WE TEACH SKILLS

Answer: The responsibilities of DSPs are wide-ranging and depend on the needs of the individual they are supporting. However, here are some of the main job duties of a Direct Support Professional:

• Help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as meal planning/prep, running errands, homemaking, budgeting, etc.
• Maintain and protect important client information, including personal health information
• Implement support plans from multidisciplinary team and submit accurate data logs
• Report participant progress with various strategies and interventions used to promote skill development and/or behavioral change in daily progress notes
• Provide crisis intervention, when necessary, only after having received training from team clinician on the current crisis intervention plan
• Help participants mitigate risks and keep a safe in their environment
• Assist individuals with making connections and using resources in their communities

Answer: Being a DSP can be a demanding, yet incredibly fulfilling career. It does require someone with a specific set of skills and abilities.  

Some of the main skills and characteristics that make for a great DSP include:

• Dependability – You are being trusted to provide support for someone depending on you depending on your assistance. It is imperative to show up when/where you’re supposed to
• Organizational and Administrative Skills – Being a DSP requires organization skills to keep track of all the paperwork, appointments, and other needs of the people you support
• Interpersonal Skills – As a DSP connecting with the people you support and developing a trusting relationship is essential to effecting change.
• Composure – Remaining patient, calm and composed in stressful situations will be crucial when supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities especially when behavioral and mental health challenges exist. 
• Attentiveness – DSPs are required their participants, keeping track of their needs, and alerting the team when plans should be modified.  
• Communication – DSPs often communicate with the individual’s family, doctors and treatment team members. The ability to receive, interpret and share information accurately and to explain clearly and concisely relay concerns and suggestions to the team is critical to being a good DSP.
• Advocacy – DSPs are sometimes the only closest person to the individual receiving supports and must take on an advocacy role to assist the individual with being heard and getting their needs met

There are also certain qualifications and requirements to become a DSP. These include:

• A high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED
• A valid driver’s license and a good driving record
• A criminal background check
• *Professional Liability Insurance
• ODP Required trainings (Ch.6100 regulations)
• Autism Spectrum 2.0 (AAW clients only)

Recommended DSP Certifications 

• National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) has a certification program where individuals can be certified on three different levels: DSP-Registered, DSP-Certified, DSP-Specialist.
• The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) developed the NADD Competency-Based IDD/MI Dual Diagnosis Direct Support Professional Certification Program to certify the competency of DSPs who support people with dual diagnosis. 

DSP certifications validate and provide assurance to individuals and their families that the Direct Support Professional has met the certain standards established by accredited organization and therefore possess necessary competencies to provide quality care and support. 

These certifications are nationally recognized and highly recommended but not required to contract with HLS.

For more information, Visit the NADD website at https://nadsp.org/ 

For more information, Visit the NADD website at https://thenadd.org/ 

Answer: HLS offers free training to those who possess the characteristics of a good DSP and are interested in contracting with us in this position. Other requirements are obtained once during the onboarding process. Cost related to clearances and insurance are covered by the agency at the start of your contract and later deducted from payroll. 

Answer: As a 1099/Independent Contractor you have complete control over your caseload. Schedules; however, are dictated by the client’s needs and preferences. Acceptance of case requires a commitment to the schedule they select.

Answer: As a 1099/Independent Contractor you have complete control over your caseload. Schedules; however, are dictated by the client’s needs and preferences. Acceptance of case requires a commitment to the schedule they select.

Answer: As an Independent Contractor, “You” are your own business. Professional liability insurance can help protect “your business” if someone sues you for making a mistake in your professional services. This policy is also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) coverage and professional indemnity insurance.

PLI is like medical malpractice insurance in that it helps cover claims that your business made mistakes or errors in the services provided. So, if you’re sued for a mistake or error, this coverage can help pay your legal fees and settlement costs. On top of this, professional liability insurance can help cover:

• Negligent acts
• Inaccurate advice
• Misrepresentation