Direct Support Professional DSP
23 days ago
San Diego
Job Description We are seeking a Home Care Aide (Direct Support Professional: DSP) to join our team! You will work directly with individuals, following a one-on-one care plan or in a group setting. You operate with a big heart, providing personalized and attentive care and building genuine relationships with those you serve. You are detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to creating a healthy environment that meets patient needs. Strong verbal and written communication skills are needed to succeed in this role. Prior Home Health or Hospice experience is a plus. A Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support and care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs work to empower each individual to live independently, achieve personal goals, and participate fully in their community. Services may be provided in various settings, including residential homes, day programs, or community-based locations. Key Responsibilities • Implement Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), • Develop and Execute Plans: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to interpret each individual’s ISP and translate objectives into actionable steps., • Assessment and Ongoing Evaluation: Regularly review goals, conduct progress evaluations, and adapt support strategies based on evolving needs, preferences, and performance., • Medical Monitoring: Observe and record changes in health status, promptly communicate concerns to healthcare professionals, and follow up on prescribed treatments., • Medication Administration: Administer medications in compliance with authorized procedures and maintain accurate documentation to confirm dosage, timing, and any side effects., • Hands-On Assistance: Offer direct support with personal care tasks (e.g., bathing, dressing, toileting) while promoting dignity, privacy, and autonomy., • Meal Planning & Preparation: Guide individuals in planning balanced meals, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up, encouraging them to participate actively based on their capabilities., • Social & Recreational Inclusion: Identify and facilitate participation in community events, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and recreational activities that reflect individual interests., • Networking & Relationship Building: Support the development of friendships and community ties by promoting social skills, appropriate communication, and conflict resolution., • Identify and Reinforce Strengths: Use evidence-based teaching methods (e.g., task analysis, prompting, reinforcement) to enhance daily living, vocational, and social skills., • Individual Goal-Setting: Collaborate with the individual, their family, and the care team to set realistic, measurable objectives that encourage personal growth and increased independence., • Accurate Record-Keeping: Provide clear, concise, and detailed documentation of each individual’s daily activities, progress toward goals, and any incidents or concerns., • Compliance & Confidentiality: Ensure that all records meet DDS standards and guidelines, safeguarding sensitive information in alignment with HIPAA and other regulatory requirements., • Rights Education: Inform and educate individuals about their rights, including the right to make choices, speak up, and participate in decisions that affect them., • Promote Self-Advocacy: Offer tools and encouragement to help individuals voice their opinions, request accommodations, and resolve conflicts with minimal external intervention., • Team Coordination: Work alongside case managers, therapists, nurses, psychologists, and other specialists to create a cohesive support network that addresses each aspect of an individual’s well-being., • Active Participation: Attend team meetings, share observations, recommend enhancements, and communicate individual progress and concerns, ensuring seamless, unified service delivery., • Ethical Conduct: Uphold ethical standards, treating individuals, families, and colleagues with respect, empathy, and honesty., • Policy Adherence: Follow internal policies and DDS regulations, including codes of conduct, safety protocols, and operational procedures., • Assist patients with daily activities such as moving in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, or automobiles, • Care for patients by changing bed linens, doing laundry, cleaning the home, or assisting with personal care, • Maintain records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems to report and discuss observations with the supervisor, • Build relationships with patients by conversing or reading aloud to help keep them mentally healthy and alert, • Give medications and immunizations, • Engage patients in exercises or other activities