About this position
Description:
Position Summary
DSP 2 is an advanced direct care role for team members who have attained additional required certifications and demonstrated competency to support individuals with higher medical needs and/or higher behavioral support needs. DSP 2 provides all DSP 1 functions and serves as an advanced direct care provider for individuals with higher acuity needs. DSP 2 is expected to apply enhanced clinical/behavioral support skills, model best practices, and help stabilize service delivery through strong documentation, situational leadership, and calm crisis response.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform all DSP 1 duties, including ADLs, community inclusion, transportation, and documentation.
- Provide advanced support for individuals with higher medical needs (e.g., complex medication routines, dietary/texture requirements, delegated nursing tasks where allowed by policy and licensure).
- Implement behavior support strategies consistently; respond to escalations using approved de-escalation and safety techniques.
- Serve as a peer resource/mentor for DSP 1 staff; support on-the-job coaching and modeling of documentation and care routines.
- Proactively identify risks (health, safety, behavioral, environmental) and communicate concerns to the Residential Coordinator and Area Director promptly.
- Participate in multidisciplinary coordination as requested (e.g., sharing observations for plan updates).
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Certifications / Competencies
- Meets all DSP 1 minimum qualifications.
- Holds and maintains required state/company certifications for advanced medical/behavioral support (specific certifications to be defined by state/program).
- Demonstrated competency supporting higher-acuity individuals, including medication competence and/or behavior support competence per program requirements.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
- Community-based and residential settings including homes, day programs, and community locations, offering variety and the opportunity to support individuals in real-life environments rather than institutional settings.
- Active, people-centered workdays that may involve background noise, changing routines, and occasional outdoor exposure during transportation or community outings.
- Hands-on support role that may include assistance with personal care and daily living activities; occasional exposure to blood or bodily fluids may occur, with comprehensive training and required use of universal precautions.
- Physical activity throughout the shift, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting with transfers or lifting in accordance with safety protocols and training.
- Cognitive and emotional engagement, requiring sustained attention, clear communication, patience, and timely documentation to ensure continuity of care and positive outcomes.
- Team-oriented environment with access to supervisors and clinical supports, emphasizing safety, consistency, and person-centered care