Direct Support Professional

Job Title: Direct Support Professional
Job Location: Ellicott City, MD
Compensation: $20 - $21/hr
Eligibility/Clearance: Candidate must be eligible to be employed in the
United States

This position is with The Arc of Howard County

Job Description:
- Position Summary:
- The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will play a vital role in
supporting Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities
to live fulfilling, independent lives in their community. Reporting
to the Program Supervisor and working closely with the
interdisciplinary team, the DSP will provide person-centered support
while promoting dignity, choice, and self-determination. The DSP
will assist Persons in developing life skills, accessing community
resources, and achieving their personal goals as outlined in their
Person Support Plans (ISP).
- Position Responsibilities:
- Essential Functions
- Provide Personalized support to promote independence and community
integration.
- Assist Persons with daily living skills including personal care,
household management, medication administration, and community
navigation.
- Support Persons in developing and maintaining relationships,
recreational activities, and community connections.
- Implement person-centered planning strategies to help Persons
achieve their goals and preferences.
- Facilitate access to community resources, services, and activities
based on Person interests and needs.
- Document daily activities, progress notes, and incident reports in
accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with families, case managers, and other professionals to
ensure coordinated care
- Ensure health, safety, and rights of Persons served.
- Monitor and support Persons' physical and emotional well-being,
recognizing signs of illness or distress.
- Facilitate opportunities for Persons’ to observe their religious or
personal beliefs in a way that is meaningful to them.
- May be required to Administer medications following proper protocols
and maintain accurate medication records in the electronic record.
- Implement behavioral support plans and crisis intervention
techniques as needed.
- Ensure all safety protocols are followed and report any safety
concerns immediately.
- Protect and advocate for the rights and dignity of Persons served.
- Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy in accordance with
HIPAA and organizational policies.
- Maintain professional standards and documentation.
- Complete all required documentation accurately and timely, including
daily logs, incident reports, and progress notes.
- Participate in person-centered planning meetings and contribute
observations and recommendations.
- Attend required training sessions and maintain current
certifications.
- Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory
requirements.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, and other
stakeholders.
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- Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework
in human services, psychology, or related field preferred.
- Previous experience working with Persons with disabilities preferred
but not required; comprehensive training provided.
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.
- Ability to pass background checks and maintain required
certifications/trainings (i.e. CMT, First Aid, CPR, position
training, etc.).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build
rapport with diverse Persons.
- Patience, empathy, and genuine interest in supporting people with
disabilities.
- Flexibility and adaptability to work with varying schedules and
changing needs.
- Physical ability to assist Persons with mobility, personal care, and
daily activities.
- Basic computer skills for documentation and communication purposes.
- Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
- Commitment to person-centered values and community inclusion
philosophy.
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Education:
Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or a related field
ATR is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) who will provide equal
employment opportunity to employees and applicants for employment
without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, pregnancy,
national origin, age, veteran status, ancestry, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, marital status, family structure, genetic
information, or mental or physical disability