LEAD DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Resources for Human Development; Bridgeton (MO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of support services is seeking a Lead Direct Support Professional in Bridgeton, Missouri. This role involves supporting the Residential Manager, providing direct care, and mentoring other staff. Key responsibilities include assisting individuals with daily activities, promoting independence, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities, strong communication skills, and a commitment to the organization's values.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily living activities and promote independence.
• Document interactions as per policy.
• Provide crisis intervention as necessary.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Crisis response

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) directly supports the Residential Manager in maintaining program operations in accordance with industry, federal, and local regulations and requirements. In addition to providing direct care to consumers and performing the duties of the Direct Support Professional, this leadership position serves as a mentor to other Direct Support Professionals by modeling effective interpersonal interactions, developing creative strategies to enhance consumers’ independent living skills, and maintaining professionalism. The LDSP will perform responsibilities assigned by the Residential Manager to ensure that quality services and operations are maintained. A commitment to RHD values should be demonstrated as job duties are performed.

Major Responsibilities

• Assist with daily living activities, including planning and preparing meals, housekeeping, and assisting with personal hygiene and cleaning.
• Support the independence of people served by providing the assistance necessary to maximize their quality of life.
• Model hope and optimism when encouraging people to achieve their potential.
• Support people served in developing relationships and becoming involved in their communities.
• Cultivate a safe and supportive relationship and environment.
• Provide supervision and guidance to individuals to build skills and competence.
• Document interactions and activities per policies and procedures.
• Monitor and respond to crisis situations or potential crisis situations in accordance with best practice and policies.
• Utilize skills and competencies to respond to crises.
• Report suspected incidents of neglect, abuse, or mistreatment in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to the organization’s ethical code.
• Assist in maintaining the well‑being and safety of people served.
• Assist individuals with daily medications.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned, verbally or in writing.

Job Qualifications

• Able to engage consumers in the development and acquisition of personal hygiene and grooming, nutrition, menu planning, food shopping, meal preparation, home maintenance, laundry, and safety.
• Relay accurate information about an individual’s personal care capabilities, needs, health issues, and concerns to supervisors.
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of assigned areas of the group home or apartment, with help from residents when necessary.
• Example: if a resident is unable or unwilling to wash dishes, staff will perform the task.
• Demonstrate knowledge of community resources, including recreational and social activities.
• Oversee and/or accompany individuals to medical, psychological, and other related appointments, review documentation, communicate clearly, and ensure follow‑up.
• Build the individual’s appreciation for their own skills and potential to be a productive, valued member of their home and community.
• Improve the individual's ability to cope with problems in a socially acceptable way.
• Ensure each individual served has appropriate involvement in the community.
• Create a home‑like environment and use approved protocols such as family meetings, consultation, and feedback.
• Follow and understand medication policy and procedures, monitor medication administration, audit medication records, and educate consumers on medication interactions and side effects.
• Accurately and thoroughly complete all documentation related to medication: medication administration records, medication count logs, syringe sign‑out sheets, and other required forms.
• Implement a curriculum that teaches consumers new skills in self‑care, family living, independent living, academics, social skills, pre‑vocational, and vocational areas.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of developmental disabilities and mental illnesses, taking into account culture, age, gender, etc.
• Set examples through commitment to the job and an effort to excel.
• Promote teamwork and overlook personal differences within areas of responsibility.
• Respect clients, families, coworkers, and the community in all interactions.
• Maintain high standards of moral and ethical conduct.
• Show fiscal responsibility by controlling costs whenever possible.
• Create an open communication culture where issues are discussed honestly and appropriately.
• Accept change and challenge with creativity.
• Treat consumers and families with respect and caring, prioritizing client needs and rights as indicated in policies and training programs.
• Complete all assigned work within prescribed timeframes and consistently arrive at work, minimizing absences.
• Work flexible hours, including day, evening, overnight, and holidays.
• Provide management oversight on weekends and after hours by responding to the on‑call system when needed.
• Attend and participate in internal and external training relevant to improving job skills.
• Support the company mission, vision, and values, inspiring others.
• Successfully satisfy annual competency requirements.
• Interact professionally with organizational personnel and external contacts.
• Promptly address all facility issues.
• Teach personal safety and community awareness skills to consumers by engaging them in maintaining safety for themselves, roommates, and the facility.
• Take initiative in maintaining facilities and vehicles.
• Conduct inspections in apartments and group homes according to policy and procedures.
• Follow up on safety inspections and fire drills as required.
• Use safe driving techniques to ensure client safety.
• Address vehicle and equipment issues that compromise safety or require repair.
• Review own work practices and areas for safety.
• Pursue information on safety, security, equipment, and utilities for each facility.
• Operate vehicles safely.

Job Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Office, email, time‑recording, and other applications.
• Knowledge of trauma, trauma‑informed care, and the creation of trauma‑informed environments.
• Ability to work with developmentally disabled individuals.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Basic computer and internet literacy; ability to use applications such as email, time recording, and other programs for data entry and retrieval.
• Two years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and/or mental health issues.
• Understanding of trauma, trauma‑informed care, and creating trauma‑informed environments.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Subject to employment clearances such as the Family Care Safety Registry.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Apis Services, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants in compliance with all federal and state laws, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status, or any other protected basis.