Position: Direct Support Professional Department: Care Services Reports To: Program Manager: Designated Coordinator/ Designated Manager Status: Non-exempt/ Hourly Hours: Part-time/ Full-time
Position Summary The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support to individuals receiving services under Minnesota’s 245D framework. The DSP follows each individual’s support plan, support plan addendum, and applicable safety and behavioral support plans. Responsibilities may include assistance with activities of daily living, meal preparation, medication-related tasks after required training, transportation, community participation, documentation, and maintaining a safe, respectful, and homelike environment.
The DSP works closely with the individual, family members, guardians, case managers, nurses, and the Designated Coordinator/Manager to provide reliable, compassionate, and compliant services. This role is essential to promoting dignity, choice, independence, safety, and quality of life for the people supported.
Responsibilities/Job Duties -Implement each person's support plan, support plan addendum, and individual abuse prevention plan (IAPP) as written. -Support people to make their own choices, pursue their goals, and take part in community activities, work, relationships, and leisure. -For services that include skill development, such as Intensive Support Services (IHS) with training, teach and support skills toward outcomes identified in the support plan addendum and record progress as directed. Complete only the teaching, data collection, and progress-recording activities applicable to the assigned service. -Use positive support strategies consistent with the person's positive support transition plan, if one exists. -Transport people to appointments and community activities using a personal vehicle, if driving is assigned, approved, and permitted by the person’s service plan and the organization’s requirements.
Daily Living and Support -Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, oral care, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility only when required by the assigned service and identified in the support plan. -Assist with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, money management, and scheduling appointments. -Prepare healthy meals and follow any prescribed or modified diets. -Perform medication setup, assistance, or administration only after completing required training and competency checks, and document each medication pass on the medication administration record (MAR). -Operate medical or adaptive equipment only after receiving required instruction and passing an observed skills assessment. -Observe and report changes in health, behavior, or condition to the supervisor, nurse, or designated coordinator. -Maintain a clean, safe, and homelike environment.
Rights, Safety, and Reporting -Protect and promote each person's rights under Minn. Stat. 245D.04, including privacy, dignity, and freedom from maltreatment. -Recognize and report suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults or children immediately, as a mandated reporter under Minn. Stat. 626.557 and chapter 260E. -Respond to and report incidents according to Minn. Stat. 245D.06 and Infinite Life Works policy, including injuries, emergencies, and behavioral incidents. -Never use prohibited procedures; use emergency manual restraint only as permitted by law and Infinite Life Works policy, after required training. -Follow safety practices, infection control, emergency, and evacuation procedures. -Maintain confidentiality of service recipient information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and HIPAA.
Documentation and Communication -Complete accurate, timely, and objective documentation, including progress notes, shift notes, data tracking, incident reports, and timesheets or EVV records. -Communicate with team members, families, guardians, case managers, and health professionals as directed and within data privacy rules. -Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and required trainings
Service-Specific Responsibilities -Intensive Support Services with Training (IHS) -Provides structured, person-centered support focused on skill development and measurable outcomes. -Teach daily living, community, communication, or other skills identified in the support plan addendum and training objectives. -Use approved teaching strategies, collect service-related data, and document progress, challenges, and changes in accordance with the plan. -Support community participation and independence while adjusting prompts and assistance to the person’s assessed needs. -Schedule and physical requirements: Schedules vary by person and plan and may include community-based work, evenings, weekends, or other assigned times. Physical requirements depend on the person supported and the services authorized.
Night Supervision -Provides overnight assistance in the person’s home to promote safety and respond to needs during the scheduled overnight period. -Remain in the person’s home for the scheduled night supervision shift, which may be up to 12 hours. -Provide assistance and monitoring as required by the service plan; the assignment may be awake or asleep depending on the authorized service and client needs. -Respond to emergencies, document required observations and events, and complete handoff communication at the end of the shift. -Schedule and physical requirements: Overnight shifts may be awake or asleep and may last up to 12 hours. Physical requirements vary by client and may include assistance with mobility, personal care, or emergency response only when included in the service plan.
Respite -Provides temporary relief and support to a person and their unpaid caregiver while maintaining the person’s routines, safety, and preferences. -Follow the person’s support plan and provide supervision, companionship, personal support, or community participation as authorized. -Maintain established routines and communicate changes, incidents, or concerns to the appropriate supervisor or caregiver. -Complete only the personal care, transportation, lifting, or transfer duties authorized for the assignment. -Schedule and physical requirements: Schedules may be scheduled or intermittent and can include evenings, weekends, holidays, or other times requested within the authorized service. Physical requirements vary by person.
Homemaker -Supports household routines and a safe, sanitary home environment for people who receive homemaker services. -Complete authorized household tasks such as meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, shopping, or errands. -Respect the person’s preferences, privacy, property, routines, and cultural practices while completing assigned tasks. -Report changes in the person’s condition, household safety, or service needs to the supervisor. -Schedule and physical requirements: Schedules vary by client and may occur in the person’s home during daytime, evening, or weekend hours. Physical requirements relate to assigned household tasks and vary by home and client; personal care, lifting, transfers, and driving are included only when authorized.
Individualized Home Support with Training and Without Training (ICLS) -Provides individualized in-home and community support that promotes health, safety, independence, and participation in daily life. -Provide the level of instruction, cueing, supervision, or assistance authorized in the person’s support plan. -Support household routines, community participation, personal goals, and independence according to the assigned service requirements. -Document services and communicate progress or concerns; skill teaching and outcome tracking apply when the assignment includes training. -Schedule and physical requirements: Schedules and physical requirements vary by client and service authorization. Driving, personal care, lifting, and transfers are required only when assigned and supported by the person’s plan and organizational approval.
Required Qualifications -At least 18 years of age. -High school diploma or GED (or equivalent). -Cleared Minnesota DHS background study under chapter 245C (NETStudy 2.0) before any direct contact with people served. -Ability to complete all 245D orientation and training and demonstrate competency through knowledge tests or observed skill assessments. -Ability to read, write, and follow written plans, and document clearly. -Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and proof of auto insurance (if driving is required). -Patience, respect, and good judgment in stressful situations. -Clear communication with people who use varied communication methods. -Reliability, punctuality, and teamwork. -Respect for cultural backgrounds, preferences, and personal boundaries
Preferred Qualifications -Experience supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, physical disabilities, or other populations served by the assigned service. Experience with older adults is preferred for homemaker and Individualized Home Support with training and without training (ICLS) assignments, when applicable. -Current First Aid and CPR certification. -Medication administration training from a curriculum developed by a registered nurse. -Knowledge of person-centered practices and positive behavior supports. Bilingual or multilingual skills, such as Spanish, Somali, or Hmong, are preferred where those languages are used by the people and communities served
Work Environment -DSPs will support their assigned clients in private homes and community settings. Regular travel within the Twin Cities region is required. -Working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnights, vary by service and client needs. Night supervision assignments may involve providing overnight assistance in the person’s home for up to 12 hours, either awake or asleep, as scheduled and permitted by the service plan.
Equal Opportunity Statement We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.