Overview
The PRN Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities in accordance with individualized service plans, behavior support plans, and Comfort of Home Healthcare policies. PRN DSPs serve in an as-needed capacity to support staffing needs related to call-ins, vacations, training coverage, and other operational demands. While PRN DSPs perform the same core duties as a standard DSP when on shift, the role requires flexibility in scheduling and work locations.
Essential Job Functions
PRN DSPs are expected to perform all duties of a standard DSP while scheduled, including but not limited to:
- Providing direct care, supervision, and support to individuals in residential and community-based settings
- Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, toileting, meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and all additional supports as needed
- Supporting individuals in achieving goals outlined in their Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP)
- Implementing Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and utilizing approved crisis prevention techniques as trained
- Administering medications as trained and authorized, in strict compliance with Medication Administration policies
- Accurately completing required documentation, including progress notes, medication records, incident reports, and shift communication logs
- Maintaining professional boundaries and upholding confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and company policy
- Ensuring the health, safety, and dignity of supported individuals at all times
PRN-Specific Expectations
In addition to standard DSP responsibilities, PRN DSPs must:
- Maintain availability to accept shifts on short notice, including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Be competently trained and willing to work at multiple residential locations based on staffing needs
- Respond promptly to shift offers and communicate clearly regarding availability
- Remain compliant with all training, certification, and policy requirements despite non-regular scheduling
- Understand that PRN status does not guarantee minimum hours and is dependent on operational needs
- PRN Direct Support Professionals are required to work a minimum of eight (8) hours within each bi-weekly pay period to remain in active employment status (Note: Failure to meet the minimum hourly requirement may result in removal from the PRN pool or separation of employment, unless otherwise approved by Administration)
Qualifications
- Must be 18+ years of age
- Valid Driver's License
- Licensed, insured personal vehicle
- High school diploma or equivalent (i.e., HiSET/GED)
- Ability to pass a criminal background screening
- Ability to pass a drug screening
- Prior experience working in ISLs, group homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or other home health environments is preferred.
- Comfortability with both medical and behavioral clients
- Knowledge of patient observation techniques, vital signs monitoring, medication administration, and care planning.
- Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ lbs.) safely using appropriate equipment such as Hoyer lifts when necessary.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with clients who have developmental disabilities
- Familiarity with HIPAA regulations ensuring confidentiality of protected health information at all times.
- Familiarity with Missouri's Department of Mental Health (DMH) regulations
The PRN Direct Support Professional role offers a flexible opportunity to provide meaningful, person-centered support while maintaining autonomy over one’s schedule. PRN DSPs may choose to accept shifts as their availability allows and, when operationally appropriate, may establish consistent placements that align with their strengths and preferences.
Regardless of scheduling structure, the impact of a DSP’s work remains essential. PRN DSPs play a critical role in ensuring continuity of care, stability, and quality of life for the individuals supported by Comfort of Home Healthcare. Every shift worked contributes directly to the safety, dignity, and independence of the people we serve, making this role both flexible and deeply meaningful!
Pay: $17.25 - $20.25 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid orientation
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Referral program
Application Question(s):
- The majority of shifts covered by PRN staff tend to fall on evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Does your availability meet this operational need?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Behavioral health: 1 year (Preferred)
- Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
- auto insurance policy (Required)
- CPR/First Aid (Preferred)
- Level 1 Medication Aide (L1MA) (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Required)
- Overnight Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Saint Joseph, MO 64506 (Required)
Work Location: In person
