Direct Support Professional - Community & Residential Support

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP) Community Support & Residential Services

Program: Adult Services- Community Support

Salary/Hourly Status: Hourly                                  FLSA Classification: Non-exemptSchedule:  M-F (35-40) hours, occasional nights & weekends

Reports to: Community Support Manager

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Company Overview

Waypoint offers comprehensive services, including a special purpose private school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, case management and outpatient therapy services for children and adults, and residential and in-home supports for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

Position Overview

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports individuals served by Waypoint to build meaningful relationships, participate in their communities, and achieve greater independence. Through person-centered supports in residential and community settings, the DSP promotes self-determination, teaches life skills, supports health and wellness, and assists members in achieving goals identified in their Person-Centered Plans.

The DSP creates a safe, respectful, and supportive environment while treating all members with dignity and compassion. Working collaboratively with families, guardians, healthcare providers, and community partners, the DSP promotes inclusion, community engagement, and individual choice. The DSP represents Waypoint professionally and demonstrates accountability, ethical conduct, confidentiality, and a commitment to providing high-quality support.

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Responsibilities

Member Support & Community Engagement

• Cultivate a safe, supportive and professional relationship with members and a thorough understanding of service plans and support needs. 
• Provide individualized support and skill-building opportunities to promote independence, community engagement, building and maintaining relationships
• Facilitate participation in community activities, volunteer opportunities, social events, recreational activities, educational opportunities, and other meaningful experiences.
• Assist members in developing and maintaining relationships with family, friends, and community members.
• Encourage self-determination, choice-making and self-advocacy by supporting members with exploring areas of interest, expressing their choices and accessing community resources that align with their goals and preferences.
• Assist members in developing, choosing and following a meaningful schedule of activities/calendar that encourage learning opportunities, growth and inclusion. 
• Implement Service Implementation Plans (SIPs) individual Treatment plans, Positive Support Plans and support/care plans as described in the Person-Centered Plan.
• Provide transportation in approved vehicles for community activities, employment, appointments, shopping, and other approved destinations.

Residential & Daily Living Supports

• Support members with activities of daily living while promoting independence and dignity.
• Assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and healthy eating habits.
• Encourage and support personal hygiene, grooming, clothing selection, and household routines.
• Promote health, physical wellness, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Support members in maintaining clean, organized, and safe living environments.
• Assist with household tasks including laundry, housekeeping, and routine residential upkeep as needed.
• Monitor members' physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being and communicate concerns appropriately.

Health, Safety & Medication Administration

• Exercise sound judgment to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of members at all times.
• Notify the Manager or designated supervisor of situations that may negatively impact member safety, well-being, or program operations.
• Respect each member's right to privacy and confidentiality.
• Administer medications in compliance with CRMA certification requirements, licensing regulations, and Waypoint procedures.
• Ensure medications are administered, documented, and stored safely.
• Follow all agency safety standards, emergency procedures, and infection control practices.
• Implement Safety-Care techniques to maintain members’ safety during emergencies or as outlined in support plans.
• Follow Mandated Reporter requirements and report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately.

Documentation & Program Integrity

• Understand and comply with all applicable federal, state and local regulations, including Rights of Recipients, Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Licensing and HCBS regulatory requirements.
• Follow all Waypoint policies and procedures.
• Complete and maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, including electronic health records, progress notes, treatment plans, positive support plans, Reportable Events and incident reports daily, or more often as outlined in the plan and as required to track progress towards established goals, milestones and outcomes.
• Manage agency funds by accurately recording program expenditures as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect member information in accordance with agency requirements.

Teamwork & Professional Development

• Follow work schedules, demonstrate consistent attendance, and accurately record hours worked.
• Develop and maintain cooperative, professional relationships with coworkers, members, families, guardians, and other professionals.
• Operate as part of a team and demonstrate willingness to accept direction, coaching, and constructive feedback from supervisors.
• Attend and actively participate in required meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions.
• Maintain all certifications required for the DSP position.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support members across residential and community settings as needed.
• Professionally represent Waypoint in all settings and interactions.

Facility & Vehicle Responsibilities

• Ensure residences, program sites, and work areas remain clean, safe, and organized.
• Implement cleaning schedules, routines, and checklists.
• Independently identify and initiate household maintenance and upkeep needs.
• Notify supervisors of maintenance, repair, and safety concerns according to agency procedures.
• Follow all transportation policies and safe driving practices.
• Conduct routine vehicle inspections and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.

General

• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

·       Prior experience is not required, but must have the desire to work with, learn about and support individuals with intellectual disabilities and other complex disabilities.

·       Skilled at seeking community resources and connections for people with disabilities.

·       An ability to think on their feet, work unsupervised, and demonstrate motivation to meet the needs of the position.

·       A willingness to implement personal care plans, positive behavior supports and structured activities.

·       Excellent communication with members, families, coworkers and other professionals.

·       Ability to promote choices, self-advocacy, and self-determination in members.

            Education/Experience

·       High School Diploma or GED

·       Must become DSP, CRMA, and Safety Care certified as a primary responsibility of the CS- DSP position.

·       Must have valid driver’s license from state of residence, a clean driving record, valid automobile insurance and reliable transportation.

·       Must be proficient in speaking, reading and writing English.

·       Must have or gain through training the information technology skills to enter time & attendance, documentation of services, manage & complete trainings, and communicate with Supervisor and co-workers.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

            Physical Demands

·       Normal degree of flexibility, and ability to raise hands above head.

·       Ability to stand, walk, run, shuffle, and stoop for several minutes.

·       Ability to kneel on one and two knees, and then stand up.

·       Ability to bend 45 degrees at the trunk, and twist to either side.

·       Ability to grasp firmly.

·       Ability to push and pull personal care equipment, and lift up to 50 pounds independently, using safe body mechanics.

·       Ability to implement Safety Care techniques to escort and/or establish member safety in an emergency and/or per the support plan.

Work Environment

The DSP works in both residential and community-based settings, providing individualized support to members in their homes and throughout the community. The position requires flexibility to work in a variety of environments and alongside a team of Direct Support Professionals under the supervision of the Community Support Manager or other designated supervisor.

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EEOC/ADA Statement

Waypoint Maine, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Waypoint is committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination. Employees who require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job should contact the Human Resources Department.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and its essential functions.  It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.  Duties may vary depending on business needs and may be subject to change.  Employees may be required to perform additional tasks as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

Starting Rate: $17-$19/hour

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Employer Paid Short Term Disability

Employer Paid Life Insurance and AD&D

Critical Illness and Accident Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts