Sample Position Descriptions
You already know that a career as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) can be your ticket to making a difference in your community. But what does the job actually entail? How will you know what your day-to-day work will be like? How will you know if it’s a good fit?
A great starting point is to read position descriptions from agencies looking to hire DSPs. To help you get started, we’ve compiled three such descriptions from real agencies that used these to recruit and eventually hire real DSPs. Use these sample position descriptions to not only glean a sense of the work, but also of the wide variety of career paths that are possible as a DSP.
Sample Position Description: Adult Residential Services
The DSP shall be responsible to support adults with disabilities of all ages and others who need assistance to lead self-directed lives and contribute to their communities; and supports behaviors that enhance inclusion in their communities. The DSP shall understand that people requiring support who have one disability, such as mental illness, can also have another disability, such as a substance abuse disorder, cognitive disability or a medical condition. These conditions are called co-occurring disorders. The DSP shall promote the agency’s welcoming and effective provision of supports to such people.
The DSP is responsible to assure that quality supports and services are provided to people residing in the homes to which he/she has been assigned, and that the philosophy of the agency is adhered to at all times. The DSP is responsible to assure that there is consistency in the supports provided to each person with disabilities; that the communication among team members is effective; that duplication of efforts is eliminated; bureaucracy is reduced; that the small agency feeling is maintained; that a holistic approach is provided to people supported; and best practices are used.
The DSP is responsible for teaching daily living, communication and work skills, administering medications and first aid, providing safe transportation, assisting with or coordinating medical and other support service appointments, maintaining accurate and detailed documentation and records, safeguarding the monetary and personal resources of people supported, and implementing the philosophy, policies and procedures of the agency.
Sample Position Description: Community Support Services
The DSP shall be responsible to support adults with disabilities of all ages and others who need assistance to lead self-directed lives and contribute to their communities; and supports behaviors that enhance inclusion, develop social roles and build social capital in their communities. The DSP shall understand that people requiring support who have one disability, such as mental illness, can also have another disability, such as a substance abuse disorder, cognitive disability or a medical condition. These conditions are called co-occurring disorders. The DSP shall promote the agency’s welcoming and effective provision of supports to such people.
The DSP is responsible to assure that quality supports and services are provided to people in their homes and communities and that the philosophy of the agency is adhered to at all times.
The DSP is responsible to assure that there is consistency in the supports provided to each person with disabilities; that the communication among team members is effective; that duplication of efforts is eliminated; bureaucracy is reduced; that the small agency feeling is maintained; that a holistic approach is provided to people supported; and best practices are used.
Sample Position Description: Intellectual Disability Services (Float DSP)
The Floating Direct Support Professional (FDSP) shall follow the Direct Support Professional Job Description in addition to following the roles, responsibilities and procedures outlined within this description.
The FDSP shall provide direct support to individuals with disabilities on an as needed basis when other staff call out or to cover planned time off. He/she must follow the job description of a Direct Support Professional.
Upon hire as a FDSP, the FDSP must have and maintain all the necessary qualifications, certifications and training to provide the desired service. H/she must have and maintain the qualifications, certifications and required training of a Direct Support Professional.