(DSP) Behavioral Support Focus

Position Summary

The DSP provides direct care, supervision, behavioral support, and skill-building services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may present with behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges. DSPs maintain a safe, structured, trauma-informed, and person-centered home environment while implementing (ISPs) Individual Service Plans. Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and safety protocols.

This position requires heightened awareness, proactive behavior monitoring, de-escalation skills, and precise documentation.

Core Responsibilities

Residential Care & ADLs

• Assist with bathing, hygiene, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility
• Support residents in daily routines while promoting independence
• Provide structure and consistency in daily schedules

Behavioral Support Implementation

DSPs are responsible for active behavioral supervision:

• Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) exactly as written
• Identify early warning signs of behavioral escalation
• Use approved de-escalation and redirection techniques
• Maintain calm, neutral, and supportive communication
• Use positive reinforcement strategies
• Avoid power struggles or confrontational responses
• Document all behavioral incidents objectively

Crisis Prevention & Response

When behaviors escalate, DSPs must:

• Follow crisis prevention protocols
• Maintain safety of all residents and staff
• Remove potential environmental triggers
• Use approved intervention techniques only
• Immediately notify supervisor for high-risk incidents
• Complete required incident documentation

DSPs do not use physical intervention unless trained, authorized, and policy allows.

Supervision & Safety Monitoring

• Maintain continuous line-of-sight supervision when required
• Conduct routine checks and headcounts
• Monitor interactions between residents
• Reduce environmental risks and triggers
• Follow elopement prevention procedures

Skill Building & Emotional Regulation Support

• Support coping skills and self-regulation strategies
• Teach communication and social skills
• Encourage problem-solving and self-advocacy
• Model appropriate behavior

Health Monitoring & Medication Support

When authorized:

• Assist with medication administration
• Monitor for side effects impacting behavior
• Report changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or functioning

Documentation Requirements

DSPs must document:

• Daily service notes with behavior and support details
• Interventions used and resident response
• Behavioral data tracking
• Incidents and safety concerns
• Medication observations

Notes must reflect active support, not passive supervision.

Rights, Dignity & Trauma-Informed Care

• Maintain respect and dignity at all times
• Avoid coercive or punitive approaches
• Support resident voice and choice
• Recognize trauma triggers and respond appropriately

Team Communication

• Communicate behavioral trends to supervisors
• Participate in team meetings
• Support implementation of clinical recommendations

Scope of Practice

DSPs do not:

• Provide clinical therapy
• Modify BSPs
• Conduct psychological assessments
• Use unauthorized restraint or intervention

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to work with individuals with behavioral challenges
• Ability to pass background screening

Preferred

• Experience in behavioral or mental health settings
• CPI or crisis intervention training
• Residential IDD experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to assist residents physically
• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies
• Ability to maintain stamina for active supervision

Acknowledgment

I understand the behavioral supervision responsibilities required for this DSP position.