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Job Description - Direct Support Professional
Title: Direct Support Professional
Reports to: House Manager
Summary
Direct Support Professionals (DSP) provide dependable, compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The DSP’s role focuses on fostering independence, building life skills, encouraging community engagement, and ensuring each individual’s safety and dignity.
DSP’s are expected to meet quality care standards outlined in Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 411, Division 318) as governed by the Oregon Department of Human Services. Staff are also responsible for supporting Northwest Care policies and procedures, and mission and vision statements. Because residents require continuous supervision and support, regular and reliable attendance is a required condition of employment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Daily Client Support
Provide medical and personal care assistance including showering, toileting, vitals monitoring, catheter or ostomy support, grooming, dressing, and assistance with eating as needed.
Administer medications with accuracy and attention to detail, adhering to the Five Rights of medication administration (right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time) to ensure safe and effective care.
Maintain a safe and orderly house environment following organizational policies, safety standards, and emergency protocols.
Provide alert and attentive care ensuring the constant safety of residents by monitoring individual health, behaviors, personal wellbeing, identifying risks, and responding promptly to emergencies.
Support skill-building, independence, and behavior management strategies as outlined in each client’s Individual Support Plan (ISP).
Accurately document medical events, challenging behaviors, medications administered, management and recording of clients’ personal money for outings and/or purchases, ISP goals, household cleaning/chores, and a detailed log of each day’s events.
Prepare and serve client meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks following USDA guidelines and proper food handling procedures.
Transport and escort clients to community outings and activities as needed.
Complete daily housekeeping chores such as dishwashing, sanitizing, sweeping, mopping, laundry, and linen changes to maintain a clean and safe home environment.
Complete shift exchange reports at the beginning and end of each shift. Reporting includes reviewing previous shift’s documentation, documenting all shift activities such as medications administered, client financial transactions, household chores, and other required tasks.
Be familiar and informed with house resources and required forms.
Demonstrate proficiency with workplace technology.
Work solo shifts as a required core responsibility. Additional compensation may apply to select shifts affected by staffing shortages.
Professional Expectations
Arrive on time, ready to work, and dressed in clean, appropriate attire.
Abide by all organizational policies, emergency protocols, and state regulations ensuring exceptional resident care and support.
Demonstrate commitment to teamwork, reliability, and trust-building with residents and coworkers.
Communication
Interact with residents, families, coworkers, and staff with respect, empathy, and professionalism.
Communicate clearly and courteously in person, in writing, and through workplace platforms (text, Slack, etc.).
Document concerns or incidents related to clients, coworkers, or house operations promptly.
Trainings and Meetings
Complete required state and organizational trainings within 30 and 90 days of hire, including accurate documentation practices.
Maintain a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education annually through ISP renewals, required annual training refresher courses, and any additional training assignments as required.
Attend mandatory staff meetings.
Desired Abilities, Knowledge and Skills
Independently perform duties of the DSP position effectively and efficiently
Demonstrate tact, diplomacy, empathy, and friendliness in communicating with a wide range of individuals
Organize, plan and prioritize client support and household duties
Analyze varying situations and develop and implement appropriate responses
Demonstrate compassion and empathy with a strong sense of advocacy, integrity, and ethical behavior
Respond to changing situations and client needs with flexibility and adaptability
Demonstrate exceptional patience, resiliency, reliability, organizational skills
Maintain professional and trustworthy resident relationships
Qualifications
Minimum: High school diploma or GED required
Age: Must be 18 years or older
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Background checks: Criminal history (ORCHARDS), and driving background clearance required
Physical ability: Able to lift or transfer up to 50 pounds as needed
Communication & interpersonal skills: Clear, empathetic, patient, adaptable, and organized
Preferred certifications: CPR/First Aid, Oregon Intervention System (OIS), and Oregon Tier 1 and 2 core competencies or
Willingness to receive all essential training as required
Acknowledgement
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