Nature of Work: The responsibility of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to provide a safe environment, to include support and supervision to individuals with disabilities. The DSP is responsible for encouraging growth and independence while demonstrating dignity and respect to each person served. DSPs promote problem solving and help persons served develop strategies to overcome barriers, to promote independence, dignity, and inclusion.
The DSP is directly responsible to the individual(s) they support, but is supervised by a Residential Manager, Community Program Supervisor, DSP Scheduler/Supervisor, or Shared Living Coordinator, depending on the program.
Individual(s) Served Support
- Adhere to planning guidelines and treatment as identified in the Individual PCP and ISPs.
- Assist individuals with self-advocacy, building confidence and self-esteem, and promoting independence.
- Advocate for individuals’ rights, dignity, and informed choices while actively empowering and supporting them to self-advocate whenever possible.
- Provide supports in a flexible manner that is most comfortable and effective for the individual which recognizes their gifts and talents.
- Plan, perform, or assist with care or activities with individuals according to their preference or needs, to include, but not limited to, household chores (cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry, dishes, vacuuming, making the bed, household maintenance, etc.), community involvement, social, recreation and leisure skills, communication skills, personal safety skills, appropriate behavior.
- Support clients in becoming inclusive community members by developing social relationships and enhancing skills for engaging in activities such as volunteering, senior activities, nature education, and exploring community opportunities. Assist with planning their schedules.
- Encouraging and assisting in maintaining relationships with family, friends, and people in the community.
- Assist in maintaining relationships with community businesses, clubs, civic groups, and organizations and arranges quality individual community participation.
- If applicable to the person, assist with or perform personal care by repositioning the individual, bathing, bowel or bladder care, showers, exercising, range of motion, feeding (oral or feeding tubes), hair care (brushing, washing, styling, shaving), dental care (brushing, flossing, dentures), nail clipping, etc.
- Transport (adhering to all safety policies and laws) or arrange for transportation to medical, social, and community activities, when appropriate.
- Notify transportation company and/or work/program if a person is ill or unable to attend due to appointments, an incident, or vacation.
- Assist with teaching and preparing healthy meal plans to encourage optimal health, involving the individual(s) in making choices of selection of meals.
- Work collaboratively with professional consultants, i.e., Psychiatrist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Psychologists, Primary Physician, and other medical personnel to ensure individuals supported receive appropriate medical care.
- Maintain the general upkeep of the home on each person’s shift, i.e., laundry, dishwashing, and all normal household responsibilities. Ensure the home and grounds are always safe, neat, and clean.
- Staff working an overnight shift must be prepared to meet each individual served needs should they occur during the night.
- Effectively manage and redirect behaviors, both physical and verbal.
- Always maintain individual safety and provide assistance and oversight as required to meet the needs of the person.
- Provide regular security checks on all windows, doors, and vehicles as required.
- Respond to and use effective techniques to prevent and respond to crises and emergency situations.
- Staff are to always remain awake and alert and address safety concerns immediately
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
- Complete daily shift documentation according to outcomes and supports of individuals served, which may also include Health Tracking, Monthly Progress Notes, General Event Reports, and DHHS Reportable Event Forms. Documentation must be completed prior to the end of shift.
- Regularly seeks feedback and input from customers (i.e. people supported, guardians, family members, DHHS staff, other team members, etc). Addresses concerns of individuals supported, guardians, and family members as appropriate, while ensuring supervisor is aware and escalates concerns as needed.
- Attend and participate in required meetings and in-service training, as scheduled.
- Support new team members by providing on-the-job training.
- Maintain certifications/competencies as required by 3Rivers and federal and state agencies.
- Must obtain Certified Residential Medication Aide certification within six months of hire, unless otherwise coordinated with management or not necessary for specific program.
- Follow all 3Rivers policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Operations Manual.
- Accountability: We take ownership of our actions, follow through on commitments, and hold ourselves and each other to high standards.
- Adaptability: We embrace change, stay open to feedback, and grow through learning and evolving together.
- Collaboration: We work as one team, listening, supporting, and building on each other’s strengths.
- Empowerment: We support individuals in making their own choices, fostering independence, self-expression, and valuing every voice and experience with respect and empathy.
- Community: We believe in the power of connection and community. We are dedicated to serving, placing the needs and well-being of those we support at the center of all we do.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends.
- Travel between agency locations, as necessary.
- Demonstrate and commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional values.
Physical Requirements/ Work Environment:
- Physical ability to walk, squat, stoop/bend, kneel, climb stairs, push and pull against potential resistance, implement MANDT and CPR/First Aid when needed.
Must be able to lift and/or move at least 50 pounds to assist in life skills, such as bathing, physical rescue, and wheelchair assistance.
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Specific vision abilities may include close vision; color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
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Ability to understand and implement the concept of home and community support.
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Ability to remain calm and function appropriately in stressful situations.
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Ability to always maintain confidentiality.
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Works indoors in well-lit and ventilated rooms, and outdoors in the community. Possibility of cuts or minor burns from equipment and may be exposed to communicable diseases. Possibility of strain or injury from interacting with the individuals supported.
Qualifications:
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High School Degree or GED equivalent.
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Must be age 18 or older.
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Possess basic computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Word program. Experience with Microsoft office products preferred.
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Possess a valid Maine state driver’s license.
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Prior experience as a DSP preferred.
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Ability to speak, read, write and communicate effectively in English at a minimum of an eighth-grade level, with or without accommodation (required for state mandated training).
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Ability to obtain and maintain all required certifications which include DSP, CRMA, CPR/First Aid
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Ability to pass required background checks, to include: Adult and Child Protective Services; criminal history; OIG Exclusion list; National Sex Offender Registry; and Bureau of Motor Vehicles record.
This location offers a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while gaining valuable experience in healthcare and human services. It is an excellent environment for someone interested in learning more about personal care, medical supports, and person-centered services in the IDD field.
Starting rates vary based on experience and certifications. Staff with no prior experience or certifications start at $17.75 per hour, with wage increases available as certifications and skills are obtained. Paid training is provided, including training for specialized medical supports and opportunities to earn certifications while working.
Setting: 4-bed residential group home
Support Level: Moderate to High support needs
Staff at this location provide hands-on support with personal care, daily living activities, and complex medical needs. Individuals communicate through verbal language as well as behavioral and body cues, requiring attentive, compassionate, and responsive support.
Training is provided for specialized care and equipment, including:
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Hoyer lift use
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Whirlpool tub support
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G-tube care
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Stoma care
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Seizure response procedures
This home operates with a collaborative team approach, typically staffed with 2–3 employees per shift, including awake overnight coverage. The environment is highly supportive and training-focused, making it a strong opportunity for both new and experienced staff.
Open shifts include:
40 hours per week: Saturdays 7 am - 7 pm, Tuesdays 9 am - 1 pm, Thursdays 7 am - 7 pm and Fridays 7 am - 7 pm. Enjoy Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays off!
40 hours per week: Sundays 7 am - 7 pm, Tuesdays 11 am - 7 pm, Wednesdays 1 pm - 9 pm, and Fridays 7 am - 7 pm. Enjoys Saturdays, Mondays, and Thursdays off!
40 hours per week: Saturdays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 7 am - 5 pm. Enjoy Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays off!
22 hours per week: Saturdays 1 pm - 9 pm, Thursdays 1 pm - 7 pm, and Fridays 1 pm - 9 pm.
- Starting pay beginning at $17.75/hour with no experience required
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Higher starting rates available based on certifications and experience
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Paid training and opportunities to earn certifications
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Meaningful work that makes a real impact
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Flexible scheduling options
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Supportive team environment
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Professional development opportunities
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Opportunities for growth and advancement
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A mission-driven culture centered on empowerment and community
At 3Rivers, our core values guide everything we do: Accountability, Adaptability, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Community.
If you’re ready for a career where your work truly matters, we’d love to meet you. Join us in helping people live their best lives — one connection, one achievement, and one moment at a time.
$1,000 Sign-On Bonus with 1/2 payable after 6 months of service and 1/2 after one year of service!
