Direct Support Professional

Magnolia Community Services; Louisiana (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Magnolia Community Services is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at their Main Campus. You will assist clients with daily living skills, support them in engaging with activities, and document their progress.

The ideal candidate must have a High School diploma, some experience with developmentally disabled adults, and a valid Louisiana Driver’s License. The position involves providing a high level of support and ensuring clients are safe and engaged.

Qualifications

• Preferred experience with developmentally disabled adults.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with bathing and grooming as per Individual Service Plan.
• Support clients in daily living skills like meal preparation and hygiene.
• Document shift reports and resident behaviors.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management skills

Basic arithmetic skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Location: Main Campus, Group Homes

Reports To: Client Care Manager

FLSA Status: Hourly/Non-exempt

Employee Status: Full-time/part-time

Work Schedule: 8‑hour shifts: 8 am‑4 pm, 4 pm‑12 am, and 12 am‑8 am

Supervision Given: None

Supervision Received: Client Care Manager, Case Manager

NATURE AND SCOPE OF POSITION

Assists in providing self‑care training and therapeutic treatments to residents of ICF/IID facility, working under the direction of Lead DSP, Case Manager, and programmatic staff, by performing the following duties.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School diploma or GED, preferred.

Work Experience

• Previous experience with developmentally disabled adults preferred.

Certification or License

• Current Louisiana Driver’s License required.
• Current Automotive Insurance Coverage required.
• Attendance at Mandatory Training & In‑Services.
• Current CPR certification.
• Certified Nursing Assistant preferred.

Special Skills

• Some knowledge of MS Office is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and positive attitude.
• Excellent time‑management and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form; handle problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Basic arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, calculation of rates, ratios, percentages, and interpretation of bar graphs.

Other Considerations

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Valid, unencumbered Louisiana Driver’s License.
• Acceptable Driver’s Motor Vehicle Record required.
• Ability to pass pre‑employment background check.
• Ability to pass pre‑employment drug screening.
• Ability to pass pre‑employment physical.
• Maintains a professional appearance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain knowledge of and follow individual’s goals and objectives as reflected in the Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Accompany and support clients in the home and/or community as necessary to assure safety and to achieve goals set forth in plan of care.
• Accompany clients to shower rooms, and assist them in bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming.
• Assist clients according to their individualized plan of care in becoming accustomed to group home routines and encourage participation in social and recreational activities. Take clients to community events such as library, church services, movies.
• Support individuals with daily living skills as needed (meal preparation, personal hygiene, household chores, laundry, etc.).
• Actively engage with clients throughout the shift to provide leadership and camaraderie.
• Assist individuals with physical and mobility needs as needed.
• Observe clients to prevent wandering from group home areas or grounds.
• Observe and document resident behaviors such as speech production, feeding patterns, and toilet training, to facilitate assessment and development of treatment goals.
• Feed clients or attempt to persuade them to eat, and record reasons for rejection of food.
• Monitor diet compliance and incidents of choking hazards.
• Observe clients to detect unusual behavior and aid them in preventing injury to themselves or others.
• Document shift reports daily and other required forms (census, seizure, behaviors, etc.).
• Document Active Treatment Goals.
• Report needed repairs to the case manager.
• Attend required training to improve knowledge and skills.
• Follow the mission statement of Magnolia by providing the highest quality of leadership, advocacy, and service for individuals with developmental disabilities in Greater New Orleans area.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Physical demands:

• Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear.
• Stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl frequently.
• Sit and taste or smell occasionally.
• Lift and/or transfer clients when required; clients weighing over 100 pounds may require a two‑person lift or use of a lift system.
• Specific vision and depth perception required.

Work environment characteristics:

• Exposure to outside weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and fumes or airborne particles.
• Noise level usually moderate.