Unitus Family Services • DSP II Job Description
DSP II • EXPERIENCED / FULLY TRAINED LEVEL
Programs: Residential, Day Program, Community Coaching, and other assigned services
Reports to: House Manager (Residential); Day Program Team Lead/Manager; or designated Program Director
Role Type: Experienced direct-care position; non-supervisory
Schedule: Varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency coverage, and community hours
Position Summary
The DSP 2 is a fully trained direct-support professional who delivers safe, dependable, person-centered services with less day-
to-day supervision. The role models strong client engagement, documentation, judgment, and response to routine and urgent
needs. DSP 2 is not a supervisor or shift manager.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality direct support with personal care, daily living, health and safety, transportation, community access, and goal implementation.
- Follow ISPs, behavior support plans, medication procedures, emergency protocols, and all required documentation standards.
- Create and implement engaging activities based on client interests, choices, abilities, and community opportunities.
- Recognize changes in health, behavior, or safety; take appropriate immediate action and complete required notifications and incident reports.
- Demonstrate accurate, timely documentation and assist peers by modeling approved procedures and professional conduct.
- Provide coverage for difficult-to-fill shifts and emergency needs when assigned and available.
- Maintain respectful relationships with clients, families, coworkers, and community partners while protecting confidentiality and rights.
Role Boundaries
- DSP 2 does not independently assign staff duties, manage schedules, approve documentation, conduct discipline, or replace a Team Lead or House Manager.
- Any informal peer assistance must remain within approved training and be referred to a supervisor when performance, safety, or policy concerns arise.
- DSP 1 to DSP 2 Advancement Standards
- Internal candidates are generally considered after at least 90 days when all training is current, attendance and documentation are strong, judgment is consistently sound, no unresolved corrective actions remain, and the manager recommends advancement. Performance is reviewed at least every six months.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Demonstrated direct-support competence and successful completion of required training.
- Current CPR/First Aid and behavior-support training; medication certification when assigned to Residential.
- Acceptable attendance, documentation, driving, and safety record.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current insurance when required for assigned community duties.
Core Competencies
- Independent judgment within policy
- Compassion, patience, and professionalism
- Accurate documentation and incident response
- Active client engagement and creative activity planning
- Dependability and calm emergency response
Work Requirements
- Ability to provide hands-on support, respond to emergencies, travel in the community, and perform the position’s essential
- functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Regular exposure to varied homes, program sites, vehicles, and community settings.
Equal Opportunity & Acknowledgment
Unitus Family Services provides equal employment opportunities and considers qualified applicants without unlawful
discrimination. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals. This description summarizes the
position’s general duties; responsibilities may change based on program and client needs and do not constitute an employment
contract.
Join the Unitus Family!
At Unitus Family Services, we believe meaningful work has the power to change lives. We provide person-centered services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping each person build skills, increase independence, connect with their community, and live a fulfilling life.
Our growing team supports individuals through Adult Residential Group Homes, Center-Based Day Support, Community Engagement, Community Coaching, and In-Home Support Services. Whether you’re helping someone learn a new skill, explore the community, reach a personal goal, or simply have a great day, your work at Unitus makes a difference.
We’re looking for compassionate, dependable, energetic people who want more than just a job—they want an opportunity to positively impact the lives of others while growing as professionals.
Come grow with us. Make an impact. Be part of the Unitus Family.
"Together We Strengthen Communities"