DSP Direct Support Professional

Golden Years; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Training & development

Job summary

Golden Years is seeking a Direct Support Professional to help individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities achieve greater independence and improved quality of life. You will provide hands-on support in daily living, community integration, and personal development, empowering people to live self-directed lives.

Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, promoting independence, and facilitating community participation while following individualized plans

Qualifications

• Must have strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to work with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Willingness to follow individualized support plans.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, meals).
• Encourage independence and empower self-directed living.
• Promote social skills, community involvement, and personal choice.
• Assist with community access and appointments as needed.
• Use PCSP to assess support needs and document accordingly.
• Transport individuals to appointments, errands, events, or activities.
• Provide support in medication administration and document as required (if certified).
• Support development in areas like budgeting, nutrition, and social skills.
• Advocate for rights, dignity, and preferences of each person.
• Follow person-centered approaches and maintain a safe environment.
• Implement specialized plans (behavior, nutrition, etc.).
• Communicate effectively with team, families, and partners.
• Collaborate with supervisors and colleagues to ensure quality care.
• Complete documentation within required timeframes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Patience

Reliability

English proficiency

Job description

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Training & development

Position

Direct Support Professional

Reports To

Residential Administrator

Position Summary

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are responsible for supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence and enhancing their quality of life. DSPs will play a vital role in providing hands‑on support in daily living, community integration, and personal development. DSPs will empower the people we support in living self‑directed lives and developing the skills necessary to live the lives they deserve and desire.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and meal preparation.
• Encourage and empower the people we support to live as independently as they desire
• Promote social skills, community involvement, and individual choice
• Assist the people we support in gaining meaningful access to the community in the ways in which they desire
• Utilize the Person-Centered Support Plan (PCSP) to assess the supports needs and provide the level of support dictated in the PCSP
• Transport and accompany the people we support to appointments, errands, community events, and/or recreational activities
• Provide support in medication administration and complete appropriate documentation (if certified to do so)
• Provide guidance on a range of developmental goals. Goals may include community participation, financial budgeting, exercise, nutrition, vocational skills, and/or interpersonal skills.
• Advocate for the rights, dignity, and preferences of each person supported
• Adhere to a person-centered approach with working with the individuals we support
• Monitor and ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment for the people we support
• Implement any specialized plans (behavior, nutrition, etc.)
• Communicate effectively with other team members, family and/or natural supports of the person supported, other providers, and other members of the person’s team
• Collaborate with supervisors, team members, families, and other member’s of the person’s team to ensure the highest quality of care
• Complete all required documentation within the required timeframes

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Reliable transportation to and from the job site
• Valid US Work Authorization
• Ability to pass a criminal background check, and all required registry checks
• Valid CPR and First Aid Certification from an approved entity
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Patience, reliability, and a commitment to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Able to read and understand instructions, perform electronic record keeping, and write reports and daily notes as required
• Effectively read, write, and communicate verbally in English
• Must be able to complete electronic training required by the Department of Disability and Aging in the Relias system
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and provide physical support as required.
• Must be able to walk up and down stairs