Lead Staff

General Description of Duties and Responsibilities: 
The Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) will support the House Manager (HM) in ensuring that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are responsible for maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment which always fosters growth and rehabilitation. Lead DSPs will role model quality care and assist with training of other staff as needed. The Lead DSP’s main role is to provide appropriate supports focusing on specific needs and desires of each individual served; teaching, coaching, and enabling each individual we serve to live as independently as possible.  All staff are expected to recognize when individuals are in crisis and/or in need of psychiatric and/or medical care and/or other back-up services and report this to immediately as appropriate. 

Duties: 

1. Ensure the health and safety of each individual at all times. Report immediately any threats to the health and/or safety of any individuals served to the Manager/DPM/CEO/Owner, following chain of command. Be a role model to other staff. 

2. Encourage meaningful daily activity by teaching/ assisting/ encouraging/ monitoring individuals with daily activities; provide supports to encourage appropriate behavior at home and in the community, problem solving with individuals and the team to this goal.  

3. Assist with each individual’s abilities, interests, and needs as asked for the purpose of assisting them in living quality lives as independently as possible.  Staff should encourage and assist individuals to meet ISP goals and objectives.  

4. Complete accurate and appropriate Medication Administration Records and other medical charting that meets provider and DMH standards. Assist HM in addressing missing documentation. 

5. Assist HM in ordering medication refills and implementing new physician’s orders when necessary. 

6. Be familiar with, follow, and as asked, participate in planning for Individualized Support Plans (ISPs) for each individual supported. Assist HM with training all staff on ISPs. 

7. Review daily program notes/objective tracking and work with supervisor and DSPs to ensure quality documentation. 

8. Assist with managing scheduling changes, etc. when asked by supervisor, be willing to fill in on shifts as needed and be as flexible as possible regarding scheduling.  

9. Assist with daily chores and household tasks to ensure that the home environment is safe and healthy for the individuals.  

10. Work with supervisor on scheduling of, attendance at, and preparation for all individuals’ appointments. 

11. Report emergency situations immediately, calling 911 if necessary and notifying Manager/DPM/CEO/Owner, following chain of command.  

12. Teach and be supportive of daily nutrition at home and in the community (encourage good choices). Assist HM with meal planning and shopping, including groceries and household supplies. 

13. Perform mandatory record keeping (daily documentation, MARs, control count sheets, objective tracking) legibly, accurately, and completely in keeping with provider and DMH standards on each shift.  

14. Assist HM by conducting safety checks and emergency drills and checklist as scheduled or as asked by management.  

15. Attend and assist with conducting all trainings and meetings as assigned.  

16. Encourage and empower individuals in building self-esteem and understanding and exercising their rights.  

17. Be available via phone, text, or email and respond when contacted (even if the answer is brief) as soon as possible.   

18. Perform other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications: 

The Lead DSP will model for and mentor DSPs in understanding the importance of the contact we have with the individuals we serve. Staff, as natural role models, should possess the following personal qualifications: 
 

1. High school education or equivalent.  

2. Ability to pass a Family Care Safety Registry screening.   

3. Ability to show a strong work ethic with or without an immediate supervisor present.  

4. Reliability, punctuality, and whenever possible, flexibility in scheduling.  

5. Interpersonal skills to engage in appropriate interaction with individuals served, team, and people in the community and/or other agencies and entities.   

6. Ability to lift over 50lbs.   

7. Valid driving license, Class E License obtained (day program only), and the ability to drive a vehicle.  

8. Ability to complete all agency required trainings and certifications within 90 days of hire (CPR/First Aid certification, Level One Med Aid certification, Abuse/Neglect training, etc.) as required by agency and DMH.  

9. Lead DSPs must also have significant experience and ability to show excellence in performance over time.