial Responsibilities: It is the responsibility of each employee that handles multi-cards or petty
cash to obtain the necessary receipts and records, and follow all related policies and procedures of
financial transactions.
Communication: The DSP must be able to effectively communicate, in writing and spoken word, across
all media, to all members of the organization, with or without reasonable accommodation; must
respectfully communicate to all staff as required and follow chain of command when applicable. The
DSP must communicate, on a daily basis, with co-workers and with site management for the operation
of the site and care of the individuals.
Work Environment: DSP’s may work in a variety of settings and with a variety of individuals and coworkers. DSP’s may work one-to-one with an individual or with a group of individuals simultaneously,
with or without, the assistance of co-workers. All DSP’s are responsible for keeping the work
environment neat, clean, and safe for the individuals and staff. Employees are responsible for adhering
to the policies and procedures and to the care plans regardless of the work setting. It is an expectation
that DSP’s work at any site as needed upon completion of appropriate training.
Results of Actions: Appropriate conduct in the DSP position could lead to increased positive outcomes
for the individuals we serve, compliance to regulations, and a positive work environment. Failure to
appropriately conduct the duties of the position could lead to poor reputation for the agency, negative
outcomes for the individuals, staff being misinformed, and the individuals we serve being placed in
jeopardy.
I have read this job description and agree to perform the duties as assigned:
______________________________________________
________________________
Employee Signature
Date
______________________________________________
________________________
Employee Printed Name
Date
Management Witness: I have reviewed this job description with the above listed employee.
______________________________________________
________________________
Management Signature
Date