Direct Support Professional (DSP)At — Grant Family Homes Inc.

Direct Support Professional (DSP I)

The Direct Support Professional (DSP I) provides direct care and support to adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living skills, personal care, community activities, meal preparation, maintaining a safe and supportive environment, and helping individuals work toward their personal goals and greater independence.

DSP I staff are expected to provide respectful, person-centered care while promoting each individual’s dignity, choice, safety, and quality of life.

Students may perform the following duties under the supervision of GFH staff:

Assist with the implementation and observation of individualized service and behavioral support goals.
Observe individuals’ progress and assist with professional documentation and progress notes as appropriate.
Participate in planning and facilitating life-skills, social, recreational, and community-integration activities.
Observe and apply person-centered support strategies that promote independence, choice, dignity, and self-advocacy.
Participate in staff meetings, case discussions, and reviews of individual goals and support strategies when appropriate.
Assist with developing activities, resources, and materials that support individual skill development and quality of life.
Learn to identify behavioral, communication, and environmental factors that may affect an individual’s success.
Practice professional communication and collaboration with Direct Support Professionals, administrators, behavioral consultants, and other members of the individual’s support team.
Review applicable policies, individual rights, confidentiality requirements, and regulatory standards related to residential services for adults with developmental disabilities.
Complete supervised projects or assignments related to human services, developmental disabilities, residential programming, or facility operations.

Training:

Students will begin with a general GFH orientation covering facility operations, professional expectations, confidentiality, safety procedures, and person-centered care. Students will receive job shadowing and hands-on training alongside experienced staff to learn appropriate methods for supporting adults with developmental disabilities.

Training will also include instruction on daily living support, professional communication, documentation, community integration, individual rights, and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Students will receive ongoing supervision, feedback, and opportunities to discuss their experiences and learning goals with designated GFH staff throughout the internship.

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Direct Support Professional within an Adult Residential Facility.
Apply person-centered approaches when supporting adults with developmental disabilities in daily living, social, and community-based activities.
Develop effective professional communication skills when interacting with individuals, families, staff, and other members of the support team.
Identify appropriate strategies for promoting independence, choice, dignity, safety, and quality of life for individuals receiving residential services.
Gain an understanding of professional documentation, confidentiality, ethical responsibilities, and basic regulatory requirements within a residential care setting.