JOB TITLE: DSP / Direct Support Professional (DODD-Certified)
Employment type: Full-Time weekly schedule (approx. 40 hours/wk) + desire for Long-term commitment (2+ years at HCN)
- Currently Active DODD Certification is required
- Minimum of 1-year (2+ preferred) experience as active DSP is required
- Minimum of 1-year paid experience in home care is required (experience with home health agency highly desired)
- Requires interest in long-term employment commitment (temps and short-term availability cannot be considered for this position)
- Requires willingness to provide care in a home with a dog
- Requires enthusiastic willingness and ability to provide mental stimulation through playing games, taking walks, etc.
- Active CPR + FA certification and documentation of both
- Requires willingness to perform housekeeping, meal prep, and mild hands‑on‑care duties regularly
- Character traits: reliable, honest beyond reproach, professional, compassionate, detail‑oriented (in care + documentation), accountable, friendly and accommodating, respectful
- Willingness and ability to perform required physical demands
- Consent + Ability to pass a State & Federal background check (including fingerprints)
- 18yo + active Driver's License / State ID
- Reliable transportation to all scheduled visits, within full reach of stated travel radius
Schedule Requirements & Options
- Immediate start with approx. 40 hours: full-time, weekday-evening hours + weekends require consistent availability.
Salary
Pay Rate: $16 - $19/hr
What we offer
- Flexible shift times also available - we build reliable, consistent schedules that fit your lifestyle and pay weekly.
- Weekly pay (on Fridays) including paid onboarding and training.
- No requirements for On-Call shifts, Weekends, extensive travel distances, or overtime (when not desired).
- Friendly travel expectations: Typical daily travel consists of Up to 30-minute client travel radius (from your home).
- Up to 45- or 60-minute client travel radius (from your home) is highly desired (not required).
- Candidates seeking cases closer to home (<30 minutes) will be considered if necessary.
- Mileage reimbursement between multiple clients is provided.
- Full‑time employees are eligible for qualifying Qualifying Health, Dental and Vision Coverage Plans (for Individual + Dependent(s)/Family), generous Employee Referral Bonuses, and other company benefits and perks.
- All employees are eligible for unlimited referral bonuses based on HCN's Referral Bonus Program criteria, monthly and quarterly incentives and recognition, and Growth Opportunity Support such as pay and title promotions for advanced certifications and degrees, as well as schedule accommodations for school/classes.
A successful DSP provides personal care services under the direction of the Registered Nurse or Therapist in their region. You will be assigned to specific clients by the Registered Nurse or other appropriate professionals and perform services for clients as necessary to maintain personal comfort and safety in their home.
Report to: RN Case Manager / Administrator / Director of Nursing
Responsibilities
- Personal care, hygiene and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including safe transfers, and mobility/positioning support
- Mental stimulation through playing games, taking walks, etc.
- Support safe use of assistive devices (walkers, wheelchairs, lifts) - as needed
- Nutrition & Meal / Meal Prep Support
- Homemaking & Environmental Support (IADLs) including light housekeeping, errands, and tasks required to maintain a clean, safe, and organized home environment
- Community Engagement & Appointment Support, Coordination, and (in approved situations) Transportation
- Basic Health and Safety Monitoring
- Care Plan Implementation
- Dementia & Behavioral Support (if applicable)
- Demonstrated ability to follow a written Plan of Care
- Pro‑active observation and excellent electronic documentation
- Supporting client independence, safety and confidentiality
- Professional, caring, and compassionate behavior to clients, client families, and your peers / co‑workers
- Total Care Team Collaboration
- Ongoing Training & Certification Requirements
- Bathing
- Shampooing
- Skin care/nail care
- Oral hygiene
- Shaving
- Dressing
- Meal preparation/feeding
- Laundry
- Light Housekeeping
- Assists in the patient in taking medications under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse. This includes opening a container or pill caddy & handing it to the patient, but does not include administration of the medications.
- Knows and follows infection control policies, including proper hand washing techniques.
- Reports any observed or reported changes in the client's condition and/or needs to the Registered Nurse.
- Documents care provided and completes the forms required for the client's records. Completes the appropriate records to document cares given and pertinent observations.
- Promotes personal safety and a safe environment for clients by observing infection control practices, following agency guidelines, and reporting unsafe situations to the Supervisor/Case Manager.
- Demonstrates safe practice in the use of equipment. Does not use equipment until orientation has been provided. Notifies supervisor of educational needs.
- Communicates effectively with all members of the interdisciplinary team through verbal reports, participation in staff meetings, and team conferences, as requested.
- Treats patients and families with respect. Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
- Accepts and fulfills assignments with the agency. Exercise good judgment in accepting assignments.
- Participates in required in-service programs to meet compliance requirements. Identifies learning needs to agency supervisor.
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary
- Frequent standing, walking, stopping/bending, infrequent squatting/kneeling, and balancing
- Weight handled: push, force required: 1-20 lbs. frequently, 20-30 lbs. occasionally, 30-50 lbs. infrequently, carry/lift:1-20 lbs. frequently, 20-30 lbs. occasionally, 30-50 lbs. infrequently.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
- Performs simple procedures as an extension of therapy services under the direction and supervision of the therapist.
- Range of motion exercises
- Assistance in ambulation or exercises
- Performs personal care activities, including but not limited to:
- Bathing
- Shampooing
- Skin care/nail care
- Oral hygiene
- Shaving
- Dressing
- Performs household services essential to health care at home, including but not limited to:
- Meal preparation/feeding
- Laundry
- Light Housekeeping
- Assists in the patient in taking medications under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse. This includes opening a container or pill caddy & handing it to the patient, but does not include administration of the medications.
- Knows and follows infection control policies, including proper hand washing techniques.
- Reports any observed or reported changes in the client's condition and/or needs to the Registered Nurse.
- Documents care provided and completes the forms required for the client's records. Completes the appropriate records to document cares given and pertinent observations.
- Promotes personal safety and a safe environment for clients by observing infection control practices, following agency guidelines, and reporting unsafe situations to the Supervisor/Case Manager.
- Demonstrates safe practice in the use of equipment. Does not use equipment until orientation has been provided. Notifies supervisor of educational needs.
- Communicates effectively with all members of the interdisciplinary team through verbal reports, participation in staff meetings, and team conferences, as requested.
- Treats patients and families with respect. Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
- Accepts and fulfills assignments with the agency. Exercise good judgment in accepting assignments.
- Participates in required in-service programs to meet compliance requirements. Identifies learning needs to agency supervisor.
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary
- Main physical demands:
- Frequent standing, walking, stopping/bending, infrequent squatting/kneeling, and balancing
- Weight handled: push, force required: 1-20 lbs. frequently, 20-30 lbs. occasionally, 30-50 lbs. infrequently, carry/lift:1-20 lbs. frequently, 20-30 lbs. occasionally, 30-50 lbs. infrequently.
Are you willing to consent to a background check, including a criminal record check, and an employment and education verification?