Position Summary

The DSP provides direct care, supervision, behavioral support, and skill-building services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may present with behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges. DSPs maintain a safe, structured, trauma-informed, and person-centered home environment while implementing (ISPs) Individual Service Plans. Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and safety protocols.

This position requires heightened awareness, proactive behavior monitoring, de-escalation skills, and precise documentation.

Core Responsibilities

Residential Care & ADLs

Assist with bathing, hygiene, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility
Support residents in daily routines while promoting independence
Provide structure and consistency in daily schedules

Behavioral Support Implementation

DSPs are responsible for active behavioral supervision:

Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) exactly as written
Identify early warning signs of behavioral escalation
Use approved de-escalation and redirection techniques
Maintain calm, neutral, and supportive communication
Use positive reinforcement strategies
Avoid power struggles or confrontational responses
Document all behavioral incidents objectively

Crisis Prevention & Response

When behaviors escalate, DSPs must:

Follow crisis prevention protocols
Maintain safety of all residents and staff
Remove potential environmental triggers
Use approved intervention techniques only
Immediately notify supervisor for high-risk incidents
Complete required incident documentation

DSPs do not use physical intervention unless trained, authorized, and policy allows.

Supervision & Safety Monitoring

Maintain continuous line-of-sight supervision when required
Conduct routine checks and headcounts
Monitor interactions between residents
Reduce environmental risks and triggers
Follow elopement prevention procedures

Skill Building & Emotional Regulation Support

Support coping skills and self-regulation strategies
Teach communication and social skills
Encourage problem-solving and self-advocacy
Model appropriate behavior

Health Monitoring & Medication Support

When authorized:

Assist with medication administration
Monitor for side effects impacting behavior
Report changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or functioning

Documentation Requirements

DSPs must document:

Daily service notes with behavior and support details
Interventions used and resident response
Behavioral data tracking
Incidents and safety concerns
Medication observations

Notes must reflect active support, not passive supervision.

Rights, Dignity & Trauma-Informed Care

Maintain respect and dignity at all times
Avoid coercive or punitive approaches
Support resident voice and choice
Recognize trauma triggers and respond appropriately

Team Communication

Communicate behavioral trends to supervisors
Participate in team meetings
Support implementation of clinical recommendations

Scope of Practice

DSPs do not:

Provide clinical therapy
Modify BSPs
Conduct psychological assessments
Use unauthorized restraint or intervention

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED
Ability to work with individuals with behavioral challenges
Ability to pass background screening

Preferred

Experience in behavioral or mental health settings
CPI or crisis intervention training
Residential IDD experience

Physical Requirements

Ability to assist residents physically
Ability to respond quickly during emergencies
Ability to maintain stamina for active supervision

Acknowledgment

I understand the behavioral supervision responsibilities required for this DSP position.

(DSP) Behavioral Support Focus