Direct Support Professional

CAYA Collaborative Care; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

CAYA Collaborative Care seeks a Direct Support Professional to provide direct care and companionship to individuals with IDD at Monroe, Metcalfe, and Hart County locations. You will support daily living, health needs, and community participation with a focus on dignity and choice.

The role requires patience, strong communication, and the ability to document progress. Training in CPR/First Aid and ongoing state-mandated DSP coursework are provided.

Qualifications

• Patience, compassion, and genuine commitment to person-centered care.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Cultural competency and respect for diversity.
• Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification and complete state-mandated training.

Responsibilities

• Provide ADL support including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and mobility.
• Assist with meal planning, preparation, and feeding.
• Administer medications per training and maintain MARs.
• Monitor health status and report changes to supervisors or medical staff.
• Support community engagement, social, educational, and recreational activities.
• Provide transportation to appointments and activities.
• Assist with ISP and behavior support plan implementation.
• Teach skills for independence, such as budgeting and hygiene.

Skills

Patience

Compassion

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Reliability

Punctuality

Cultural competency

Safety awareness

First Aid training

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, support, and companionship to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), helping them live full, independent, and self-directed lives within their homes and communities. The DSP promotes dignity, choice, and person-centered practices in all aspects of care. The primary location for this position is Monroe, Metcalfe, and Hart County.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Personal Care & Daily Living SupportAssist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobilitySupport meal planning, preparation, and feeding as needed, accommodating special dietsAdminister medications per training and physician orders, and maintain accurate medication administration records (MARs)Monitor and document health status, reporting changes to supervisors, nurses, or medical professionalsCommunity & Social EngagementSupport individuals in community integration activities (shopping, recreation, appointments, employment, volunteering)Facilitate participation in social, educational, and recreational activities aligned with personal interests and goalsProvide transportation to appointments, activities, and community outingsPerson-Centered Planning & Skill BuildingImplement individual support plans (ISPs) and behavior support plans as directedTeach and reinforce skills that promote independence (budgeting, cooking, hygiene, communication, social skills)Support individuals in making informed choices and self-advocacyHealth & SafetyMaintain a safe, clean, and healthy living environmentRespond appropriately to emergencies, including administering first aid/CPR as neededFollow all infection control, universal precautions, and safety protocolsRecognize and report signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation per mandated reporting requirementsDocumentation & ComplianceMaintain accurate and timely documentation (progress notes, incident reports, data collection)Adhere to HIPAA, agency policies, and state/federal regulations governing IDD servicesAttend required trainings (CPR/First Aid, medication administration, behavior support, abuse prevention, etc.)Communication & TeamworkCommunicate effectively with individuals served, families, guardians, and interdisciplinary team membersParticipate in team meetings, trainings, and care plan reviewsCollaborate with nurses, therapists, case managers, and other professionalsQUALIFICATIONS:High school diploma or GEDValid driver's license and clean driving record (if transporting individuals)Must be at least 18 years of agePass background check, drug screening, and required health screenings (TB test, etc.)Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification and complete state-mandated DSP trainingJOB REQUIREMENTS / EXPECTATIONS:Skills and CompetenciesPatience, compassion, and genuine commitment to person-centered careStrong communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to remain calm and use sound judgment in emergencies or crisis situationsBasic computer skills for documentationReliability and punctualityCultural competency and respect for diversityPhysical RequirementsAbility to lift/transfer individuals (specify weight, e.g., up to 50 lbs) with or without assistive devicesAbility to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periodsAbility to respond quickly in emergency situationsCORE VALUES:All employees must be willing to live our company's core values.Integrity – Exhibiting the highest moral, ethical and legal standards. Doing the right thing – even when no one else is looking.Teamwork – Putting team success over personal success. Actively valuing the strengths and talents of others.Trust/Respect– Seeing and believing in the good intentions of others. Interacting with others in a way that makes them feel valued. Listening without judging. Offering understanding and acceptance.Care/Compassion – Demonstrating unconditional kindness, concern and empathy. Exhibiting genuine concern for others.Ownership/Accountability – Taking personal responsibility for one’s work, actions and feelings. Accepting responsibility for and learning from mistakes.