Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing direct care, supervision, and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, in a licensed community residential/group home setting. DSPs ensure the health, safety, dignity, and rights of individuals while promoting independence, stability, and person‑centered outcomes in compliance with Maryland DDA regulations and agency policies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Direct Care & Supervision
- Provide continuous supervision to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of individuals served
- Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and hygiene
- Ensure individuals are supervised in accordance with ISP requirements and safety plans
- Maintain a safe, structured, and orderly residential environment
2. Behavioral Support & Crisis Intervention
- Implement approved Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) consistently
- Use de‑escalation and behavior management techniques as trained
- Respond appropriately to property destruction, aggression, or self‑injurious behavior
- Prevent and report abuse, neglect, or exploitation in accordance with mandated reporting laws
3. Health, Safety & Medication Support
- Monitor physical and mental health status and report concerns promptly
- Assist with medication administration only if properly trained and authorized
- Follow fall‑prevention strategies and safety protocols
- Respond to medical and behavioral emergencies per policy
4. Documentation & Communication
- Complete accurate daily progress notes, medication records, and shift reports
- Complete incident and injury reports according to DDA timelines
- Communicate clearly with supervisors, team members, guardians, and clinical staff
5. Person‑Centered & Rights‑Based Support
- Promote dignity, privacy, choice, and independence
- Support ISP goals and personal outcomes
- Respect cultural, personal, and communication preferences
6. Community Integration
- Support individuals in community activities, appointments, and recreation
- Provide safe transportation when assigned
- Model appropriate social behavior and community interactions
Required Qualifications
- Minimum age of 18 years
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to pass Maryland CJIS & FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Registry, and background checks
- Ability to provide physical assistance as required
- Ability to remain calm and professional during crisis situations
- Valid driver’s license (if transportation duties are required)
Required & Ongoing Training
- Maryland DDA Core Training
- CPR and First Aid
- Behavior Management / Mandt or approved equivalent
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Abuse and Neglect Prevention & Reporting
- Person‑specific and site‑specific training
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Residential/group home environment
- May include exposure to behavioral crises
- Requires standing, walking, lifting, and assisting individuals
- Shifts may include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays
Professional Expectations
- Adhere to all agency, DDA, and state requirements
- Maintain ethical conduct and professional boundaries
- Protect confidentiality and individual rights
- Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and teamwork
Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
Work Location: In person
