Copy of Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Skyward – Roseburg, Oregon

Job Description and Duties – Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Department: Residential

Shift (Substitute Caregiver and Floater): Varies

Residential Overview:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides individualized care and support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) receiving residential services from Skyward. The DSP's primary role is to assist residents in achieving greater independence, improving life skills, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring their safety, health, and well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Support and Care:

• Provide hands-on assistance to individuals with I/DD in daily living activities such as personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, and mobility.
• Assist with medication administration as prescribed and in accordance with Skyward protocols and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs).
• Support residents with meal planning, preparation, and feeding, ensuring dietary restrictions and preferences are respected.
• Encourage and assist with recreational, social, and community-based activities to promote active engagement and socialization.
• Monitor residents for changes in behavior, physical health, or mental well-being and report any concerns to supervisory staff.

Person-Centered Support:

• Implement individualized support plans (ISPs) in collaboration with residents, their families, and their Service Coordinators.
• Assist residents in achieving personal goals and objectives outlined in their ISPs.
• Encourage independence and self-advocacy by teaching life skills such as communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Respect individual preferences, dignity, and privacy at all times.
• Provide emotional and social support, fostering positive relationships with residents, their families, and other staff members.

Health and Safety:

• Ensure a safe, clean, and secure environment for all residents by performing regular cleaning and health & safety checks.
• Assist in the implementation of safety protocols, including emergency preparedness, fire drills, and first aid.
• Support residents with mobility challenges and ensure accessibility within the facility.
• Monitor residents’ health and well-being, reporting any changes or concerns to a supervisor.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of services provided, including daily logs, incident reports, and progress notes.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Work collaboratively with other DSPs, healthcare professionals, and Skyward staff to ensure comprehensive care.
• Assist with training and mentoring new staff members, providing guidance and sharing knowledge.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and attend training sessions as required by the facility and OARs.

Behavior Management:

• Support residents in managing challenging behaviors through positive behavior support strategies outlined in their Functional Assessment, Behavioral
  Support Plan and/or ISP.
• Implement behavior support plans as outlined by Skyward and OARs.
• Foster an environment that promotes respect, kindness, and inclusion, helping residents to build trust and a sense of security.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, assist with transferring residents, and perform other physical tasks as needed.
• Ability to bend, squat, stand for extended periods, and assist residents with mobility.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations and manage crisis situations effectively

• Be able to pass a background check annually
• Obtain CPR/First Aid certification within the first 90 days of employment
• Clean driving history
• Drug free workplace
• Must have verbal and written communication skills adequate to the specific job