Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Position Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Department: Community-Based Services
Employment Status: Part-Time, or Contract (1099/W-2 as applicable)
Reports To: Clinical Director or Program Supervisor
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and behavioral health needs. DSPs assist individuals in developing daily living skills, increasing independence, achieving personal goals, and actively participating in their communities while ensuring their health, safety, and well-being.
Services are provided in clients' homes, community settings, schools, and other approved locations in accordance with individualized service plans and Medicaid/CLTS requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide direct support services according to each participant's individualized service plan.
- Assist individuals with daily living skills, including:
- Personal hygiene
- Meal preparation
- Household chores
- Laundry
- Organization
- Money management
- Medication reminders (when permitted)
- Support community integration by accompanying participants to:
- Recreational activities
- Community events
- Shopping
- Appointments
- Employment or volunteer activities
- Encourage independence while promoting dignity, choice, and self-determination.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with participants and their families.
- Implement behavioral support strategies as outlined in the participant's service plan.
- Maintain participant confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
- Accurately document services provided, progress toward goals, incidents, and daily notes within required timelines.
- Report concerns regarding participant health, safety, abuse, neglect, or significant behavioral changes immediately.
- Maintain regular communication with supervisors regarding participant progress and concerns.
- Attend required trainings, meetings, supervision, and professional development activities.
- Follow all agency policies, Medicaid regulations, and state requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
- Current automobile insurance (if transporting participants).
- Ability to successfully pass criminal background and caregiver background checks.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Basic computer and documentation skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, or behavioral challenges.
- Experience providing in-home or community-based support services.
- CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care and positive behavior supports.
- Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.
- Ability to bend, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to assist participants with mobility as needed.
- Ability to safely transport participants when required.
Work Environment
Services are provided in participants' homes, schools, community locations, and other approved settings. Evening, weekend, holiday, and flexible scheduling may be required based on participant needs.
Core Competencies
- Compassion and empathy
- Professionalism
- Reliability and accountability
- Patience
- Strong communication skills
- Cultural sensitivity
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Ethical decision-making
Required Training
Employees must successfully complete all required agency onboarding and ongoing training, which may include:
- HIPAA
- Confidentiality
- Mandated Reporter Training
- Abuse and Neglect Prevention
- CPR/First Aid (if required)
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Positive Behavior Supports
- Cultural Competency
- CLTS Program Requirements
- Agency Policies and Procedures
- Electronic Documentation Systems
Benefits (if applicable)
- Competitive compensation
- Flexible scheduling
- Paid training
- Professional development opportunities
- Career advancement opportunities
- Supportive leadership and supervision
Equal Opportunity Employer
Bridging Gapss, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and participants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Pay: $15.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
Experience:
- Behavioral health: 1 year (Required)
Location:
- Waukesha, WI 53187 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Waukesha, WI 53187 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
