Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Dutton Farm; Michigan; On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Dutton Farm is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to work closely with participants in our day programs, promoting independence, community involvement, and personal goal attainment.

Responsibilities include supporting participants in activities such as animal care, gardening, art, and life skills, while maintaining safety, documenting progress, and collaborating with the team.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Minimum one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities, human services, education, caregiving, workforce development, or a related field.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, families, employers, and team members.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required trainings and certifications.
• Commitment to Dutton Farm's mission of empowering adults with disabilities to live lives of purpose, inclusion, and dignity.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, authentic, and trusting relationships with participants.
• Support individuals in achieving their personal goals and maximizing independence.
• Promote active engagement and participation in daily activities and programs.
• Encourage positive social interactions and meaningful relationships among participants.
• Teach and reinforce life skills, communication skills, and community engagement.
• Assist participants with activities, tasks, and experiences that promote confidence and self-determination.
• Adapt support strategies to meet individual needs while encouraging growth and independence.
• Continuously monitor the safety and well-being of assigned participants.
• Provide personal care assistance, including feeding, toileting, and mobility support as needed.
• Assist with meal preparation and warming meals when necessary.
• Report safety concerns, behavioral concerns, incidents, or emergencies immediately.
• Follow all Dutton Farm policies, procedures, and participant support plans.
• Maintain accurate daily notes, logs, and participant documentation.
• Track and communicate participant progress toward individual goals.
• Complete incident reports and required documentation in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to ensure quality participant support.
• Attend staff meetings and required trainings.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will work directly alongside participants in our day programs, encouraging independence, fostering community connections, and helping individuals achieve personal goals. Every day is different and may include supporting participants in animal care, gardening, art, life skills development, community outings, volunteer activities, and social engagement.

Staff Values

At Dutton Farm, our team members are more than employees, they are champions of inclusion, dignity, and opportunity. We are looking for individuals who embody our core values:

• Mission-Driven – We are passionate about empowering adults with disabilities to live lives of purpose, inclusion, and dignity.
• Productive – We take initiative and contribute meaningfully to the success of our participants, team, and organization.
• Dependable – We show up, follow through on commitments, and can be counted on by participants and coworkers.
• Collaborative – We work together, communicate openly, and support one another to achieve shared goals.
• Positive – We bring optimism, encouragement, and respect to every interaction.
• Responsible – We act with integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all that we do.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Build positive, authentic, and trusting relationships with participants.
• Support individuals in achieving their personal goals and maximizing independence.
• Promote active engagement and participation in daily activities and programs.
• Encourage positive social interactions and meaningful relationships among participants.
• Teach and reinforce life skills, communication skills, and community engagement.
• Assist participants with activities, tasks, and experiences that promote confidence and self-determination.
• Adapt support strategies to meet individual needs while encouraging growth and independence.
• Continuously monitor the safety and well-being of assigned participants.
• Provide personal care assistance, including feeding, toileting, and mobility support as needed.
• Assist with meal preparation and warming meals when necessary.
• Report safety concerns, behavioral concerns, incidents, or emergencies immediately.
• Follow all Dutton Farm policies, procedures, and participant support plans.
• Maintain accurate daily notes, logs, and participant documentation.
• Track and communicate participant progress toward individual goals.
• Complete incident reports and required documentation in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to ensure quality participant support.
• Attend staff meetings and required trainings.

What Success Looks Like

• Participants feel welcomed, valued, and included.
• Individuals are actively engaged in meaningful activities.
• Participants build confidence, friendships, and greater independence.
• Goals are consistently supported and documented.
• Families and community partners experience Dutton Farm's commitment to dignity, purpose, and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience working with individuals with disabilities, human services, education, caregiving, workforce development, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, families, employers, and team members.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required trainings and certifications.
• Commitment to Dutton Farm's mission of empowering adults with disabilities to live lives of purpose, inclusion, and dignity.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds and perform physical activities including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, and reaching throughout the workday.
• Ability to assist participants with mobility, personal care, daily living activities, community outings, and employment activities.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and respond appropriately in emergency situations.