Direct Support ProfessionalAt — U Come First

Direct Support Professionals will work with individuals with mental or developmental disabilities by creating behavior plans, teaching self-care skills, cooking meals and doing laundry. Additional duties may include:

• Assisting clients with daily personal tasks, including bathing and dressing
• Completing housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming, washing dishes and tidying
• Helping plan client appointments and organize a schedule
• Organizing with transportation arrangements to appointments
• Shopping for groceries and preparing meals that meet specific client dietary needs
• Encouraging client engagement in social networks and communities

Tasks:

Students will engage in professional responsibilities that support the independence, community inclusion, and skill development of adults with developmental disabilities. Duties will include:
• Direct Support Services: Assisting clients with activities of daily living, independent living skills, and community participation based on individualized support plans.

• Person-Centered Engagement: Facilitating social, recreational, and community integration activities that promote client choice, confidence, and self-advocacy.

• Behavioral Support Implementation: Applying positive behavior strategies and reinforcement techniques as trained to encourage safe and appropriate behavior.

• Professional Communication: Building rapport and maintaining respectful interactions with clients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and community partners.

• Service Documentation: Writing accurate and timely progress notes that reflect client outcomes, goals addressed, interventions used, and observations of skills or challenges.

• Safety and Crisis Response: Supporting clients using agency-approved safety guidelines, including crisis prevention and emergency response protocols when needed.

• Goal Tracking and Skill Development: Assisting in data collection, observing progress toward measurable goals, and adjusting support strategies under supervision.

• Ethical and Confidential Practice: Upholding professional boundaries, cultural humility, and confidentiality standards in all service delivery.

Training:

Students placed as Direct Support Professionals will receive comprehensive and progressive training to ensure they develop the skills needed to meet learning outcomes. Training will include:
• General Employer Orientation (Mandatory): An overview of the agency’s mission, population served, policies, confidentiality standards, and expectations for professionalism.

• Job Shadowing: Initial work shifts paired with experienced DSP staff to observe and learn effective client engagement, safety procedures, and documentation practices.
• Weekly One-on-One Meetings With Supervisor or Mentor: Regular check-ins focused on skill development, reflection, problem-solving, and feedback on performance in the field.

• Skills-Based Training Workshops: Hands-on instruction in areas such as person-centered planning, communication strategies, behavior intervention, crisis prevention, and mandated reporting.

• Documentation Training: Guidance on writing accurate service notes, progress documentation, and data collection aligned with agency standards and Regional Center requirements.

• Assigned Literature and Learning Materials: Review of training manuals, educational resources, and client support plans to enhance understanding of disability support best practices.

• Guided Practice and Support: Opportunities for students to gradually take on more responsibility with ongoing coaching to build confidence and professional competency.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the academic internship as a Direct Support Professional, the student will be able to:

Provide individualized support that promotes independence, community integration, and enhanced quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Apply effective communication strategies that encourage client choice, respect cultural backgrounds, and build trusting professional relationships.
Accurately document services, progress, and challenges using person-centered language that aligns with agency and Regional Center requirements.
Demonstrate knowledge of safety protocols, crisis prevention strategies, and ethical standards to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and natural supports to ensure continuity of care and achievement of client goals.