Direct Support Professionals

About Unified Community Connections: Unified Community Connections is a leading provider of services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. We believe that all people living with disabilities have the right to be treated with respect and dignity as well as to exercise the same control over their lives as any other person.

We provide comprehensive, wrap-around services tailored to the unique needs of each person and family we support. Our programs are designed to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving the quality of life they seek. We promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in all facets of life.

Job Summary: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, hands-on support to adults with developmental disabilities, helping them build independence, achieve personal goals, and fully participate in their communities. DSPs assist with daily living activities, personal care, and medical needs while promoting dignity, safety, and choice in every interaction. They also help individuals engage in meaningful recreation, transportation, and community experiences. This position is essential in fulfilling Unified Community Connections' mission to promote independence, inclusion, and a higher quality of life for people with disabilities.

Who Should Apply: This position is ideal for someone who is caring, reliable, and enjoys helping others live their best lives. The right candidate thrives in an active, team-oriented environment and takes pride in making a meaningful difference every day. Successful DSPs are patient, dependable, and comfortable assisting with personal care, transportation, and community activities. Candidates with experience in human services, caregiving, healthcare, or education are encouraged to apply - but a positive attitude, compassion, and willingness to learn are just as important. If you believe in promoting respect, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities, this role is a great fit for you.

General Description of Duties: The Direct Support Professional "DSP" provides support and assistance to adults with developmental disabilities; helps in the development of the individuals independent living skills; develops and implements energetic leisure and recreational activities for the individuals, transports individuals throughout the community, maintains documentation and contact with the Nurse, House Manager, Assistant Residential Director or Residential Program Director, as appropriate.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities: In a manner consistent with Unified Community Connections' Mission Statement, the Direct Support Professional "DSP" shall:

• Comply with all Agency, State and Federal policies and regulations.
• Ensure individuals' rights are protected including the right to be free from abuse and neglect.
• Provide direct care as needed and assigned including, but not limited to, assistance with maintaining personal hygiene, toileting, brushing teeth, dressing, feeding, hair, nail care, etc.
• Provide support and supervision as assigned and as indicated in the Person-Centered Plan.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the individuals at all times by protecting them from harm, injury, or other distress.
• Report to the supervisor significant changes, issues, and incidents regarding the individuals.
• Ensure the residence is kept clean and neat to promote a healthy, comfortable, and safe living and working environment.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to crisis situations and medical emergencies.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Serve meals consistent with the planned menu and in accordance with the individualized or specialized diets as ordered.
• Assist in safely loading and unloading individuals to and from vehicles.
• Drive individuals to and from residences, Day Programs, leisure activities and appointments in the community.
• Assist in the development and implementation of daily meaningful activities in accordance with the interests, goals, and needs of the individuals.
• Follow all program schedules and assignments including, but not limited to, staff coverage, activity calendars, residential assignments, etc.
• Foster a positive working environment through active engagement, attentiveness, and respect for the individuals supported.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with peers and administration to ensure professional high, quality service delivery.
• Utilize agency and individual owned equipment, property, and supplies properly.
• Follow all agency protocols to report damages within the program or malfunctioning equipment.
• Ensure assigned documentation requirements are met timely and maintained including, but not limited to, progress notes, facility reports, incident reports, goal documentation, medication administration, BM tracking, seizure tracking, etc.
• Assist individuals in developing and implementing recreational activities of their choosing to facilitate equal access and participation in the community.
• Assist individuals as requested and needed with active participation in meaningful person-centered activities to promote personal growth and achievement within the Residential Program.
• Have a clear understanding of each individual's medical needs, including Nursing Plan of Care, interim assessments, and establish protocols for emergency situations.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the Person-Centered Plan.
• Administer medications and treatments as needed or assigned per doctor's orders.
• Report any change in the medical status of the individual to the Nurse.
• Follow all professional plans in place including, but not limited to, Speech, OT, PT, BSP, etc.
• Report all Quality Assurance concerns and issues to the supervisor as soon as possible including, but not limited to, any health and safety concerns.
• Ensure all established and specified deadlines are met.
• Entering progress notes daily of services and support provided to individuals.
• Consistently report to work in accordance with the scheduled shift, be punctual and complete the entire shift.
• Demonstrating proper "clock-in" / "clock-out" procedures, ensuring Unified is properly billing for services provided to supported individuals.
• Adhere to the Attendance and Punctuality policy per the Employee Handbook.
• All other duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Qualifications: To successfully perform this job, the employee must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential task. The specific requirements listed above represent most of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to fulfill the requirements of the position.

Must be able to demonstrate skills in the following areas: problem solving, project/task management, time management, dependability, good judgment, safe work practices, and ensuring confidentiality.

Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure: whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and written correspondence and interpret documents. Ability to write reports and complete forms or other documents as required. Ability to communicate with others including individuals in Unified programs, family members, medical professionals, co-workers, and vendors both verbally and in written form.

Computer Skills: Ability to type and demonstrate basic computer skills.Demonstrated proficiency in using an electronic records system and medication administration system (I-care).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must possess a valid state driver's license with no more than 2 points and successfully pass defensive driving course prior to driving. Must possess or be able to pass and maintain CPR, First Aid, and MANDT training certifications.

Training: Must complete, pass and maintain all DDA required training. Must complete, pass, and maintain Medication Technician Training Program (MTTP). Must complete, pass, and maintain all Unified Community Connections trainings including, UKG, Fundamental Rights and Supporting Choice, PORII/QA/Sexual Harassment-DDA, Bloodborne Pathogens, Communicable Diseases, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Violence, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Introduction to Unified upon hire and on a recurring basis as requested or required.

Physical Demands: While performing the tasks of this position, the employee is required, but not limited to, write, type, stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, climb, crawl, and use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with arms and hands, balance, lift, stretch, etc. The employee may be required to lift/transfer up to 50 lbs. Must be willing to assist with individuals' needs, including, but not limited to feeding, dressing, toileting and hygiene assistance. Must be able to utilize proper body mechanics and safe work practices while assisting with transfers of individuals of varying weight and physical needs. Vision abilities required for this position include, near distance, far distance, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job tasks.

Work Environment: At Unified we are committed to providing safe working environments for all employees and to prevent all work-related injuries and illnesses. Working in a safe manner is an essential function of this position. Residential Program and office settings have varying degrees of background noise. Light and ventilation as found in typical program or office settings. Employee will frequently be in areas occupied by individuals in Unified's programs and he/she must be professional and respect the individual's fundamental rights.

Other:

This Direct Support Professional Job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be requested to perform other reasonable, related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management as required.

UNIFIED reserves the right to revise or change job duties at its discretion. It is mutually agreed that the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. It is also understood that the organization reserves the right to change work schedules at their discretion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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