DE - State - Homes - Direct Support Professional Lead

KenCrest; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

KenCrest seeks a Direct Support Professional – Lead DSP to serve as the on‑site lead for care and documentation. You will mentor DSP staff, coordinate with the Program Manager, and help run the community home smoothly and safely.

You will oversee meal prep, personal care, transport, and safety procedures while ensuring adherence to ISP and medical/behavioral plans, with a focus on empowering individuals to lead more independent lives.

Qualifications

• NADSP Certification Level 1 required.
• 1–3 years direct care experience in IDD or health field.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Clear criminal background and drug screening as required.
• Ability to complete CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration training.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead DSP staff on shift and liaison with Program Manager.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to DSP staff on shift.
• Assist with scheduling, documentation, and house/vehicle maintenance.
• Administer medications per policies and protocols.
• Transport individuals to appointments and community activities.
• Maintain health and safety per ISP and behavior plans.
• Complete required forms and daily logs.

Skills

NADSP Certification Level 1

Direct care experience

Valid driver’s license

Clear background checks

CPR/First Aid/Medication training

English communication

Strong communication skills

Job description

Summary:

The Direct Support Professional – Lead DSP - 1 (LDSP-1) serves as the point person at the community home for care-related and documentation-related assistance and expertise. This position will lead by example and help ensure that the home is running smoothly and efficiently while assisting the Program Manager.

Key Relationships: Individuals, families, advocates, program manager, peers, champions, nurses, physicians and medical personnel.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Essential Functions:

Lead Direct Support Professional responsibilities:

• Act as liaison between Program Manager, individuals, and Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff on scheduled shift.
• Provide expertise and direction to DSP staff on shift concerning the care of the individuals (mentor).
• Assist Program Manager with the following, but not limited to: obtaining receipts, paperwork, documentation, house maintenance, vehicle maintenance, client funds, scheduling appointments, reviewing staff training, etc.
• Other duties as assigned including possible administrative support duties.

Leadership

• Assist individuals with household management, including shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, and all other household chores. The DSP is responsible for performing these duties in cases where the individuals do not participate. In these cases, however, the DSP should involve the individual as much as possible so individuals can feel ownership of their lives and home.
• Provide well-balanced, nutritious meals, following any established diet plans and/or feeding protocols as outlined in the Individual ISP or Nursing Protocol.
• Assist, guide, support, and perform (as necessary) personal hygiene care, including bathing and toileting individuals who need assistance with these tasks.
• Provide instruction, guidance, and support in self-help skills, social skills, and community integration.
• Assist individuals in making informed choices, trying new experiences, developing relationships, and becoming self-advocates. This includes empowering individuals to make their own decisions and maintaining their rights.

Communication

• Follow established procedures for vehicle and household maintenance, including submitting maintenance requests and performing maintenance tasks as directed.
• Complete forms and reports as directed by the Program Manager, including entries in the daily log book. This includes ensuring medical visit forms, medical data, and behavioral data forms are correctly maintained.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with individuals, co-workers, families, internal, and external stakeholders such as doctors, nurses, supports coordinators etc.

Collaboration

• Administer medications to individuals accurately and in accordance with policies, procedures, medical, and/or behavioral protocols.
• Implement Outcomes as documented in the KenCrest Assessment and/or Individual ISP, along with medical plans and behavior management programs, and record data as required.
• Transport individuals to appointments, jobs, day programs, and any other community outings, adhering to all vehicle and driving procedures and regulations. In addition, must know any specific individual safety protocols along with adhering to the KenCrest vehicle policy including GPS tracking.

Financial Responsibility

• Maintain petty cash record accurately.
• Accurately record time in KenCrest time and attendance system.

Problem-Solving and Follow-through

• Maintain supervision of the individual in accordance with the ISP and any ratio supervision required.
• Responsible for the maintenance of health for the individuals KenCrest supports, including monitoring for signs and symptoms of illness and emotional or behavioral concerns. In addition, must adhere strictly to any medical or behavioral protocols.
• Act immediately and appropriately in an emergency, including calling emergency units, administering CPR or First Aid, or transporting individuals to emergency services.
• Follow all safety procedures and regulations.
• Maintain a safe, healthy environment for individuals and co-workers.
• Complete all required training within established timelines. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Data and Analytics

• Identify and report concerning individual behavior to Program Manager with analysis of preceding conditions that may have contributed.
• Inform Program Manager of potential changes to the individual support plan that could increase the individual’s independence and quality of life.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. NADSP Certification Level 1
2. 1-3 years of direct care experience working in the IDD or health related field
3. Valid driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record
4. Clear criminal record, background checks, and drug test in accordance with state requirements
5. Ability to pass all required training, including CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration
6. Ability to convey, understand, and follow spoken and written instructions in English
7. Strong Communication skills

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Core Competencies:

1. Demonstrated understanding of and belief in positive approaches as a guiding philosophy, along with a strong commitment to community integration for people with disabilities.
2. Ability to work semi-independently or independently as required, in an effective, professional manner.
3. Ability to work proactively within a team, both at the work site and with other Ken-Crest staff, professionals, and members of the community.
4. Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written form.
5. Demonstrated respect for the rights and confidentiality of the individuals.
6. Professionally represent KenCrest Services’ mission and philosophy.
7. Exhibit the KenCrest core competencies of communication, financial responsibility, follow through, innovation, integrity and trust, job skills/functional knowledge, leadership, positive approaches/respect for others, problem solving, responsiveness, safeguards, and team participation.
8. Leader – Leader skills includes demonstrates self-awareness and manages conflict

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand or move about for periods of time, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, reach, bend, kneel, and climb stairs.

Working Conditions:

Staff in this position work in a typical home setting in the community. Noise level is moderate. The work schedule may require flexibility, including the ability to remain at work until relieved and/or to work overtime hours as required.

Acknowledgements:

Supervisor: I have approved this job description and reviewed it with my employee.

Signature: Date:

Employee: I have reviewed this job description with my supervisor and acknowledge receipt.

Signature: Date:

The statements contained in this job description reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as an all-inclusive, detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. KenCrest Services may change specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the agency.