Direct Support Professional - DSP

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Our House, Inc., you will have a variety of responsibilities aimed at supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your primary duties will include assisting residents with daily living activities, personal care such as hygiene and medication management, and facilitating community integration through various activities. It's essential to foster a safe and nurturing environment while helping residents gain independence in skills like money management and social interactions.

To become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Our House, Inc., you will need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent, along with a valid driver's license and a good driving record. Additionally, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, possess the ability to attend and pass agency-provided trainings, and demonstrate proficiency in using electronic health records and Microsoft Office.

Our House, Inc. offers a variety of shifts for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to accommodate different schedules. Full-time positions include shifts like Tuesday to Friday from 3 PM to 11 PM or a weekend awake overnight from Friday to Sunday. There are also part-time positions available during evenings and weekends, providing flexibility for those who may also have other commitments.

Our House, Inc. is committed to the professional development of its Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). We provide agency-sponsored training programs that ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. This paid training covers essential topics, including first aid, documentation processes, and best practices for working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Continuous learning is encouraged, along with regular staff meetings to share insights and improve team collaboration.

The work environment for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at Our House, Inc. is welcoming and inclusive. You will be part of a dedicated team focused on empowering individuals with disabilities. Our House fosters a friendly atmosphere where DSPs can collaborate, support one another, and share strategies for improving the lives of residents. Your contributions will directly impact the community, creating a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

When answering this question, provide specific examples from your past experiences. Discuss any roles where you engaged with individuals with disabilities, emphasizing your responsibilities, challenges faced, and impacts made. Highlight your empathy and understanding in these interactions.

In such situations, emphasize your ability to stay calm and act swiftly. Discuss the importance of following established protocols and contacting emergency services if necessary. Share examples of any relevant training you've received, highlighting your preparedness to ensure residents' safety.

Mention specific strategies you have used or learned, such as breaking tasks into manageable steps, encouraging decision-making, and celebrating small successes. Tailor your response to demonstrate how you empower residents to gain confidence in their abilities.

Discuss the importance of communication in your role. Emphasize methods you use to promote clarity, such as active listening, using appropriate language with residents, and documenting important information accurately for the team. Provide an example where effective communication improved a situation.

Share a specific incident where you identified a need for a resident and took steps to advocate on their behalf. Highlight the importance of building relationships with residents to understand their needs and working collaboratively with your team to address these effectively.

Discuss strategies like encouraging participation in community activities, promoting interpersonal skills, and facilitating social interactions with peers. Mention the significance of understanding individual interests to ensure engagement that resonates with them.

Talk about your experience with electronic health records and the importance of accurate documentation in providing consistent care. Mention your organizational skills and commitment to detail, ensuring that all necessary notes are completed timely.

Be honest about potential challenges you foresee, such as managing difficult behaviors or balancing tasks. Show your ability to think critically by discussing techniques you would employ, such as remaining patient, using de-escalation tactics, and seeking support from your team.

Illustrate your time management skills by stating how you assess immediate needs versus longer-term tasks. Provide an example of how you would use a systematic approach to ensure all residents receive the attention they require.

Speak passionately about your desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Research Our House, Inc.’s mission and values beforehand and align your response with their goals, showing a strong fit with the organization’s culture.