ICF- DSP-1

NEW HOPE COMMUNITY

Job Description

Direct Support Professional I (DSP-I) - Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)

Department: Residential Services - Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: House Manager or Assistant House Manager

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional I (DSP-I) - Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) provides compassionate, person-centered care and active treatment to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require a higher level of medical, behavioral, physical, and personal support. DSPs assist individuals in living safe, healthy, meaningful lives while preserving each persons dignity, rights, preferences, and opportunities for growth.

The DSP is an essential member of an interdisciplinary team and works closely with nurses, therapists, physicians, clinicians, supervisors, and families to ensure each individual receives high-quality care while maintaining the greatest possible level of independence.

Although many individuals require extensive assistance with daily activities, every person is encouraged to participate in decisions, activities, community life, and skill development according to their abilities.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Person-Centered Active Treatment

Provide individualized supports that encourage each person to develop and maintain maximum independence and quality of life.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop respectful and trusting relationships.
• Encourage participation in everyday decisions.
• Promote dignity, choice, and self-worth.
• Support goals identified in the Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
• Teach and reinforce daily living skills whenever possible.
• Utilize positive behavioral supports and trauma-informed approaches.
• Recognize each individuals strengths while providing necessary assistance.

Personal Care and Daily Living Supports

Provide hands-on assistance appropriate to each individuals needs.

Support may include:

• Bathing
• Grooming
• Oral hygiene
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Continence care
• Feeding assistance
• Positioning
• Range-of-motion assistance
• Mobility support
• Wheelchair assistance
• Transfers utilizing approved lifting techniques and equipment
• Monitoring skin integrity
• Monitoring food and fluid intake
• Monitoring elimination patterns

The DSP provides assistance while preserving privacy, dignity, and independence whenever possible.

Medical Support

Working under nursing supervision, DSPs assist with implementing healthcare plans by:

• Administering medications upon certification.
• Monitoring individuals for changes in physical or emotional condition.
• Reporting health concerns immediately.
• Recording observations accurately.
• Monitoring nutrition and hydration.
• Assisting with specialized diets.
• Supporting adaptive medical equipment.
• Recognizing signs of illness or distress.
• Following physician and nursing instructions.
• Assisting during medical appointments.

DSPs do not diagnose or provide nursing care but serve as critical observers who communicate changes promptly.

Behavioral Support

Assist individuals with behavioral challenges by:

• Implementing Behavior Support Plans.
• Utilizing approved de-escalation techniques.
• Maintaining calm, professional interactions.
• Documenting behavioral events objectively.
• Supporting emotional regulation.
• Reinforcing positive behaviors.
• Ensuring the safety of all individuals.

Household Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, sanitary, therapeutic home environment by assisting with:

• Meal preparation
• Feeding assistance
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Infection prevention
• Cleaning and disinfecting
• Inventory management
• Maintaining adaptive equipment
• Ensuring emergency equipment remains accessible

Community Participation

Although individuals may require extensive supports, DSPs actively encourage participation in community life including:

• Day Programs
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Religious services
• Parks
• Community events
• Sporting events
• Movies
• Family visits
• Vacations
• Therapeutic recreation
• Medical appointments

The DSP ensures community activities are safe while promoting inclusion, choice, and enjoyment.

Transportation

When assigned Driver Status:

• Safely transport individuals using agency vehicles.
• Conduct vehicle safety inspections.
• Secure wheelchairs and adaptive equipment when necessary.
• Assist individuals entering and exiting vehicles safely.
• Maintain a valid New York State Drivers License and acceptable driving record.

Documentation

Complete timely and accurate documentation including:

• Daily progress notes
• Active Treatment documentation
• Goal tracking
• Medication Administration Records (MARs)
• Incident Reports
• Accident Reports
• Behavioral documentation
• Shift communication logs
• Health observations
• Electronic Health Record documentation
• OPWDD and ICF regulatory documentation

Documentation must be objective, factual, complete, and submitted within required timeframes.

Health, Safety & Emergency Response

DSPs are expected to:

• Maintain continuous awareness of individuals health and safety.
• Follow infection prevention protocols.
• Utilize Universal Precautions.
• Respond appropriately during medical emergencies.
• Perform CPR and First Aid when required.
• Utilize SCIP interventions when appropriate.
• Recognize signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Immediately report significant incidents.
• Maintain required certifications.
• Ensure emergency equipment is readily available and operational.

Team Collaboration

Work collaboratively with:

• Registered Nurses
• Physicians
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Speech Therapists
• Behavioral Specialists
• Psychologists
• Dietitians
• House Managers
• Assistant House Managers
• Families
• Care Coordinators
• Fellow DSPs

Participate in:

• Interdisciplinary Team Meetings
• Care Planning
• Shift Reports
• Clinical Reviews
• Training
• Quality Improvement initiatives

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED (unless participating in the Associate DSP Program)
• Ability to complete all required OPWDD and ICF training requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SCIP, CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration Certification.
• Valid New York State Drivers License for Driver positions.
• Driving record acceptable under New Hope Community insurance standards.

Preferred

• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Experience providing personal care.
• Healthcare, CNA, HHA, or Human Services experience.
• Strong observation and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

Core Competencies

Successful ICF DSPs consistently demonstrate:

• Compassion
• Patience
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Clinical awareness
• Attention to detail
• Emotional maturity
• Sound judgment
• Reliability
• Flexibility
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Effective communication
• Problem-solving
• Commitment to person-centered care

Physical Requirements

The employee must regularly:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift up to 50 pounds independently.
• Lift up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Assist with mechanical and manual transfers.
• Push wheelchairs and adaptive equipment.
• Frequently bend, kneel, squat, reach, and climb stairs.
• Assist with repositioning individuals.
• Perform SCIP interventions when required.
• Work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and emergency coverage.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an Intermediate Care Facility providing 24-hour residential services. The environment requires frequent interaction with individuals who may have significant physical, medical, cognitive, or behavioral support needs. Employees may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and other biological hazards while following Universal Precautions and infection prevention protocols. Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the individuals receiving services.

Mission Commitment

Every Direct Support Professional at New Hope Community plays a vital role in helping individuals live lives of dignity, purpose, and fulfillment. In the ICF setting, DSPs combine compassionate care with active treatment, clinical awareness, and person-centered supports to ensure every individual receives exceptional care while experiencing meaningful relationships, community inclusion, personal growth, and the highest attainable quality of life.