What is an InCommunity Direct Support Professional (DSP)?
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) need people in their lives who provide them with assistance and instruction on completing tasks that most people take for granted. Professionals who provide this help and training are known as “Direct Support Professionals” or “DSPs.”
DSPs provide aid to people who suffer from a variety of disabilities and across a wide range of tasks, including: transportation, personal care, cooking, and cleaning. The goal is to help people with IDD achieve a more comfortable level of independence.
Direct Support Professional Duties & Responsibilities
DSPs help individuals with IDD by providing them with safe living environments, helping them with daily tasks, and teaching them life skills. Direct support professionals commonly see to the following tasks:
Keep individuals safe from health hazards. For example, a DSP would keep sharp knives in locked drawers and store household cleaners in locked cabinets.
Monitor individuals’ behavior toward themselves and others, and maintain patients' records of problems and progress.
Help individuals with tasks like cooking, cleaning, showering, toileting, shopping, and managing money.
Teach individuals tasks that they can ultimately learn to do for themselves.
Administer medications under the management/direction of an RN.
Individuals with IDD and DSPs often feel a great sense of accomplishment when an individual learns to complete a new task.
Who should become a Direct Support Professional?
Those looking for a flexible schedule/hours: Nights and Weekends are available
Starting pay of: $12/hr
Medical benefits and partial 401k matching for full time employees
Job stability: We did not lose staff during the COVID pandemic
Fast-paced and stimulating work environment
Opportunities for growth: Most of our senior leaders started as DSPs
The chance to gain experience in the health industry and help people/make a difference
How to become a direct support professional:
Get your high school diploma (or GED) and/or have applicable work experience
Have a valid driver's license
Be at least 23 years old
Experience preferred but not necessary – We'll train you!
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