PART-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)/CAREGIVER

Description

Job Title: Program Instructor (PI) / Direct Support Professional (DSP) 

Department: Supported Living / ICF-IID 

Reports To: House Manager 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Revision Date: November 2025 

Equal Employment Opportunity and ADA Statement 

Gaston Residential Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any protected category under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Mission Alignment 

The Program Instructor / Direct Support Professional supports the mission of Gaston Residential Services by providing high-quality, person-centered services that enhance independence, dignity, community inclusion, and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Position Summary 

The Program Instructor (PI) / Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing direct care, teaching daily living skills, supporting community integration, implementing individual programs and support plans, and ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served. This position requires compassion, patience, professionalism, and the ability to follow structured programs, documentation requirements, and regulatory guidelines. 

The PI/DSP must be able to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining a supportive, respectful, and therapeutic environment. 

Core Competencies 

• Compassionate, Person-Centered Support 
• Professional Communication 
• Crisis Prevention & Safe Intervention 
• Skill Building & Teaching 
• Documentation Accuracy & Accountability 
• Problem-Solving & Flexibility 
• Confidentiality & Ethical Conduct 
• Teamwork & Reliability 
• Health, Safety & Infection Control Practices 

Requirements

Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Six months of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred. 
• Ability to follow programs, behavior plans, medical guidelines, and safety procedures. 
• Ability to document services clearly and accurately. 
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and perform physically demanding tasks. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Must achieve and maintain all required GRS and state certifications (CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration—where applicable, NCI, etc.).  

Essential Functions (including but not limited to): 

Direct Support & Daily Living Skills 

• Provide support in daily living, including personal care, hygiene, bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, and grooming as needed. 
• Assist individuals in meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, home organization, and other home management duties. 
• Support individuals in learning and maintaining independent living skills. 
• Support individuals with community outings, recreation activities, and appointments. 

Program Implementation & Individual Support 

• Implement all Individual Support Plans (ISPs), behavior plans, teaching programs, and therapeutic protocols as trained. 
• Support individuals in achieving personal goals and skill development objectives. 
• Provide positive, encouraging, and therapeutic interactions in line with person-centered practices. 
• Use Gentle Teaching principles to foster safety, belonging, and trust. 

Health, Medication & Safety Monitoring 

• Monitor health needs and promptly report changes in condition. 
• Support medication administration as assigned and trained (if applicable). 
• Follow all infection control procedures. 
• Respond appropriately to injuries, medical emergencies, or behavioral crises. 
• Maintain clean, safe, and sanitary living environments. 

Documentation & Communication 

• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time, including service notes, data collection, incident reports, and communication logs. 
• Communicate clearly and professionally with House Managers, QPs, nurses, and team members. 
• Follow all documentation standards required by GRS, state guidelines, and funding sources. 

Behavior Support Responsibilities 

• Follow all behavior plans exactly as trained. 
• Use approved crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques. 
• Report behavioral concerns, unusual incidents, or safety risks immediately. 
• Provide consistent structure, routine, and positive reinforcement. 

Transportation & Community Engagement 

• Safely transport individuals to appointments, activities, and community locations. 
• Model appropriate social skills and support positive community interactions. 
• Encourage involvement in recreational, vocational, and meaningful day activities. 

Performance Indicators 

• Quality, accuracy, and timeliness of documentation. 
• Reliability in attendance, punctuality, and shift coverage. 
• Successful implementation of individualized programs. 
• Positive engagement and support of individuals served. 
• Compliance with safety procedures, health protocols, and GRS standards. 
• Demonstration of compassion, professionalism, and teamwork. 

Safety and Mandated Reporting 

• Follow all GRS safety procedures, lifting/back safety techniques, and infection control standards. 
• Comply with mandated reporting laws regarding suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 
• Immediately report hazards, incidents, and safety concerns. 

Confidentiality 

Maintains confidentiality of all personal, medical, financial, and behavioral information in accordance with HIPAA, state privacy laws, and GRS confidentiality policies. 

Driving and Transportation Requirements 

• Must maintain a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record. 
• Must have reliable transportation and maintain current automobile insurance. 
• Must be able to drive individuals to appointments, outings, and activities as required. 

Physical and Environmental Requirements 

• Requires lifting, pulling, pushing, bending, and continuous movement throughout the workday. 
• Must be able to lift 35–50 lbs. following GRS back-safety procedures. 
• May require assisting with physical transfers. 
• Work may involve exposure to outdoor weather, cleaning agents, bodily fluids, and varying household environments. 

Work Schedule and Additional Expectations 

This is a full-time or part-time non-exempt position with hours that may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Because GRS is a 24-hour service provider, staff may be required to adjust schedules, work overtime, or provide coverage during emergencies or staffing shortages. 

Additional duties may be assigned by the House Manager, Program Manager, or designee. 

Acknowledgment 

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties or qualifications. GRS may modify job duties or expectations as organizational needs evolve.