Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP 1)

Bridgewell; Wakefield (MA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent health benefits

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Bridgewell in Wakefield, MA, is seeking a Direct Support Professional to assist individuals with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities in residential and community settings. The role involves daily living skills training, supervision, and community access, with potential specialized trainings such as PABC or MAP.

Responsibilities include documenting progress, assisting with transportation, and maintaining safety.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Computer literacy including Microsoft products and web‑based applications used by the agency.
• Ability to drive a large and/or wheelchair van and hold a valid US driver's license with a minimum of one year of driving experience in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and assist people in activities of daily living.
• Foster decision‑making and independence.
• Follow regulatory standards and Bridgewell policies.
• Assist with medical, clinical and financial needs.
• Transport and accompany people to activities outside the program.
• Maintain progress notes and documentation.
• Complete household cleaning duties.
• Administer medications as MAP regulations allow.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Driving license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Schedule: Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-7:00pm and Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm (40 hours per week)

Bridgewell strengthens communities by providing an unmatched range of social and human services that empower people with disabilities and other life challenges to live safe, self-directed, and productive lives. Bridgewell delivers support through community housing, day programs, outpatient treatment, recovery services, education, and employment training. We're committed to helping people in need, from those with autism to people with substance use disorders, become engaged members of their communities. Bridgewell is also the industry leader in developing innovative offerings responding to unmet or emerging needs. Our employees take pride in making everyday count to its fullest. They are committed to adding value to the lives of the people we support, and they bring energy, ideas, and a passion for service. Does this describe you? Then please consider joining our incredible team! Connecting People with Possibilities

Mission:

Bridgewell inspires hope and empowers people experiencing life challenges to achieve their fullest potential.

Summary:

The Direct Support Professional will provide support and assistance to people with developmental, physical and psychiatric disabilities based on the needs of the residential program assigned. The role involves daily intervention, supervision, and skills training in activities of daily living within home environments and in the community. Staff may need specialized certifications or training such as PABC, ABA techniques, autism, behavioral support, or healthcare. Staff must pass specialized training and may be required to provide enhanced supervision or interventions for multiple disabilities including behavioral support or enhanced medical care.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide support and assist people in our services with skills training in all activities of daily living during the day, evening and/or overnight hours.
• Create opportunities and provide support to foster decision‑making and independence.
• Provide services in accordance with DDS, DMH, MassHealth, HUD, DPH, CARF, and applicable regulatory standards and Bridgewell policies.
• Assist with all medical, clinical and financial needs.
• Transport and accompany people to medical, recreational and other activities outside the program.
• Maintain daily progress notes, shift checklists, shift assignments and other required documentation.
• Complete household cleaning duties as assigned.
• Conduct steady care calls as per guidelines (applicable to all awake overnight shifts).
• Assist with accessing resources and recreational opportunities in the community.
• Administer medications according to MAP regulations, where applicable.
• Maintain mandatory training certifications such as FA/CPR, PABC and MAP.
• Maintain additional mandated certifications and trainings required by the program.
• Develop positive relationships with guardians, family members and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the program's specific Fire Safety Officer or Safety Coordinator or Human Rights Officer.
• Comply with Bridgewell Safety Checks Policy.
• Attend and participate in program staff meetings and supervision meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience

• High school diploma or GED or at least 5+ years of verified experience in the same position is required.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities preferred.

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Computer literacy including Microsoft products and web‑based applications used by the agency.
• Ability to drive a large and/or wheelchair van and hold a valid US driver's license with a minimum of one year of driving experience in the United States.

Physical Demands

The physical demands require the employee to maneuver people of varying weights, provide lifting, balanced support, and physical intervention in multiple scenarios. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be able to:

• Climb stairs and physically assist people served, often weighing more than 200 pounds, with movement, bathroom routines, toileting, entering and exiting tubs or showers, and entering and exiting wheelchairs or other assisted devices.
• Lift or move people as part of daily living activities.
• Drive a 12‑passenger van.

Bridgewell Offers

• Excellent health benefits – medical, dental, vision.
• Generous paid time off including birthday.
• A collaborative work environment that values new insight and personal contributions.
• Opportunities for training and development across over one hundred programs in the North Shore, Lowell, and Merrimack Valley.
• Additional compensation for on‑call rotations.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Why Should You Apply

If the top benefits alone don't sway you, our compassionate and collaborative work environment should! Bridgewell is committed to training and developing staff and provides opportunities for you to have a positive impact on the work you do.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Requires acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.

Bridgewell is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The pay range listed for this position is the hourly rate range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Salary: $20.12 - $20.72 per hour